The top May shows in the Pittsburgh area range from A to Z, with rapper Ashnikko and veteran Texas rockers ZZ Top each boasting sold-out shows. Plus Bruce Springsteen is back in Pittsburgh, too.
Here’s a look at the top concerts coming to the region in May:
Top concerts
May 12: Ashnikko, Googly Eyes at Stage AE
Electropop rapper Ashnikko has sold out Stage AE in Pittsburgh, just like she did in 2023.
The “Daisy” and “Slumber Party” singer released her second studio album, “Smoochies,” last year.
“I feel like there’s an ebb and flow to having a music career. You can become disillusioned by it all, and then you have to work to find the core of why you make music again,” she told Paper. “It’s a constant practice: finding it, losing it, finding it again. I think on my last album, I maybe lost it a little bit. (‘Smoochies’) really reminded me that I can approach music from a joyful place.”
Read more: Ashnikko fought her ‘It Girl’ for this world tour
May 19: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band at PPG Paints Arena
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is coming back to Pittsburgh, this time on the Land of Hope & Dreams American tour.
Springsteen, who has been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump, said he launched the tour “in defense of America, American democracy, American freedom, our American constitution and our sacred American dream.”
Joining the tour is Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello, another outspoken political activist.
“The tour is going to be political and very topical about what’s going on in the country,” Springsteen told the Minnesota Star Tribune.
Read more: Springsteen says recent Minneapolis show was his most meaningful ever
May 19: ZZ Top at Palace Theatre
Texas rockers ZZ Top have played more than 20 shows in the Pittsburgh region over the past 50 years, but they’ll be in Greensburg for the first time on their The Big One! tour.
The sold-out show from the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers is sure to feature hits like “Legs,” “La Grange” and “Sharp Dressed Man.”
“(Expect) new guitars, an even bigger drum array, fine new costuming and a few new tunes to sweeten the set,” guitarist Billy F. Gibbons told the New York Post. “We’re gonna turn out and crank it up in a premium-ly powerful way.”
Sold-out shows
May 2: Eric Bellinger at City Winery Pittsburgh
R&B singer Eric Bellinger, who has co-written songs with Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Usher, is touring with an intimate, stripped down show.
May 3: Alan Doyle, Bandits on the Run at City Winery Pittsburgh
Alan Doyle, a founding member of the Canadian folk rock band Great Big Sea, released his fifth solo album, “Already Dancing,” in February.
May 9: AJ Ghent and his Singing Guitar at City Winery Pittsburgh
Guitarist AJ Ghent’s performance showcases the “therapeutic power” of guitar, with music blending soul, R&B and more.
Related
• 2026 Pittsburgh area concert calendar
Other notable concerts
May 2: The Afghan Whigs, Mercury Rev at Mr. Smalls Theatre (The Afghan Whigs’ Greg Dulli on new track, songwriting, local food specialties and more)
May 5: Bring Me the Horizon, Motionless in White, The Plot In You, Amira Elfeky at PPG Paints Arena
May 5: Melissa Etheridge at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
May 7: The Messthetics & James Brandon Lewis at City of Asylum (The Messthetics and James Brandon Lewis return sharper, freer on ‘Deface the Currency’ with Pittsburgh show on tap)
May 8: Lords of Acid, Dead on a Sunday, Princess Superstar, Tony and the Kiki, MZ Neon at Preserving
May 9: Wynton Marsalis with Mendelssohn Choir of Pittsburgh and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall
May 9: Corrosion of Conformity, Whores, Crobot at Mr. Smalls Theatre (Corrosion of Conformity’s Pepper Keenan talks about new double album ahead of Pittsburgh show)
May 9: Buckethead at Jergel’s
May 11: Bilmuri at UPMC Events Center
May 14: Sevendust, Atreyu, Fire from the Gods, American Adrenalin at Roxian Theatre
May 15: Black Veil Brides, From Ashes to New, TX2, As December Falls at Stage AE
May 18: Alter Bridge, Filter, Tim Montana at Roxian Theatre
May 19: Daisy Grenade, Vienna Vienna at Thunderbird Music Hall
May 21: Nazareth, Radio 45, Noble Hops at Jergel’s
May 22: Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentlemen at Stage AE
May 23: Don Toliver, Sahbabii, Sofaygo, Chase B at PPG Paints Arena
May 23: Tamara Tunie at MCG Jazz Music Hall
May 27: Toadies, Local H, Vandoliers at Roxian Theatre
May 27-29: Lyle Lovett at City Winery Pittsburgh
May 28: ‘68, Nate Bergman at Preserving