14+ things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, from Steel City Con to Barrel & Flow Fest

What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Aug. 6-9? Find out here.

Don’t miss our Summer Concert Guide for details about the ongoing Allegheny County Summer Concert Series, plus music festivals and shows on the horizon. And check out our NEXT in the Gallery series for more August art happenings around the region. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, Aug. 6
Big Night Out in Aspinwall
6-9 p.m.
If you’re been wanting to explore the quaint the Allegheny River borough of Aspinwall, this is the night to do so. Inviting residents and visitors alike to come together, the free community celebration highlights the local businesses, artists, musicians, organizations and neighbors that give Aspinwall a sense of place. Organized by Aspinwall Neighbors, the community’s largest annual celebration activates the borough’s baseball fields with local programming and community spirit. Pack a picnic or purchase dinner and dessert from local restaurants on site. The night’s entertainment and creative projects will showcase local talent, including the band Stealing Time band, DJ Doug and artist Alison Zapata.

Swing by the 21+ Neighborhood Lounge to gather with friends and sip free samples from local beverage partners. Families can enjoy free popcorn and cotton candy, plus activities such as inflatable games, a foam party, balloon twisting, airbrush tattoos and a photo booth. Attendees can also meet local first responders and learn about the event’s zero waste practices. Information.


Friday, Aug. 7
Unblurred: First Fridays Penn Ave Art Crawl
4-10 p.m.
Stroll into the weekend and along the avenue at Pittsburgh’s longest-running art crawl. For the August installment of this neighborhood-wide open house, Unblurred shines a spotlight on the bustling East End corridor spanning 4800 to 5500 Penn Ave. Highlights include cultural destinations such as Pittsburgh Glass Center (where Boaz Frankel recently visited), The Irma Freeman Center for Imagination, Bunker Projects, Assemble, Boom Concepts, Silver Eye Lab, Pullproof Studio and many others. Information.

All photos courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Friday, Aug. 7
Camp Carnegie (18+) at Carnegie Museum of Natural History
6-10 p.m.
Craving that classic summer camp experience, but you know, for us adults?! Camp Carnegie is here to make all your summer camp dreams come true. Taking the camp experience indoors, the 18-plus event blends museum exploration, camp-inspired activities and summer nostalgia. Campers will explore the museum after hours while enjoying hands-on science experiences and opportunities to connect with scientists.

Take a flashlight tour of the museum’s iconic wildlife dioramas, gather around a faux campfire and dig for fossils. Make your very own geology-inspired friendship bracelets and beaded bug lanyards, and hit the trails during a “scat-venture hunt.” Meet Pittsburgh Riverhounds coaches, players and mascot AMO during interactive soccer-themed activities. Tickets. Read more about Camp Carnegie in NEXT.

Video still courtesy of the 2026 CatVideoFest.“The Real You.” Video still courtesy of the 2026 CatVideoFest.Video still courtesy of the 2026 CatVideoFest.“The Real You.” Video still courtesy of the 2026 CatVideoFest.

Friday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 9
CatVideoFest at Row House Cinema
Various times
The planet’s premiere purr-fest is prowling back into Lawrenceville as part of a national tour. Feline fans will unite around this “joyous, communal, theatrical experience” showcasing all the latest and greatest cat videos the world has to offer. Sit back and stretch as you watch an all-new, 70-minute “reel of the funniest, cutest and craziest cat videos culled from thousands of submissions,” including irresistible animations, music videos and internet sensations.

These felines are not just making their silver screen debut — they’re helping to raise money for cats in need through partnerships with local charities, animal welfare organizations and shelters. Presented by Oscilloscope Laboratories, the event is family-friendly. Row House is adding even more friskiness to the mix by screening feline features this weekend. On Friday, don’t miss Ralph Bakshi’s 1972 movie, “Fritz the Cat” based on Robert Crumb’s iconic comic strip. On CATurday, Aug. 8, sing along with “Josie and the Pussycats” starring Alan Cumming, Parker Posey, Rosario Dawson and Tara Reid. Schedule and tickets.

Saturday, Aug. 8
LÚNASA Celtic Festival at Arts Landing
3-8 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s newest summer festival will illuminate the Cultural District at the midpoint between the summer solstice and the fall equinox. Debuting in Downtown Pittsburgh’s new Arts Landing, LÚNASA explores “belonging, resilience and our shared responsibility to one another and to the places we call home.” In the Celtic calendar, LÚNASA marks the beginning of the harvest season, traditionally celebrated as a time of gratitude, abundance and gathering. Situated near the confluence of Pittsburgh’s three rivers, the free festival provides an interactive cultural gathering space encouraging participatory activations, rituals and experiences for all ages.

