Memorial Day Weekend Guide: Details on parades, free family events and much more!

Above photo courtesy of Kennywood Park.

Memorial Day weekend is the de facto kickoff to summer, and this year is no exception. Many pools open this weekend, as does Sandcastle Water Park. (Don’t miss our guide to pool safety!) There are also parades and events across the region to celebrate the true meaning of the weekend — honoring the sacrifice of America’s armed forces.

Check out some of the weekend’s offerings:

Saturday, May 24: Free Yoga in the Park at Allegheny Commons, 10 a.m.

This weekend kicks off a series of free “yoga in the park” events, which will run through September. This event is hosted by the Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Meet across from Gus and Yia-Yia’s ice ball cart and start your day feeling great. Find more info here.

Saturday, May 24: Forest Bathing at Riverview Park, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This free event is open to adults and teens ages 14 and up (with an adult present). Forest bathing, known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, involves spending time in the woods while taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the natural environment around you. Find all the details here. The event is free, but donations are welcome. Please pre-register.

Saturday, May 24: Opening Day at Sandcastle Water Park, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

This oasis along the banks of the Monongahela River offers scenic views and fun with more than 20 water attractions. Enjoy high-speed slides, a lazy river and relaxing pools. Families can save 50 percent on passes during the opening sale.

Saturday, May 24: Markets at The Terminal, 11 a.m to 3 p.m.

Come down to the Strip District this and every Saturday during the summer months to enjoy outdoor vendors and entertainment at The Terminal, as well as everything else the Strip has to offer. (Don’t miss the new “Pittsburgh’s Hidden History” exhibit at the Heinz History Center, while you’re down there!) Find more details here.

Saturday, May 24: Trail Tours at Hays Woods Park, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Enjoy Pittsburgh’s newest city park with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Explore the changing spring landscape and discuss the exciting ecological restoration efforts shaping the park’s future. Registration is free.

Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25: RiverLife Chalk Fest

The sidewalk chalk creations at this two-day event along the banks of the Allegheny River will truly blow kids away. The detail and skill involved are a sight to see, and visitors can also try their hand at chalk art themselves. Find all the details right here.

Saturday, May 24: Skywatch at the Carnegie Science Center, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

While this weekend might be rainy (it is Pittsburgh…), there still may be a great chance to see some stars over the city at Skywatch though the Science Center’s giant telescope. Tickets are $12, with a discount for members. Register here.

Sunday, May 25: Touch-a-Truck at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

This free event will let kids (and curious adults!) get up close with excavators, emergency vehicles and much more. Come out to the fairgrounds and enjoy. Find more info here.

Monday, May 26: Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade, 10 a.m.

Stepping off at 36th and Butler St. and ending at the historic Allegheny Cemetery, this parade honors those who sacrificed their lives for freedom. Please find more details about the parade and the events afterwards right here.

Monday, May 26: Memorial Day Ceremony and Celebration at Soldiers & Sailors Hall, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

This event is free and open to the public. It includes free museum tours, food, games and activities, and other special tributes to American heroes. Artifacts in the museum cover military history from the Civil War to the current era. Find all of the details here.

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