Labor Day weekend Pittsburgh family fun guide: food festivals, free concerts and more

Photo above by Stijn te Strake via Unsplash.

For this Labor Day weekend, there is so much Pittsburgh family fun on tap. From the annual Kickoff and Rib Fest to the Soul Food Festival, you’ll find plenty of good eats and music.

Want more Pittsburgh family fun? There’s also a historical tour, dance classes and free library events for those looking for a quieter weekend. Round off the last official weekend of summer with some fireworks in the North Boroughs. 

Tuesday, Aug. 29 – Monday, Sept. 4: Big Knob Grange Fair

This classic fair is located in Beaver County, not far from Cranberry Township. There are animals, food, games, rides and music shows. The fair does not require tickets to walk around and enjoy the exhibits — tickets are only required for rides. In fact, this fair is one of the last free-entry fairs remaining in the state of Pennsylvania. An unlimited ride wrist band is $20, or single ride tickets can be purchased for specific rides. Friday night has a demolition derby, while Saturday evening features a monster truck show. Check out the fair website for all of the details. Monster truck show tickets are $12 ahead of time ($14 at the gate) and can be purchased here. Demolition derby tickets are $8 for kids and $12 for adults, and can be purchased at the gate. 

Wednesday, Aug. 30 –  Monday, Sept. 4: Kickoff and Rib Fest at Acrisure Stadium

The name may have changed, but Rib Fest lives on. In fact, Rib Fest was not always at the current stadium — it began in 1990 at Three Rivers Stadium. This year, the festival starts Wednesday and runs through Labor Day. There will be food, live music, a Pitt football game on Saturday, and plenty of fun to be had. 

Friday, Sept. 1: Playdate at CLP Woods Run, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Big kids back in school? Come enjoy a quiet morning for infants and toddlers at the Woods Run location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in the North Side. The librarians will have plenty of age appropriate toys and activities on hand for families to enjoy together. Find details here. 

Friday, Sept. 1: Punchline at South Park Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m. 

This free concert at South Park features Punchline and special guest Carl Kopta. The food and beverage vendors open at 6 p.m. There will be various food trucks as well as a winery and brewery truck on site, and outside food and drink is permitted. Grab some frisbees and chairs for the last South Park show of the summer. 

Friday, Sept. 1 – Sunday, Sept. 3: Soul Food Festival in Market Square

A Soulful Taste of the Burgh is excited to bring their Soul Food Festival downtown, with three days of food, music and entertainment. It’s a great weekend to eat your way through the city. Check out the lineup of music and food here. 

Saturday, Sept. 2: Puppets for Pittsburgh’s Giving Tales, 11 a.m. 

Come to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s West End location to learn about these important life themes: friendship, kindness, and generosity. This puppet adventure will feature folktales from around the world as the educators teach kids about these  themes. 

Saturday, Sept. 2: Foltz School Open Days at Jennings Environmental Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

If you haven’t checked out this one-room schoolhouse in Slippery Rock yet, it’s a great first hand account of local history that comes alive for kids and adults alike. The school will be open this weekend for both self-guided learning and lessons by the staff. Check out all the details here. 

Saturday, Sept. 2: Hip Hop Classes at Los Saborosos, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

For a $20 drop-in fee, kids can check out a variety of dance styles at this local dance company. This weekend, it’s hip hop. Find details on registering here. 

Saturday, Sept. 2: Family Nature Walk at Powdermill Nature Reserve, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

This event, which runs on a “pay what you wish” donation system, will take families through the vast outdoor space at Powdermill Nature Reserve where they can learn about different flora and fauna in the region. Spots do fill up, so please pre-register here. 

Monday, Sept. 4: North Boroughs Community Day, 6 p.m. 

If you didn’t get enough fireworks on Independence Day, you’re in luck! The north boroughs – Bellevue, Avalon, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, and Emsworth – are co-hosting this event at Avalon Park to make up for their rained-out July event. There will be food, live music, raffles, sweet treats and fireworks. Find the details on Facebook. 

Note: The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is closed September 1-8th. 

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