Your June 6-8 weekend guide: Three Rivers Arts Fest, Mars New Year and much more

Above photo courtesy of Phipps Conservatory, which is hosting BioBlitz this weekend.

Summer is in full swing, with events big and small happening across the Pittsburgh region this weekend. Whether your kids are officially out for summer break or have a few more days left, there are so many ways to make this weekend a memorable one in Kidsburgh:

Thursday, June 5-Sunday, June 8: Three Rivers Arts Festival

While Pittsburgh works to complete the new Arts Landing for the NFL Draft and future city events, the Three Rivers Arts Festival will have a new (temporary) location this year: the Strip District. With hundreds of vendors, stage performances, food, activities, and gorgeous art for blocks and blocks, this is one of the city’s can’t-miss events every year. Find the full lineup of musical guests and other activities here.

Thursday, June 5-Sunday, June 8: Mini-Golf in Mellon Square, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Golfing in the heart of Downtown is a great way to kick off a zany summer bucket list. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership will host mini-golf sessions this weekend and next in Mellon Square. Note that golf is open until 9 p.m., except on Sunday when it ends at 6 p.m.  Admission is $5 per game, $2 for kids and students.

Friday, June 6: Billy Porter Fashion Pizzazz at CLP, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This Pride Month event, at the Lawrenceville branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, is designed for teens. This free workshop will help teens make scrunchies and bandanas to take home for themselves or to share with loved ones. Find more details here.

Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7: Mars New Year

While humans haven’t quite made it to Mars just yet, Pittsburghers can travel to our local community of Mars for this fun festival that celebrates the red planet making a trip around the sun. Enjoy food, entertainment and lots of outer space jokes. This event is free, and more info can be found here.

Saturday, June 7: Free Yoga in Allegheny Commons Park, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Every weekend all summer long, meet other families for free yoga near Gus and Yiayia’s ice ball cart in Allegheny Commons on the North Side. All skill levels and abilities are welcome; just come and have fun! Details can be found here.

Saturday, June 7: Mister Rogers Family Days at the Fred Rogers Institute, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Join the Fred Rogers Institute for an open-house family event as part of Mister Rogers Family Days. Enjoy a banana split bar, puppet-making and other family-friendly activities from local organizations including the Latrobe Art Center. This free event will be held at the Fred M. Rogers Center building in Latrobe. Find more info here.

Saturday, June 7: Story Hike with“Sparrow Loves Birds” at the Frick Environmental Center, 10:30 a.m. 

Enjoy a reading of “Sparrow Loves Birds” by Murry Burgess at the new Meadow View Pavilion, then take a hike on the new Sensory Nature Trail to search for birds. Best for ages 3-8 years old. Registration is free.

Saturday, June 7: Autism-Friendly Touch-a-Truck at Tour-Ed Mine, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

This event is open to all families and kids of all abilities, but is designed to be an autism-friendly event where kids can explore rescue vehicles, heavy machinery and other pieces of equipment up close. There will also be activities, food trucks, music, pony rides and more. Find the whole lineup of events and vendors here.

Sunday, June 8: Father’s Day Car Cruise at Hartwood Acres, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

This weekend, your little gearheads can geek out over some of the best classic cars in the city. Guests should expect music, local food trucks, Mike Frazer from 3WS radio, and plenty of unique cars and antique vehicles. This car cruise is free to attend.

June 8: BioBlitz Family Fun Festival, Phipps Conservatory

BioBlitz brings together families, scientists, naturalists and teachers to explore the biodiversity of Schenley Park. Nature walks range from birding and mushrooms to Stream Quest and tree IDs. Create botanical art, meet animal ambassadors and share your findings with the BioBlitz Research Base. It’s all free with no registration required. Find details here.

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