A showcase of creativity and innovation in Pittsburgh for you and 2,000 of your closest friends.

For eight years, Hothouse was the place to be for Pittsburgh’s young, creative, and civically engaged community. More than just a party, it was The Sprout Fund’s “live annual report”—a one-night-only spectacular that served as both a critical community fundraiser and a vibrant showcase for the innovative, grassroots projects Sprout supported all year long.

The event’s signature feature was its location. Each year, Hothouse transformed a different, often disused or soon-to-be-completed, urban property into an imaginative wonderland. From a converted schoolhouse and former bank to the upper floors of the Union Trust Building and a disused auto dealership, Hothouse activated these spaces, offering thousands of attendees a new perspective on the city’s built environment.

This transformation was orchestrated by a core team of creative partners. Event architect Thommy Conroy, the “mad magician” behind the party, conceptualized a new, immersive theme each year—from a Prisoner-inspired “Your Town” to a classic “County Fair.” Clear Story Creatives brought these visions to life with spectacular, large-scale lighting and technical production, turning raw spaces into Pittsburgh’s hottest nightspot for one night only.

At its heart, Hothouse was a microcosm of the Sprout ecosystem. The “Arcade of Innovative Projects” gave attendees a hands-on experience with Seed Award and Public Art projects. A diverse, multi-stage lineup of local musicians and performers provided the soundtrack. Dozens of Pittsburgh’s favorite restaurants and breweries provided complimentary “haute cuisine,” and a “bounty” of silent auction items raised crucial funds. An “all-hands-on-deck” effort from Sprout staff, board members, and hundreds of volunteers, Hothouse became the party of the summer, a can’t-miss celebration of and for the community Sprout served.

Program In Brief