Making Music in the Steel City

Celebrating 'Make Music Day' 2025 in Pittsburgh & Beyond​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On June 21, 2025, take part in Make Music Day, a free, worldwide celebration of music! Held annually on the Summer Solstice, Make Music Day began in France in 1982 as Fête de la Musique and has since become a global phenomenon, now celebrated in over 1,000 cities across more than 120 countries—including right here in Pittsburgh, PA.

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The movement arrived in the U.S. in 2007 and has continued to grow, connecting people across communities through the joy of music. The best part? It’s open to everyone—no experience needed, no stage required.

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Why is Make Music Day so special?

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• Open to All
  Anyone can participate—amateur or professional musicians, solo performers or ensembles.
   

• Free and Public
  Events are typically free and take place in public spaces like parks, sidewalks, plazas, courtyards, and storefronts.
   

•  Genre-Spanning
  Expect everything from jazz and classical to rock, folk, hip-hop, experimental music, and more
   

•  Pop-Up Spirit
  Many performances are spontaneous or loosely organized, with a vibrant, community-led energy. It’s like a citywide jam session!

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You might stumble upon a flash mob, an instrument petting zoo, a porch concert, open mic, vocal jam session, street karaoke—or any other form of creative, collaborative music-making.

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What’s Happening in Pittsburgh? 

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Make Music Pittsburgh celebrates local talent and encourages Pittsburghers to make music, wherever and however they can. Some of this year’s events include:
 

• String Together
   

• Build Your Own Instrument
   

• Bucket Drumming
   

• Teen Open Mic
  ...and more!
   

Visit the  Make Music Pittsburgh website for a full schedule, lineup, sponsor info, and to register.

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Although MCG Jazz isn’t officially participating this year, the goals of Make Music Day—to inspire, connect, and uplift through music—are deeply aligned with our own mission to preserve, present, and promote jazz. Through our performances, we continue to support the vibrant jazz community in Pittsburgh and contribute to the city’s rich cultural and artistic diversity.

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We hope you’ll get out and make some music this weekend—and don’t forget to check out our summer concerts, Jazz Live performances, and upcoming 39th season!

 

As Herbie Hancock once said,

       “Music is the tool to express life—and all that makes a difference.”