10 awesome weekend events around Pittsburgh, including a Dragon Boat Fest, Hispanic Heritage Fest and a Day of Play

Photo above by Tarik Haiga via Unsplash. 

This perfect fall weekend will usher in the month of October, with all its spooky fun. We have a guide to the entire month, but if you’re looking for a few things to do this weekend, check out these highlights. We also have a guide to apple picking and fall festivals, if you’re looking for some harvest-specific fun. And you can visit our daily events calendar any time!  

Here’s what’s on tap:

Friday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 1: Open Air – A Free Celebration of the Performing Arts, various times

Join the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, and Hazelwood Local for Open Air at Hazelwood Green. This free, three-day event will feature live performances by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and others, along with art vendors, demonstrations, kid’s activities, food trucks and more. Get the full performance schedule and vendor list right here.

Friday, Sept. 29: Disc Golf Party at Schenley Park, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

This event, which is for kids and adults ages 14 and older, is a great way to get into disc golf. There is equipment to rent or for sale, putting practice and a gathering at the 19th hole at the end of the evening. 

Saturday Sept. 30: Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival in North Park, 8:30 a.m.

Dragon boats will grace the surface of North Park’s lake, which is a great time to learn about this ancient Chinese tradition that dates back to around 770 BCE. Enjoy the day and support breast cancer survivors competing as dragon boat paddlers. The festival includes entertainment, food trucks, a parade and vendors.

Saturday, Sept. 30: Pittsburgh Hispanic Heritage Festival, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

At the Heinz History Center, come together to celebrate Hispanic heritage in Pittsburgh. There will be music, vendors and activities for the whole family. There will also be a celebration of Roberto Clemente’s 3000th hit. Find the details here. 

Saturday, Sept. 30: Worldwide Day of Play at Neighborhood North Museum of Play, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

It is a playful day across the globe this Saturday, but locals can enjoy the fun at Beaver Fall’s children’s museum, Neighborhood North. There will be many family activities to enjoy. Families who register by Sept. 27 can also request a new-to-them refurbished bike through Communicycle. Learn more about Neighborhood North right here.

Saturday, Sept. 30: “Birds in my Backyard” Frick Environmental Center, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Author and Pittsburgh native Lisa Donovan will read her children’s book, followed by a bird-focused collage activity led by illustrator Dee Paras. A short birdwatching hike with a naturalist educator will conclude the session. Best ages 10 and younger. Registration is $5 per child.

Saturday, Sept. 30: Storytime: Family Fun at CLP Mount Washington, 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. 

This free family fun time is open to anyone, but is geared for kids under age 5. Listen to a story, play with new friends, and take a book home with you. Details can be found here. 

Saturday, Sept 30: Song Shop Concerts presents “Animated Arias” at the Bitz Opera Factory, 12 p.m. 

Pittsburgh Opera pairs up custom-made animated videos (aka cartoons) created by Point Park University students with opera songs. This intro to opera provides extra visual interest for kids – and adults. Bring a lunch or snack for this lunchtime concert. Registration is free.

Saturday, Sept. 30: Back-to-School Celebration with Pittsburgh Community Science Workshop: Science Bus, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

At the Carnegie Library’s Knoxville location, this free event will allow kids to explore hands-on science activities with the Science Bus. They can meet live animals, see carnivorous plants and even touch animal bones. This event is for all ages. 

Saturday, Sept. 30: Prime Stage Cemetery Walk, Homewood Cemetery, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Experience the history of Pittsburgh’s legends who are buried at the cemetery as local actors in period costumes portray their incredible lives and the impact they had on Pittsburgh. The 1-hour tours begin every 30 minutes between 1:30 and 4 p.m. Online registration is $20. Check out this video to learn more. 

Saturday, Sept. 30: Big Brothers Big Sisters Bash, 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.

While Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh benefits children, this event is actually just for the grownups. At the stunning event space This is Red, adults can purchase tickets and dance the night away while raising money for a great cause. Find out how to get tickets and all the details here. 

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