— Pittsburgh May Day Festival
![Pittonkatonk event poster 2025</p>
<p>Pittonkatonk Celebrates 12 Years of Community, Music, and Social Justice<br />
Pittsburgh PA – May 9-10, 2025 – The highly anticipated 12th Annual Pittonkatonk May Day Brass Picnic returns to Vietnam Veterans Pavilion, bringing together a vibrant fusion of music, activism, and community spirit. Known for its unique blend of brass bands, cultural performances, and social justice advocacy, Pittonkatonk invites over 8,000 attendees to join in celebrating music and collective action.<br />
This year’s festival promises an even more exciting lineup, featuring world-renowned brass ensembles, global music, local musicians, and engagement for all ages. As always Pittonatonk collaborates with organizations dedicated to fostering social and environmental justice.<br />
What to Expect at Pittonkatonk 2025:<br />
Unforgettable Performances: A diverse lineup of brass bands and cultural performers from around the globe.<br />
Community Engagement: Opportunities to connect with local and regional organizations advocating for change.<br />
Family-Friendly Activities: Interactive music workshops, sessions, and more.<br />
Food and Vendors: Enjoy delicious local food and drinks from regional vendors.<br />
“Pittonkatonk is more than a music festival—it’s a platform for grassroots collaboration, cultural expression, and social impact,” says festival director Pete Spynda. “We are proud to bring people together in an inclusive, celebratory space that inspires action and solidarity.”<br />
Event Details:<br />
Date: Saturday, May [insert exact date], 2025<br />
Time: 1pm ish - 10pm ish<br />
Location: Vietnam veterans Pavilion Schenley Park<br />
Admission: Free and open to the public! (Donations encouraged to support the festival’s mission.)<br />
Support Pittonkatonk:<br />
Pittonkatonk thrives thanks to the support of its generous donors and community sponsors. To contribute to this year’s event or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit pittonkatonk.org.<br />
About Pittonkatonk:<br />
Founded in 2014, Pittonkatonk is a grassroots music festival and community initiative that unites musicians, activists, and attendees to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups. By blending music and social justice, Pittonkatonk creates a space where everyone can participate in building a more equitable and inclusive society.<br />
Join the Movement:<br />
Stay updated on the latest announcements, artist lineups, and more by following Pittonkatonk on @pittonkatonk .<br />
Let’s make May 2025 a month to remember—where the power of music meets the call for change.<br />
VIDEO CLIPS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egQEUXqGK8E</p>
<p>](https://pittonkatonk.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Screenshot-2024-12-05-at-6.28.29 PM.png "Pittonkatonk 2025")
PITTON
KA
TONK
FRIDAY MAY 9, 2025
SATURDAY MAY 10, 2025
VIETNAM VETERANS PAVILION
PITTSBURGH, PA
Pittonkatonk is music without boundaries. Since 2014, Pittonkatonk is music in public spaces that belong to everyone.
We’ve been a Green Festival since 2019!
NO POTLUCK!!!
FAQ for the festival
EVENT IS RAIN OR SHINE
VIETNAM VETERANS PAVILION IS ACCESSIBLE VIA STAIRS FROM THE OVAL/SOCCCER FIELDS.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/gR1Em5Ti2vjH62Jq6
Festival is in a park
Festival begins at 1pm
Parking around the park is limited, so we strongly encourage
Ride share – carpool
Public Transportation (bus)
Biking – there are bike racks
(Bikes must be removed by the end of the event)
Uber/Lyft
Parachuting
Paddleboarding
Space Shuttle
Teleportation
WHAT TO BRING
Reusable water bottle
A blanket for the grass
Sunscreen
Umbrella
RAINCOAT
sweatshirt
earplugs
money for donations and vendors (most accept cards)
VALID I.D. (state id, passport, other form of valid identification)
WHY DONATE?
PITTONKATONK brings real deal bands to Pittsburgh without a ticket price. Please donate what is comfortable for you.
We accept payments via Venmo, Paypal, or to our Go Fund Me
OUR 2025 OFFICIAL LINEUP
COMING SOON!!!
BUT FEEL FREE TO LISTEN TO LAST YEARS LINEUP BELOW
Jupiter & Okwess
Explosive! Na Kozonga, the new album by Jupiter and his band Okwess is a blast of energy that bewitches the body and feeds the spirit. Since the beginning, the Rebel General and his fellow pyrotechnicians have been drawing the rhythms of the Congo out of obscurity to reveal their superpowers: the powers of rock and funk, ready for every kind of musical coupling and any kind of invitation!
Musically speaking, this ‘Bogotá touch’ means being porous to rock and hip-hop influences, as well as other countries’ music traditions, such as merengue or rumba. When all this effortlessly gelled together, La Perla was truly born. But their uniqueness doesn’t end there. Apart from the instrumental output, with a somewhat punk attitude applied to regional rhythms, Forero believes that their lyrics “stress the difference” between their music and any tradition that was passed along to them. “While traditional lyrics always narrate a rural environment, these urban city lyrics speak of themes that are closer to our lives.”
El Laberinto del Coco is an Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba Fusion ensemble founded by visionary percussionist Hector “Coco” Barez in 2017. With a unique blend of sizzling musical ideas, Barez presents new ways to the traditional sounds of Puerto Rican Bomba. After touring the world with Ballet Folklorico de Puerto Rico “Areyto,” Grammy Award-winning groups like Calle 13, Bacilos and world-renowned bands like Bio Ritmo, Miramar, William Cepeda and Bayanga, Barez decides to embark on a new journey.
