It’s hard to believe we’ve reached the last weekend in July (although those back-to-school displays in local stores do feel a bit premature…). Thankfully, there are still lots of days left to enjoy a great Pittsburgh summer.
This weekend, there are festivals, theater shows, outdoor music and art making, and so many other ways to enjoy our city. Bonus? Most of them are free or very low cost. Finish out July with some family fun:
Thursday, July 23-Sunday, July 26: Tekko at the David Lawrence Convention Center
Join fans of Japanese pop culture at the region’s premiere anime convention. Programming features Japanese arcade games, J-rock, J-fashion, Japanese pop culture and education. Single tickets for Friday and Saturday are $65, weekend passes available, $30 for ages 7-12 years, free for ages 6 and younger.
Thursday, July 23: Opening of “Frozen Jr.” at the Little Lake Theatre Company
The beloved Disney tale comes to life on stage, running through Aug.3. Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf and friends on a journey of sisterhood, courage and magic that will warm even the coldest heart. This show is best for ages 4 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for ages 17 and younger.
Friday, July 24-Sunday, July 26: Muppet Movies at the Rangos Giant Cinema
Looking for some classic, zany fun out of the heat? Enjoy the hilarity of Kermit, Miss Piggy and pals on the biggest screen in Pittsburgh with “The Muppet Movie” (1979) on July 24, “The Muppets” (2011) on July 25, and “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996) on July 26. Tickets are $10.
Friday, July 24: Summer Fridays at The Frick Pittsburgh
During Summer Fridays at the Frick, families can spend time together on the lawn with a variety of entertainment options. Bring a blanket or some chairs, some snacks for the family and a sense of curiosity. Enjoy live music, food trucks, art-making, and family fun on the beautiful Frick lawns. Admission for grownups is $5, and a recent gift has given all kids 17 and under free admission.
Photo courtesy of The Frick Pittsburgh.
Saturday, July 25: Story Saturday at the Carnegie Museum of Art, 11 a.m.
Learn the practice of weaving in community from elders as they share First Nations wisdom in a collective effort to survive, thrive and create a more hopeful future through the reading of “Afloat.” Settle in for this reading, followed by a hands-on activity. Best for ages 12 and younger. Registration is free with museum admission.
Saturday, July 25: Inside Out at CMOA, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
While you’re at the museum for the aforementioned Story Saturday, stick around for Inside Out. Carnegie Museum of Art’s free Inside Out series brings music, art and community to the museum’s Sculpture Court on select Thursdays and Saturdays in July and August. This weekend, families are welcome to enjoy art, movement activities and performances during the daytime. (And on July 30 and Aug. 15 from 5 to 10 p.m., parents who need a night out can visit for Inside Out Night. These nighttime events offer DJs, live music, dance, food trucks and refreshments.) Find more info here.
Courtesy of the Carnegie Museum of Art.
Saturday, July 25: Schenley Plaza 20th Anniversary Jubilee, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Celebrate 20 years of Schenley Plaza with a joyful day of music, family fun and community celebration. The Jubilee will feature free PNC Carousel rides, live entertainment including a 21-piece big band and a special concert by Azure, plus horse-and-carriage rides, fairytale character appearances, a balloon artist, face painting and more surprises. Register here for free.
Kids of all ages love the beautiful spinning carousel in Schenley Plaza. Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
Saturday, July 25: Family Fest at Arts Landing, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kidsburgh is so excited that the Cultural District now features an outdoor space with Downtown’s first playground, outdoor seating and more for families. This weekend is a great chance to check out Arts Landing, if you have not done so yet. This Family Fest event features live performances, story time, family pickleball, mascot meet-and-greet and a family dance party. Other activities include face painting, food trucks, lawn games and hands-on arts activities. All ages are welcome, but this event is best for ages 1-13 years. This event is free.
Saturday, July 25: Goat Fest at South Side Park, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Every summer, Allegheny Goatscape goats feed off the neighborhood’s invasive vines and pants. Volunteers follow the goats to pull up the woody remainders and then seed the area with native species. It’s a fascinating way to partner with animals to help with the natural world. The event includes live music, craft vendors, children’s activities, goat yoga and food trucks. Admission is free.
Saturday, July 25: “Blank Space” Taylor Swift Tribute Concert, 7:30 p.m.
Swifties can sing and dance through their favorite eras when Blank Space, the unofficial Taylor Swift tribute band, takes the stage this weekend along the North Shore. The Los Angeles-based tribute act recreates Taylor Swift’s biggest hits with live music, choreography, visuals and plenty of pop-star energy for fans of all ages. Tickets begin at $38. Get all the details here.
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