12 fun events in Pittsburgh this weekend, including bocce, baby-wearing and ballet, most of them free!

Photo above by Dominique Bull, courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

For most Pittsburgh kids, this is the last official weekend of summer break. Besides shopping for new shoes and backpacks, why not hit the dance floor at a disco party, learn the history of baseball or check out one of many other fun events in Pittsburgh this weekend? It’s also the final weekend for Architects of Air: Daedalum.

Check out our list of fun ways to put a capstone on this summer vacation:  

Thursday, Aug.17 — Sunday, Aug. 20: Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days

Start the weekend early with a healthy serving of pasta in your belly. Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days are a classic local event packed with food, music, and entertainment. Don’t miss Celebrity Bocce Thursday night, where local media personalities and celebrities will face off. Check out their website for the full lineup.

Friday, Aug. 18: Reggae on the Lawn at the Frick, 5 p.m. 

This is the third and final Friday summer concert at The Frick, and this one will feature food trucks and reggae music. There’s plenty of space for kids to run around, too. Grab a blanket and come enjoy the show. 

Friday, Aug. 18: Star Party at Murrysville Community Park, 8 p.m.

The Amateur Astronomers’ Association of Pittsburgh will be on hand with telescopes and tips for viewing the night sky. This is a free event, but the organizers ask guests to register so they can communicate about weather delays or cancellations. Find more details here. 

Saturday, Aug. 19: Vintage Base Ball Day, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Come watch a 19th-century base ball game  (originally two words) with the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder and the Addison Mountain Stars, who will use 1860s rules. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Free with general admission. This museum is part of the Heinz History Center family of museums. 

Saturday, Aug. 19: YBMKQ’s Youth Community Day and School Supply Giveaway, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens (YBMKQ) will host a Youth Community Day and back-to-school supply drive at Penn Hills Senior High School (309 Collins Drive, Penn Hills). They plan to distribute school supplies to more than 500 students and offer activities including free haircuts, manicures, treats from the Happy Day Dessert Factory ice cream truck, bounce houses, a community kickball game, and community resources.

Saturday, Aug. 19: Pictionary In The Park, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

The local crew in charge of marketing Mattel’s newest Pictionary game is filming a commercial on the North Side, and wants your help. Come try your hand at the new game, enjoy a free ice ball from Gus and Yia Yia’s, and possibly wind up in a commercial! (Note: Attendees are allowed to check out the game and receive a free ice ball without being in the commercial. All filming is with consent.) Find the full details here.  

Saturday, Aug. 19: Moonshot Museum presents Mission to the Moon at CLP West End, 2 p.m. 

If you haven’t yet made it to Pittsburgh’s newest museum, the Moonshot Museum, you’re missing a great chance to learn about Pittsburgh’s role in space exploration! This free event at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s West End location will feature information about the work being done in Pittsburgh as well as zany experiments. Find out more details here. 

Saturday, Aug.19: Bellevue’s Rhythm & Brews Festival, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Come out to Bellevue for outdoor music, food from a variety of local restaurants and vendors, as well as family-friendly activities and space to dance. Don’t forget that Bayne Park has a skate park, so bring your wheels. Those not sampling beer do not need a ticket. Find more details here. 

Saturday, Aug. 19: Mingo Twist N Shake features “The Little Mermaid,” 9:15 p.m. 

If you haven’t yet seen the new live action version of “The Little Mermaid,” this free event at Mingo Twist N Shake is the perfect chance. Grab a sweet treat, bring a blanket, and enjoy the show! Follow the event page for updates and weather delays.

Sunday, Aug. 20: Baby-Wearing: Carrying Kids with Confidence Workshop, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

At Joy in Movement in Bellevue, the folks at Empowering Moms Program will have a wide variety of baby carriers on hand, assist with fit, and provide suggestions for baby-wearing your child. It’s also a great way to meet other parents. Find out all the details here. 

Sunday, Aug. 20: Little Kids Disco at SouthSide Works, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 

Joel Lindsey Entertainment presents a very special Little Kids Disco at SouthSide Works. This event is free and appropriate for all ages. There will be music, dancing, interactive programming, contests, and more. Details are here.

Sunday, Aug. 20: Allegheny County Parks Summer Concert Series presents Pittsburgh Ballet Theater, 7:30 p.m. 

All summer long, the stages at South Park and Hartwood Acres have been hopping with a wide variety of bands and performances. This Sunday at Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater will be putting on a free show. There’s also food trucks, beer and wine, and room to run around. Find all the details here. 

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