August 2025 fun guide: 18 events to send summer out with a dose of Pittsburgh family fun

Above photo courtesy of Moraine State Park Regatta.

As we roll into the last month of summer break, the idea of planning for the upcoming school year can feel daunting. Between back-to-school shopping and many camps ending before school even begins, August can feel like a busy season for many families. Try to grab a few moments for some family fun, though. Whether you’re looking for a small, free event or a last hurrah, there are lots of options in and around Pittsburgh this month:

Sundays in August: Soul Line Dancing at the Highland Park Reservoir

Every Sunday from 7-9 p.m., there will be free line dancing lessons at the Highland Park Reservoir. These sessions incorporate R&B music in classes that begin with basic steps all family members can do and finish with more advanced moves. Find more details here.

Aug. 2-17: Fall Fantasy Parades at Kennywood Park

Fantasy Parades began at Kennywood in 1950 to celebrate talented local students. The parades have grown into an exciting spectacle and must-do for marching bands throughout the region. Come see high school bands from across the region share a preview of their fall performances. This event is free with general admission to Kennywood.

Aug. 2: Free Drive-Up Diaper Distribution

Global Links is hosting a free drive-up diaper distribution at McKeesport Area Senior High School from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Families and caregivers of young children are invited to line up by car to receive approximately a one-month supply of children’s diapers per household. Parents and caregivers will have the option of choosing up to two different sizes of diapers. Sizes 1-6 will be available, and the event will take place rain or shine. Carpooling is encouraged, with as many of three families per car receiving diapers. Find more details here.

Aug. 2: Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live at PPG Paints Arena 

At 7:30 p.m., everyone’s favorite Hot Wheels will take the floor in blazing style. This event, called Glow-N-Fire, will celebrate some of the newest trucks released as well as look back at the history of Hot Wheels. Tickets for this event begin at $16.

Aug. 2-3: Harambee Ujima Black Arts Festival

It’s time for the 57th Annual Harambee Ujima Black Arts Festival, a powerful celebration of Black excellence, creativity and unity in the heart of Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood. This vibrant two-day street festival honors African heritage, community collaboration and artistic expression through live art shows, food and vendors, activities, youth programming and more. This event is free. Find all of the details here.

Aug. 2-3: Moraine State Park Regatta

An easy drive north out of the city, Moraine State Park is lined with hiking trails, boat launches and beaches. For two days, the park welcomes guests up for food, fun and family memories. There will be a climbing wall, a 5K run, outdoor educational experiences with park rangers and more. Find all of the details here.

Aug. 7: Aspinwall’s Big Night Out

This yearly event regularly welcomes over 1,500 visitors to Aspinwall’s town baseball fields for food and entertainment. This celebration of community will include activities for kids and information about community resources for adults. There will also be free snacks for kids. Families are encouraged to bring picnic dinners. Find more info about this free event here.

Aug. 8-9: Meet Daniel Tiger, Donkey Hodie, and their puppeteers at Fred Rogers Productions

To celebrate the PBS Kids crossover special that airs on Aug. 11, Fred Rogers Productions is hosting two live events offering fun for families. On Aug. 8, White Whale Booksellers will host a panel discussion from 7-9 p.m. (live and on Zoom) exploring the legacy of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” The next day on Aug. 9, the crew at Fred Rogers Productions will be welcoming kids and their grownups at SouthSide Works for a special meet-and-greet with the cast. This event is free with registration.

Aug. 10: Summer Reading Extravaganza with the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Head on down to the Main branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to send out summer with a bang! It’s time for CLP’s Summer Reading Extravaganza, a high-flying, family-friendly outdoor festival for all ages. Enjoy an afternoon of music, activities, crafts, storytelling, food trucks and so much more. Find all the deets right here.

Aug. 10: Superhero Obstacle Course and Games at The Waterfront

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., kids can come test their super skills at the Town Center. There will also be a chance to get photos with superheroes, plus face painting and more. All of this fun is free! Find more info here.

Aug. 14: Disney Descendants/Zombies: World Collide Tour

This interactive live concert experience at PPG Paint Arena will celebrate the chart-topping music from Disney’s “Descendants” and “Zombies” movie franchises. Tickets start at $62.20.

Aug. 14-17: Bloomfield Little Italy Days

Expect loads of Italian foods and live music like accordion players, crooners and rock bands. Don’t miss the bocce tournament and the pasta-eating contest! Admission to this event is free, and don’t miss one of the city’s top ice cream spots while you’re in the neighborhood.

Aug. 16: Vintage Base Ball Game at Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village

Watch as the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder take on the Addison Mountain Stars, playing by authentic 1860s rules and customs. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of classic competition. Game access is included in general admission.

Aug. 16: Back to School BLAST OFF at Hazelwood Cafe

The Back To School BLAST OFF takes over Mill 19 on from 2:30-5:30 p.m. The team at Hazelwood Cafe will be giving away free backpacks and school supplies. There will also be food and free haircuts for those who are ready one. Find more details here.

Aug. 17: Smash Mouth at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater

Looking for a free date night? Let the kids run and play at Hartwood Acres while parents soak up the sounds of their youth. As part of Allegheny County Summer Concert Series, this concert will kick off at 7:30 p.m. The venue will open at 6 p.m., so come early to spread out your blanket and chairs and grab a great spot. Guests are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, and there will be food trucks on site as well. Find more details here.

Aug. 21: Bellevue Night Market

From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly karaoke along N. Sprague Avenue in Bellevue. Don’t miss one of Kidsburgh’s favorite playgrounds while you’re in town. Find more details on the Bellevue Forward Night Market here.

Aug. 23-24: The Great American Banana Split Celebration

Did you know the banana split was invented in Latrobe in 1904? This two-day celebration has a car cruise, race, family activities, goat yoga, candy bar bingo and many more zany activities to celebrate this unique claim to fame. Entrance to the celebration is free. Find the full schedule here.

Aug. 29: Summer Fridays at The Frick presents 80’s Music and Beyond

Come out to the lawn at The Frick for live music, food trucks, art-making, and family fun. The Museum Store will remain open until 6:00 p.m. and the Grable Visitor Center will be open for restroom access until 8:00 p.m. (The Frick Art Museum and the Car and Carriage Museum will not be open during Summer Fridays.) This month, The Adorabulls, a high-energy Pittsburgh band, will play all your favorite dance tunes with a quirky twist using a variety of weird instruments like accordion, ukulele, acoustic bass, and a yard-sale-suitcase drum kit. There will be food from The Café at the Frick, Big Lou’s, Foxy Fran’s, Frios Gourmet Pops, Hibachi Lou’s, Revival Chili, and Steve and Benny’s. Find more details here.

Looking for more ways to keep the summer fun going until the first school bell rings? Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter.