Weekend guide: From Pogopalooza to Summer Splash, this weekend is brimming with family fun in Pittsburgh

Photo above courtesy of Pogopalooza.

With scorching weather this weekend, the best place to be in Pittsburgh is in the water. Thankfully, we’ve got new guides to local pools and splash pads. But there are also some other great events going on, indoors and out. Plan your weekend festivities here, and keep cool!

Friday, June 21 – Sunday, June 23: Pogopalooza 2024, various times

Expect three days of high-flying championship competitions at two locations — Market Square and Wilkinsburg. There’s plenty to enjoy as a spectator. And if your family is feeling competitive, the fun isn’t just for adults. You’ll find a 15-and-under Bounce-off competition. Tickets are free, but registration is requested.

Saturday, June 22: Fort Pitt Museum Opening of “Homelands: Native Nations of Allegheny,” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This new exhibit, which will be open all summer, highlights the important culture of the indigenous tribes that once lived in this area before colonization. This exhibit features objects on loan from American Indian tribes – including domestic objects, decorated moccasins, pouches, and contemporary arts and crafts – along with artifacts and imagery from the collections of the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Heinz History Center. Check out all the details here.

Saturday, June 22: Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community Day, 7:45 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join the festivities at Stage AE as Highmark helps Pittsburgh celebrate health and wellness. There’s a 5K for ambitious folks and a one-mile fun run that’s great for all ages. Advance registration is available, but walk-up registrations are also welcome. Find all the details here.

Saturday, June 22: Meet the Maker Day at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 a.m to 5 p.m.

This day is all about learning and creativity. Kids can join adult creatives for special demonstrations and collaborative art making. This event will include several different forms of art, like making mosaics and tufting. This event is free with museum admission.

Saturday, June 22: Summer Splash at the Carnegie Science Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Dive into the science of the three rivers with games and entertainment. Help build a snowman, or make a mini snowman of your own, discover green infrastructure in our rain garden and meet fish, amphibians and reptiles native to our waterways. Summer Splash is free with general CSC admission.

Saturday, June 22, Pride Millvale, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Find live entertainment, interesting vendors, community togetherness and more at this public, volunteer-run event. You can find more info and details on their Facebook page.

Saturday, June 22: Greensburg Pride Prom at the Westmoreland Museum of American Art, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The annual Greensburg Pride Prom is free and open to all ages. Visitors can dance to music from drag queen MCs, walk the Promenade and enjoy a special performance by pop star and Westmoreland County native Bryce Bowyn. Prom attire encouraged, but not required. Details can be found here.

Saturday, June 22: Skywatch, Carnegie Science Center, 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Reconnect with the night sky through a featured planetarium performance and, weather-permitting, live views of night sky objects in stunning telescopic detail. This weekend looks to be clear, but please confirm before attending. Tickets are $12.

Sunday, June 23: Venture Outdoors Pride Outside Hike, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Volunteer Trip Leader Bili O’Hara (they/them) leads monthly hikes from Duff Park’s eastern parking area where participants receive laminated maps and collectively choose their preferred trail loop. Hikers will learn navigation and map reading during a hike of no longer than 3 miles. You’ll find a porta-potty at the starting point and a pavilion with picnic tables. You’re welcome to bring snacks or lunch to enjoy post-hike. Tickets are pay-what-you-can, which can be $0.

Sunday, June 23: Band Together Pittsburgh Sensory-Friendly Open Mic at The Lindsay, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This event at The Lindsay Theater in Sewickley is free and inclusive for all guests. Share a song, poem or just get up and riff. This event is free, but registration is required so the staff can bring enough snacks for all participants.

Looking for more to do with your family? Check out our big summer events guide and sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter.