Best Spring Festivals In Pittsburgh

Spring has finally arrived, and what better way to celebrate the end of this dreadful winter than being outdoors? Here are the five best spring festivals in the area for you to enjoy. Some are family-friendly, some are perfect for a couples outing, and all are glorious in their warm weathered environments. Check out one - or all five - and celebrate the sun and rebirth of nature.

On Thursday, May 7th, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., join some VIPs as they sip, sample, and savor everything scrumptious. For the 13th consecutive year, the Pittsburgh Wine Festival brings together winemakers, industry experts, and vintners, in one not-to-be-missed event. Whether you're a level four sommelier or brand new to the art of wine appreciation, there's something for everyone of every skill level. The Grand Tasting includes appetizers and a multitude of domestic wines; alternatively, the VIP Tasting offers all of the aforementioned, plus special reserve wines only poured between 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

For the music lover, head to Ascension Music Festival at historic Kennywood Park on Saturday, May 23,2015. Check out two epic stages featuring local and national headlining the best local DJs in the region. Phase 1 will include Ill Gates, Mark Instinct, Jansten, Ray Volpe, 2Rip, Doverspike, and more. Phase 2, which will feature the iconic silent disco, will spin tunes from Blackdaddy, Get Nasty, Mr. Yukk, and Omen. Presented by 1337, tickets for this outstanding music and fun fest start at $60.00, and is a 21 and over event. Admission to the event includes full park access, including admission to Kennywood's newly expanded Beer Garden.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort 6th Annual Five Alarm Mountain Madness is an International Chili Society endorsed cook-off held on June 13, 2015. Participants can compete in three categories, which include chili verde, red chili, and salsa. Over $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded at this family-friendly event, with a $2,000 grand prize to the 1st place red chili category winner. Grab the kids, and head over to Nemacolin for the cook-off, chili sampling, craft beer tasting, a chance to meet celebrity judges, live entertainment, and kid-friendly activities.

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Looking for some affordable family fun? Adults are $10.00, and kids 3-12 are admitted for $3.00 to the 75th birthday celebration of the Jeep. 2,000+ Jeeps and their aficionados make this the largest ever eastern Jeep event, marked by the Guinness Parade and Jeep Invasion Street party. Other exciting activities include the Show 'n Shine competition, off-road trail rides, the Jeep Playground obstacle course, national vendors, and the Jeep History Exhibit featuring rare, and exquisite Jeeps from the 1940s. Bring your Jeep, your family, and your wave, because It's A Jeep Thing, baby! Join the party Friday, June 12 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Sunday, June 14, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Grab your girls, your neon colored tutus, and your running spirit and join the Dirty Girl Mud Run on June 13, 2015. Women of every shape, size, and athletic ability come together for this yearly 3 mile run/obstacle course and festival on the Steel City Raceway, that wholly benefits cancer survivors, and research efforts. Entry is $55.00 to $65.00, and is a weekend filled with camaraderie, tailgating, and a whole lotta mud. Prepare to get dirty, and join the 900,000 women who have participated in, and finished, this incredibly fun, beneficial cause to kick cancer's butt.

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