As the summer’s light begins to wane and shadows grow, revelers are invited to dance, sing, make music and “mark the Earth to cultivate sustenance for community resilience.” Check out live Irish, Celtic and Appalachian music, savor first harvest-inspired food and beverages and enjoy art-making activities. Watch traditional Irish dance performances, and see creations by local artists, makers and vendors. Putting a contemporary spin on an ancient seasonal festival, LÚNASA will also feature a reimagining of the Planetary Dance ritual led by Conor and Garrett Coleman and Alyssa Jurewicz-Johns. Registration is suggested.

All photos courtesy of Barrel & Flow Fest.

What’s on tap for 2026? Anchoring the festivities will be 30 Black-owned breweries from more than 15 states and 30 highly-anticipated collaborative libations created exclusively for Barrel & Flow. The event also showcases Black-owned food purveyors, visual artists, comedians and writers plus community organizations. Bring the kiddos, because the STEAM Tent offers interactive activities for all ages. Barrel & Flow-goers will also enjoy a dynamic lineup of DJs and musicians, along with live visual artists and speakers. Head to the South Side for the Barrel & Flow After Party at Velum Fermentation from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Read more about Barrel & Flow in NEXT.

Friday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 9
Steel City Con at the Monroeville Convention Center
10 a.m.-8 p.m. & 10 a.m .-5 p.m.
Where can you pose for selfies with actors Jamie Campbell Bower, Nia Vardalos, Juliette Lewis, Virginia Madsen, Jaleel White and Ken Jeong, meet renowned musicians Bootsy Collins, Huey Lewis and Lou Gramm, and rub shoulders with 17-time WWE world champion John Cena? Encompassing all manner of television, film and entertainment, the pop culture star power will be in the building at one of the country’s largest comic conventions. Step into a 100,000-square-foot pop culture playground bustling with 600 vendors, 30-plus special guests and your one-stop shop for discovering comics, collectibles and memorabilia.

Meet your fave TV and film celebrities, attend Q&As and panels and visit the Artist Alley. There’s an attraction for every pop culture fanatic, from cosplay and trivia to the Charity Quick Sketch benefiting Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. It’s not lost on us that Pennsylvania’s largest pop culture convention is located adjacent to the mall immortalized in George Romero’s 1978 cult classic, “Dawn of the Dead.” Featured guests this year include Adam Savage of “Mythbusters” and Pixar animator, writer, storyboard artist and voice actor Jeff Pidgeon. Schedule and tickets.

Saturday, Aug. 8
Rock Reggae & Relief in Downtown Pittsburgh
11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
The deep grooves, goodwill and summer vibes will flow when this signature music festival returns to its roots on Forbes Avenue. Also new this year, the festival is expanding its footprint to create an urban oasis in Market Square. Bringing international acts and acclaimed locals together for a great cause, this year’s sizzling lineup features the UB40 with Ali Campbell, The Elovaters, Tribal Seeds, The Hip Abduction, G. Love & Special Sauce, The Expendables, Surfer Girl, FUBAR, and Emily Brimlow. We love that proceeds will directly benefit Café Momentum, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering justice-involved youth. In between acts, festival-goers can pop into the “Chill Ville,” filled with a diverse array of vendors specializing in artwork, food and drinks.

Fusing reggae, ska, funk and rock with unity, compassion and lending helping hands to neighbors in need, the event is marking its ninth year. Presented by the Piatt Family Foundation, the annual charity concert has raised more than $250,000 for local nonprofits since its inception. Tickets. Read more about Rock, Reggae & Relief in NEXT.

Friday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 9
U.S. Blind Tennis National Championship at Brady’s Run Park Tennis Center
Various times
The Pittsburgh region is home to countless firsts, and a new one will make history this weekend. Be there for all the action as top blind and low-vision athletes from across the country compete in singles and doubles tournaments across multiple sight classifications when the first-ever U.S. Blind Tennis National Championship debuts in Beaver County. The inaugural U.S. Blind Tennis National Championships marks a momentous milestone and a first-of-its-kind sporting event. While competing for a national title for the first time ever, leading blind and low vision athletes will also have the opportunity to “demonstrate the skill, determination and passion that define the sport.”

Currently experiencing rapid growth around the world, blind tennis has emerged as one of the fastest-growing adapted sports with the International Blind Sports Federation. Participation has expanded through local programs, clinics, and tournaments led by the U.S. Blind Tennis Association. Information.

Saturday, Aug. 8
Iron City Riverfront Throwdown Country Music Festival at Pittsburgh Brewing Company
1-11 p.m.
There’s a brand-new music festival in town and it’s turning up the volume on summer. Country music fans will flock to Creighton for this inaugural event along the scenic banks of the Allegheny River at the Pittsburgh Brewing Co. HQ. Headlining the inaugural Iron City Riverfront Throwdown is high-octane country musician Chris Higbee. The festival will also showcase special guest performances by Josie Sal, Joe Patrick, and Four on the Floor and more. Keeping the festivities extra country will be keg lassoing, boot strut and fanciest cowboy/cowgirl hat contests. Sip refreshing Pittsburgh Brewing Co. suds while taking in the sweeping riverfront views and celebrating a new Western Pennsylvania tradition. Tickets.

Sunday, Aug. 9
Neighborhood Flea at SouthSide Works
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
With a curated mix of local makers and vintage purveyors, the summer flea showcases 120 vendors along with live music and food trucks. Stroll through the open-air market sipping coffee while scoring fab one-of-a-kind finds — from retro home decor, clothing and collectibles, to furniture and handmade goods. New this Sunday will be live performances by bands from the School of Rock South Hills. Bonus: Use the Flea’s QR code for discounted rates at one of SouthSide Works’ four parking garages. Information.

Sunday, Aug. 9
Reuse Reunion at Westinghouse Park
12-4 p.m. (Weather permitting)
Get crafty with Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse while surrounded by summer’s verdant outdoor environs. Commune with art, nature and fellow creatives at this casual gathering that’s free to all ages in the East End green space. Participate in hands-on crafting activities, peruse the tables of free creative materials and bring a piece for the artwork swap. From 2 to 4 p.m, guest teaching artist Angela Oddling will lead a special creative project. Bring up to two bags of clean, gently used fabric, yarn or other fiber materials to swap — and take as much as you want home with you. Information.

Summer Reading Extravaganza at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Photo by Annie O’Neill / Annie O’Neill Photography.Summer Reading Extravaganza at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Photo by Annie O’Neill / Annie O’Neill Photography.Summer Reading Extravaganza at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Photo by Annie O’Neill / Annie O’Neill Photography.

Don’t miss Squonk’s large-scale musical sensation dubbed “Joy Machine.” Audiences are invited to help power the performance by “activating a playground of immersive sculptures, fanciful instruments and kinetic machines.” Next, follow Inky the Cat and Albert the Dog on an adventure as they attempt to solve the Mystery of the Purrrsburg Library during a show by Pittsburgh Puppet Works. This year’s festivities correspond to the CLP’s 2026 program theme of “GROW,” featuring local partners such as Burghblooms, PSU Extension Master Gardener Program of Allegheny County, Phipps Conservatory, The Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh and The Hood Garden. The signature community celebration also features local food and drink purveyors. Information.

Sunday, Aug. 9
Slappers N Bangers 400 Degreez Summer Block Party at the Stacks at 3 Crossings
4-9 p.m.
Whether you’re looking to end your Barrel & Flow Week festivities on a high note or dance your way through August, don’t miss Pittsburgh’s premiere hip hop, R&B and trap experience. Returning to an outdoor format, Slappers N Bangers brings the summer block party vibes to the Strip District. Join thousands of visitors from across the country who are in the Burgh for the country’s award-winning Black beer festival to continue celebrating on the al fresco the dance floor.

At the helm of August’s lineup is Slappers N Bangers co-founder, tastemaker and resident DJ Ari Cole, who will keep the afternoon energy uplifting while connecting with the crowd. Also on the decks delivering unforgettable sets will be Digital Dave, DJ KK and QRX. Dance party-goers can also enjoy multiple bars, local food vendors, specialty cocktails from Black-owned beverage purveyors, and an atmosphere that welcomes both hometown supporters and visitors from across the country. Tickets.

6 more things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh

Friday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 9: Shindig Charity Music Festival benefitting the Community Liver Alliance at Zelienople Community Park, various times

Friday, Aug. 7 & Saturday, Aug. 8: fireWALL Dance presents “Behind The Wall” at the Greer Cabaret Theater, 7 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 7-Sunday, Aug. 9: Jon Tai in “Road Signs” at Liberty Magic, 7:30 p.m., 5 p.m. & 8 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 8: Brookline Breezefest 5K and Street Festival along Brookline Boulevard, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 8: Authors in the Steel City at the Pittsburgh Marriott North, 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 8: Inside Out Day: Let’s Sogetsu! at Carnegie Museum of Art, 12 p.m.