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The nonprofit will host its springtime celebration of fashion and philanthropy at Westinghouse Park, with proceeds supporting the upkeep and revitalization of Pittsburgh's beloved green spaces.

PITTSBURGH – FEBRUARY 27, 2025 – The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is delighted to announce that tickets are now on sale for the 27th annual PNC Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Spring Hat Luncheon, taking place Saturday, May 3, 2025 in Westinghouse Park, Point Breeze. Held each year on Derby Weekend, this cherished tradition brings together supporters in their finest hats to celebrate and support Pittsburgh's parks.

This year marks an exciting milestone as the beloved Spring Hat Luncheon is hosted in Westinghouse Park for the first time, bringing the celebration to a neighborhood park. In this historic setting, the Parks Conservancy will honor Pittsburgh's storied heritage while raising vital funds to keep the city's parks vibrant and accessible for all.

Since its inception in 1999, the Spring Hat Luncheon has been a cherished Pittsburgh tradition, blending elegance with philanthropy to support the city's public green spaces. Over the past 26 years, the event has raised more than $12 million, helping to maintain and enhance Pittsburgh's parks, gardens and community gathering spaces.

"It is an absolute honor to bring the Spring Hat Luncheon to Westinghouse Park for the very first time," said Sophie Gage, senior event manager at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. "This park is a hidden gem in Pittsburgh, and we are excited to celebrate its beauty while raising funds to preserve and enhance our city's green spaces. We look forward to welcoming our guests for an unforgettable day of style and stewardship."

Westinghouse Park, named in honor of visionary inventor George Westinghouse, is a symbol of Pittsburgh's history and community spirit. Once the site of Westinghouse's private estate, the park now serves as a vital greenspace in the Point Breeze neighborhood, offering a serene retreat for residents and visitors alike. The Parks Conservancy will expand its Earth Month programming to Westinghouse Park this April, furthering its commitment to environmental education and sustainability in this historic location.

A key supporter of the event, PNC has once again stepped forward as the title sponsor. 

“PNC realizes the importance of investing in parks to support our Pittsburgh community and the vital resources that make this such a special place to live,” said Sally McCrady, chair and president of the PNC Foundation. “We look forward to donning our hats for this cherished annual tradition and celebrating the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s commitment to sustain and enhance these spaces for future generations.”

The continued success of the Spring Hat Luncheon is a testament to the dedication of its leadership, past and present. The Parks Conservancy extends special thanks to Event Chairs Emeritus Ritchie Battle and Audrey Hillman Fisher, whose vision helped establish the luncheon as one of Pittsburgh's most cherished philanthropic traditions. The 2025 event co-chairs—Melanie Crockard, Danica Griffith, Geovette Washington and Latasha Wilson-Batch—are deeply committed to Pittsburgh's parks and honored to carry forward this legacy of stewardship, ensuring its impact continues to inspire for years to come.

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a time-honored tradition. For tickets and more information, visit pittsburghparks.org/hatlunch.

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Alana Wenk                                                                
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy                                
412.527.0020                                                             
awenk@pittsburghparks.org