10 fun things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, from Juneteenth celebrations to a behind-the-scenes tour of Millvale and more

Photo above courtesy of Center of Life.

Now that most area schools are out for the summer, it’s the perfect time to pack your social calendar with family-friendly events around the city. We’ve got a guide to local pools and spray parks to cool off, but if you’re looking for something unique to do, check out one of these awesome events: 

Friday, June 16: Juneteenth Celebration in Hazelwood, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

As a tribute to the vibrant history of Black Pittsburgh, Center of Life is seeking to start a new tradition for Hazelwood: the Black History: Closer Than You Think — Juneteenth Celebration. This concert will feature Center of Life’s two music programs — COL Jazz and The KRUNK Movement, featuring middle and high school students and Center of Life’s professional musicians playing jazz, soul, funk and hip-hop. You’ll hear classics and original music. Everyone is invited for this free outdoor show at Hazelwood Green (4501 Lytle St.). Visitors can bring blankets, lawn chairs and games. There will be Jamaican food from Hazelwood’s own Negril Curbside, plus kids’ activities and games (footballs, frisbees, etc.), and plenty of friends and neighbors. (Update: The organizers tell us that due to the weather forecast, it looks like this event will take place indoors at Center of Life, 161 Hazelwood Avenue.) 

Friday, June 16: Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at South Park, 7:30 p.m.

Come out to the South Park Amphitheater for this blues concert featuring Ally Venable Band with Pierce Dipner. Before the concert, there will be food trucks as well as Bella Terra Vineyards and Hop Farm Brewing Co. Grab a blanket, let your kids dance around, and enjoy the show. 

Friday, June 16: Pittsburgh History and Landmark Foundation Downtown Tour 

Join a local historical society for a walking tour along Grant Street, which has been designated one of America’s “Great American Places.” This tour will cover different architectural features and delve into the history of the city. This tour is best for tweens and upward, and the cost is $20. 

Friday, June 16 (and running through Sunday June 25): “The Boxcar Children” at Prime Stage

June brings another Prime Stage Sprouts production: This time, it’s the brave, adventuresome and uplifting story of  “The Boxcar Children,” based on the beloved Boxcar Children book series by teacher/writer Gertrude Chandler Warner. Get details and tickets here. Shows include a sensory-inclusive performance June 24 and an audio-described/ASL signed performance on June 25. Recommended for third grade students, families and adults.

Friday, June 16 through Monday, June 19: Pittsburgh Celebrates Juneteenth Freedom Day

Four days of music, art, games and celebration will take over Point State Park and Market Square as Pittsburgh celebrates the date — June 19 — that word of emancipation finally reached the furthest enslaved people in Texas at the end of the Civil War. To celebrate this momentous occasion, families of all backgrounds are welcome to attend this free celebration. Read the history of the holiday and find out more details right here. 

Saturday, June 17: Ranger-Led Park Stewardship Day, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Hosted by the Plum Borough Community Library, this event is led by Allegheny County Park Rangers and will explore nearby Boyce Park. Kids will work on litter cleanup, invasive plant removal, helping with mulch and gardening, and more tasks involved in keeping a park healthy and beautiful. This event is free but pre registration is required.

Saturday, June 17: Doors Open Pittsburgh – Millvale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Take a behind-the-scenes peek at this river town. There will be 20 stopping points and activities including breweries, offices, and more. Kids can participate in a photo safari, too. This tour is self-guided with a shuttle bus making loops all day. General admission tickets are priced at $20 with discounts for kids and seniors. Find out more here. 

Saturday, June 17: Northland NerdCon, 11 a.m. 

While Pittsburgh is quite far from the actual San Diego Comic-Con, kids and their families can head out to Northland Public Library this weekend for a mini event. While registration for the cosplay contest is closed, there is still plenty to do — including board gaming, vendors, group instruction, and more. Register here. Don’t forget to bring your Kona Ice cup — their truck will be there from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Saturday, June 17: Inside Out at Carnegie Museum of Art, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If you love the inside of the CMOA, wait until they move the experience outdoors. On Saturday afternoons through the summer from noon to 5 p.m., there will be DJ’s, food trucks, and family-friendly art activities to enjoy in the courtyard. There’s a similar event for adults on Thursday evenings. Find the details here. This event is free and does not require museum admission. 

Sunday, June 18: CLP Summer Reading Kickoff featuring The Imagination Project, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

At the main branch of the Carnegie Library in Oakland, it’s time to kick off summer reading! There’s a book sale from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the main event from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and The Imagination Project will be performing from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Meet princesses and superheroes, earn prizes for reading this summer, and join the fun — all the details are here. Learn more about CLP’s Summer Reading program right here. 

Looking for more summer fun? We always have Maker Monday activities to try at home. You can also learn more about how to spark summer creativity with your kids here, and don’t forget to sign up for our Kidsburgh newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!