A.ROB
A.Rob, a Palestinian-American Hip-Hop/Rap artist hailing from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, currently finds
his creative base in Philadelphia. As the child of Palestinian refugees, A.Rob’s music delves deep into the
narratives of his people, shedding light on their struggles and echoing the call for justice resonating
across the globe. His recent work serves as a powerful testament to the ongoing challenges faced by
marginalized communities. With intricate lyricism and captivating wordplay, A.Rob’s music transcends
mere entertainment; it’s a beacon of inspiration, motivation, and unwavering positivity for listeners.
Through his artistry, he offers rap enthusiasts a much-needed breath of fresh air, infusing each track with
raw emotion and profound meaning. To experience the dynamic world of A.Rob, tune in to his music
available under “A.Rob” across all major streaming platforms, and connect with him on social media via
@arobsmusic.
Balafon
We seek to establish a platform for artistic expression in efforts to further the economic and creative advancement of artists, as well the active engagement of diverse audiences.
Timbeleza
Timbeleza is a community group that is a Brazilian batucada based in Pittsburgh, PA.
EAGLEBURGER BAND
Colonel Eagleburger’s Highstepping Goodtime Band
Schenley Local No. 412
We are a community-based band that welcomes members of all skill levels. We like playing fun and funky music at parades, rallies, protests, picnics, fiestas and other events. We also love to show up random places and surprise ya!
POLKY
led by multi-talented female musicians, delights audiences with joyful vocal harmonies, unusual instruments, and upbeat performances. Drawing deep inspiration from Poland’s rich cultural tapestry, they push musical boundaries by fearlessly blending Polish traditional music with sounds and rhythms from across the globe, carving out a niche entirely their own. With their infectious charm, captivating performances, and unyielding passion for exploration, Polky is undoubtedly a band that stands apart. Their music is not just a sonic experience but a celebration of cultural diversity, women empowerment, an invitation to revel in the joy of life, and a reminder that, deep down, we are all connected by the power of music.
A one of a kind musical festival, free and open to all, connecting the dots between community, organizers, and euphoric musical experiences.
REVIEWS
Pittonkatonk is more than just the annual picnic; it also does educational outreach year-round in the Sto-Rox school district and elsewhere. But the picnic is its keynote event, last year drawing a crowd estimated at about 3,000.
Bill O’Discoll
WESA 90.5 FM
Authentic and grassroots, Pittonkatonk erases boundaries between performers and attendees, which means there are no stages, green rooms, tickets or corporate sponsors. Sounds representing West Africa, Chicago, Providence and more will fill the pavilion and spill into the park actively engaging listeners in live performance. It’s uplifting to see, hear, and be a part of.
Jennifer Baron
NEXT Pittsburgh
“You’re part of something bigger, something magical. You’re part of something where everyone values you for who you are. And in that moment, you can totally let loose and be free.”
Meg Fair
Pittsburgh City Paper
The focus of Pittonkatonk is on community. It’s about bringing together people who might otherwise never convene, and blurring the line between performer and spectator.
Caralyn Green
Pittsburgh City Paper
PITTONKATONK 2025
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
FRIDAY MAY 9th – VIP DONOR PARTY (INFO TBA)
FREE FESTIVAL
TIME: PITTONKATONK KICKS OFF AT 1pm
DATE : SATURDAY MAY 10, 2025
WHERE: VIETNAM VETERANS PAVILION (Schenley Park)
come visit & participate in the activist greenhouse.
A community resource tent of Social and Environmental Justice Organizations. Presented in collaboration with New Sun Rising
May Day Marching Band & Casa San Jose SOY
Focusing on
Immigration & Equality
Afro Yaqui Music Collective & 1Hood & Sio-Rox Marching Band
Lemon Bucket Orkestra and Sto Rox Marching Band
Focusing on
Cultural Exchange
But, What is Pittonkatonk?
NO POTLUCK!!!
We stopped the Potluck aspect of the event.
FOOD / DRINK
PITTONK IS GOING GREEN!!!
Pittonkatonk’s Zero Waste since 2019!
- We have partnered with the PA Resources Council to reduce waste and divert it from the landfill through recycling and compost.
- In 2021, the festival diverted 83% of its waste – the most diversion yet– and in 2022 we aim to be a recognized Zero Waste Event by diverting 90%+ from the landfill! We need your help to get there!
Here’s how you can help:
-
- Use PRC’s Zero Waste Stations, located throughout the festival:
- Compost
- Food vendor packaging is also compostable!
- Cups from East End are compostable!
- Recycling
- Aluminum cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles (please empty before throwing them in!)
- Cardboard and paper
- NO other plastic (cups, containers, clamshells, plastic utensils)
- Landfill
- Everything else! Zip ties, plastic clingwrap, etc
- NO food, liquids, or compostable or recyclable items
- Compost
- Use PRC’s Zero Waste Stations, located throughout the festival:
- For more Zero Waste tips, visit www.prc.org/programs/zwpa/
Education
Through educational programming and community events, Pittonkatonk encourages social engagement between musicians, audiences, and community members, in ways that blur the lines between performer and spectator. We focus on supporting music education in Pittsburgh area high schools.
Event
Activism
The Social Impact Experience. The project encourages artists to form deep working relationships with environmental and social justice organizations that work to get their message out in creative ways.
show your pittonka-pride
NEW SHIRTS COMING SOON
Pittonkatonk is
supported by
PARTNERSHIPS
