things to do in pittsburgh

10 cool things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, from a Jeep Festival to a Martian Party

Photo above by john labelette via Unsplash.

In search of things to do in Pittsburgh? Summer is in full swing with most area schools getting out this week. That means it’s time for non-stop entertainment (gotta wear those kids out for bedtime, right?). The Three Rivers Arts Festival is still in full swing, along with World Square at Market Square. So if you haven’t stopped by yet check out our family-friendly guide to the festivities.

Kidsburgh was also over at City Cast Pittsburgh giving some tips for successful summer outings, in case you missed it.

Read on before making your weekend plans, and check out our guides to the best swimming pools, all the free summer movies and farms where families can pick berries

Friday, June 9: Hazelwood Free Movie on the Lawn, 6:30 p.m. 

Bring your family, friends and chairs or blankets to Hazelwood Green Plaza and join Hazelwood Local and Row House Cinema for another summer of free movie showings. You’ll find complimentary popcorn while supplies last and free face painting by Beanie Paints. This month’s film is “Wakanda Forever.” The plaza opens at 6:30 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30 p.m. Fishes & Loaves will have a donation bin set up to collect non-perishable food items. 

Friday, June 9 – Saturday, June 10: Mars New Year Festival

Happy New Year… on a neighboring planet! Come to Mars (the town just north of Pittsburgh) to celebrate another trip around the sun for Mars (the red planet in the sky). There will be family activities, food, STEAM projects and more. Each night ends in a drone light show. The Mars New Year Committee collaborates with NASA, Astrobotics, JPL, Aldrin Family Foundation, and many more organizations who are interested in space exploration. Find the full details right here

Image courtesy of Mars New Year Festival.

Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11: Jeep Invasion 

Did you know the Jeep (from the military term “G.P.,” for general purpose military vehicle) was invented in Butler, Pa.? Each year they have a festival to celebrate that fact. The event is packed with cool vehicles and family fun. The cost is $20 per Jeep for exhibitors, and for regular visitors the cost is $10 for adults and $3 for kids. Children under 2 are free. Get more details here

Friday, June 9 – Saturday, June 10: Mister Rogers Family Days

In his hometown of Latrobe, families of all ages are welcome to join in this free event honoring the life and legacy of Fred Rogers. There will be trolley rides, costumed characters, a magic show and more. Some events require pre-registration, even if they are free. Find out what’s happening right here

Friday, June 9 – Sunday, June 11: Three Rivers Arts Festival 

It’s the final weekend for one of the most popular things to do in Pittsburgh: The Three Rivers Arts Festival, which fills a 14-block stretch of Downtown with artsy fun and gorgeous displays. There are so many free and accessible family activities: Check out our festival guide right here

Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Saturday, June 10: Neighborhood North Community Play Day and Car Cruise, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Have you been to Pittsburgh’s newest children’s museum, Neighborhood North Museum of Play? Located in Beaver Falls, this colorful space is jam-packed with learning centers and space to get your wiggles out. Join them for Beaver Falls’ annual car cruise to check out the center — admission is free on this day! 

Saturday, June 10: TheraPet Visit at CLP, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Come to the Lawrenceville branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to meet specially trained furry friends from Animal Friends. Animals are known to calm our bodies and help us regulate our emotions. These highly trained animals are also a great option for helping kids overcome fear of dogs in a safe setting. This event is open to all ages and is free. 

Saturday, June 10: Sensory-Friendly Screening of “The Little Mermaid,” 10:30 a.m.

Come out to The Lindsay in Sewickley for a special screening of the box office hit starring Halle Bailey. This screening will have adaptations to make the film more enjoyable for guests who process sensory input in different ways. Tickets can be purchased here for just $8.75.

Saturday, June 10: Summer Reading Kickoff at CLP, 1 p.m.. to 4 p.m.

At the Mount Washington branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, this event will get kids excited about summer reading. There will also be a free concert from Azure Family Concerts Pittsburgh, a project of Autism Pittsburgh. This event is free, and kids receive incentives for reading over the summer. 

Saturday, June 10: Dollar Bank Cinema at Riverview Park, dusk

Pittsburgh Citiparks and Dollar Bank partner all summer to bring some great films for free. June 10 is “Jurassic World: Dominion” following the jazz concert at the park. Check the website for more info, as well as movie showings for July — including “Shrek,” “The Super Mario Bros. Movie” and “Turning Red.” Kidsburgh has a guide to all the outdoor summer movies, too. 

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