Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on May 15, 2025.
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Every Pittsburgher knows what makes the Cultural District special, and it is the impressive concentration of theaters found in just a few short blocks.
From Heinz Hall and the Benedum Center to more obscure spots like Liberty Magic and Greer Cabaret, we really have the opportunity to see a show almost every single day of the year.
So in this one, we thought we’d run through all of the great theaters in the Cultural District to help you find a new spot to take in a show!
Heinz Hall
If there is any performing arts venue downtown that could be described as opulent, it would be Heinz Hall. Built in 1927 and renovated in 1971, this stunning space has been the home of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for decades.
From renditions of the classics to modern pop and musical guests, lovers of live music will do well to book tickets to see the many shows put on throughout the year. Don’t forget the holiday specials, too, which are some of the most popular in the city!
Heinz Hall is located at 600 Penn Avenue.
Benedum Center for the Performing Arts
For those who like live theater, it is hard to beat the Benedum Center in the Cultural District. This gem was built in 1928 as the Stanley Theatre and was renovated and renamed in 1987.
The theater is home to many shows throughout the year, with PNC Broadway bringing national touring shows to the city (think the likes of Hamilton, Wicked, etc.), famous stand-up comedians, performances from local groups like the Pittsburgh Opera and Pittsburgh Ballet, and so much more.
So no matter your interests, odds are there will be a show for you!
The Benedum Center is located at 237 Seventh Street.
Byham Theater
The Byham Theater is another beautiful and historic theater in the Cultural District, and was built in 1903 as the Gayety Theater, renovated in 1991, and renamed the Byham in 1995.
Performances at the Byham Theater run the spectrum of all arts, including plays from the Pittsburgh CLO, the Pittsburgh Dance Council, touring concerts, stand-up comedians, international cover bands, and a whole lot more.
Byham Theater is located at 101 6th Street.
Harris Theater
Does your love of performing arts include film? Then Harris Theater is for you! This art house theater in the Cultural District hosts shows almost every day of the year, and features a mix of new, independent features as well as beloved classics.
Movies here generally have a decent run, about one to two weeks each on average, so you have several opportunities to check out a show that is catching your eye!
Harris Theater is located at 809 Liberty Avenue.
Arcade Comedy Theater
Arcade Comedy Theater is Pittsburgh’s resident theater for standup, and they put on an impressive line-up of shows throughout the year, from headlining comedians, improv nights, comedy bingo, Bracket Night tournament showdowns, and so much more!
So if you’re in the mood for a laugh, take in a show at Arcade Comedy Theater soon!
Arcade Comedy Theater is located at 943 Liberty Avenue.
Liberty Magic
Did you know that Pittsburgh is home to a performing arts venue exclusively dedicated to magic? The aptly named Liberty Magic is an intimate theater that brings in acclaimed magicians for residencies throughout the year.
For those who want to get more out of the experience, book the VIP experiences, which often include closer seats, opportunities to participate in the acts, and sometimes extra behind-the-scenes experiences in a back room after the show!
Liberty Magic is located at 811 Liberty Avenue.
August Wilson African American Cultural Center
The August Wilson Center is a multi-disciplinary arts center showcasing the African American journey and its relation to popular culture. The space is found inside a beautiful building right in the heart of the Cultural District and has a mix of rotating exhibitions and scheduled readings, musicians, and so much more.
One of downtown’s most popular musical events, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, often has extra shows at the August Wilson Center each year as well!
The August Wilson Center is located at 980 Liberty Avenue.
O’Reilly Theater
O’Reilly Theater is among the smaller venue spaces in the Cultural District, but it makes up for it with being state-of-the-art and having seats that, quite literally, wrap around the stage.
The Pittsburgh Public Theater calls the O’Reilly home and puts on an incredible array of shows throughout the year- perfect for those who want to be close to the action no matter where you’re sitting!
The O’Reilly Theater is located at 621 Penn Avenue.
Greer Cabaret Theater
Greer Cabaret Theater is an intimate performing arts venue in the Cultural District that is perfect for anyone wanting dinner and a show. With popular cabaret and music performances scheduled throughout the year, guests can take in a show while getting food and drinks delivered directly to your seats!
Greer Cabaret Theater is located at 655 Penn Avenue.
Con Alma
If you like dinner and live music, particularly live jazz, then Con Alma is for you! This delicious restaurant hosts stellar jazz musicians throughout the week and really elevates the show experience with an excellent dinner and drinks menu to go with it!
Before booking a reservation, it is worth noting that Con Alma typically has a cover charge for attending, whether you buy dinner or not, in order to help pay the musicians.
Con Alma is located at 613 Penn Avenue.
Do you have a favorite performing arts venue in the Cultural District? Comment below to share!
