If you’ve got a high school student who’s somewhere between “I have no idea” and “I think I might want to go to college,” the 2026 College Fair in downtown Pittsburgh is exactly the kind of event that can turn vague curiosity into a real plan.
Hosted at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, this is a two-day fair (Jan 27–28, 2026) that brings together college reps from around the country—plus workshops and panels that help families make sense of everything from financial aid to campus life.
Event details to know (and screenshot)
2026 College Fair
Dates: January 27–28, 2026
Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Estimated attendance: 6,000
Fair hours:
- Tue, Jan 27: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
- Wed, Jan 28: 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
(Admission is typically free, but it’s always smart to check registration details as the date gets closer.)
What makes this fair worth your time
This isn’t just tables and brochures. You’ll be able to talk one-on-one with admissions reps, and there are often workshops and panel discussions that cover real-life topics like financial aid and campus life.
Translation: you can walk in overwhelmed and walk out with:
- a shortlist of schools that actually fit
- specific next steps for applications
- better questions to ask on tours
- a clearer financial-aid picture
How to prep so it’s actually helpful (not just “a lot”)
Bring these 5 things
- A notes app or small notebook (you’ll forget who said what)
- A list of priorities (major? location? size? cost?)
- 3–5 questions your student can ask at every table
- A quick “student intro” (grade, interests, what they’re looking for)
- Comfortable shoes—this place is big, and you’ll be on your feet
Ask questions that get real answers
Try:
- “What kind of student thrives here?”
- “What do first-year students struggle with most?”
- “How do you support undecided majors?”
- “What scholarships are most common for students like me?”
- “What does housing look like after freshman year?”
A simple game plan for the two days
Day 1 (the evening session is great if you’re coming after school/work):
- Hit your top-choice tables first
- Grab workshop/panel seats early
- End by exploring “wild card” schools you hadn’t considered
Day 2 (morning):
- Follow up with your top 3–5 schools
- Ask about next steps: deadlines, interviews, campus visit recommendations
- Leave with a list of exact actions for February/March
(And yes: it’s totally normal to need snacks and a “reset break” in between.)
Coming from out of town? Make it a smooth Pittsburgh stay.
If you’re traveling in for the fair—or you just don’t feel like dealing with early mornings + downtown logistics—turn it into an easy overnight trip.
Rivers & Steel City Homes offers comfortable short-term rentals that make college-fair weekends feel calmer (think: room to spread out brochures, decompress after a long day, and keep everyone in a better mood the next morning).