Culture & Community

Community Garden

The Swissvale Community Garden (SCG) envisions a garden, not only as a place to primarily grow food but also as something of a public park. It is intended that various social activities can take place in proximity to the growing of food, which will further cement in the minds of residents that sustainable agriculture is interwoven into the fabric of everyday life. Swissvale Community Garden is 100% volunteer operated. The nine beds at SCG provide fresh produce donated to community food pantries operated by Union Baptist Church of Swissvale and Living Spirit Ministry.

Visit the Community Garden website.

Farmers Market

The mission of the Swissvale Farmers Market is to provide healthy, fresh produce, improve local food security, support the entrepreneurial efforts of local businesses, support local farmers, and promote a sense of community. The Market offers first rate locally grown produce, the highest quality baked goods and prepared foods, and a variety of handmade crafts and gift items.

Visit the Farmers Market Facebook Page.

Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale

Opened to the public in 1918, the Swissvale Library is one of the most venerable buildings in the Allegheny County library system. Relatively small in size, the library is literally crammed with goodies for people of all tastes. Events and programs draw in patrons for organized and fun activities throughout the year.

Visit the Carnegie Free Library of Swissvale website.

Carrie Furnaces

Towering over the Monongahela River, the Carrie Furnaces Landmark blast furnaces are extremely rare examples of pre World War II iron-making technology. They were declared a National Historic Landmark site in 2006 and are managed by the Rivers of Steel National Heritage Area. Since the collapse of the region's steel industry in the 1970s and 1980s, the furnaces are the only pre-WWII blast furnaces left and stand as sentinels to Pittsburgh's steel heritage.

The Furnaces have become a popular events venue hosting food tours, Happy Hours, vintage car cruises, concerts, and even weddings. In 2016, The Thrival Musical Festival found themselves in need of a new venue after the festival grew to over 16,000 attendees. The Grammy Award-winning duo, The Chainsmokers, headlined along with CHVRCHES, Thievery Corporation, and Metric. The Carrie Furnaces provided both the needed space and unique atmosphere for the festival.

In May of 2015, the hit TV show, American Ninja Warrior, utilized the Furnaces as the site of their grueling obstacle course.

Visit the Carrie Furnaces website.