10 Pittsburgh weekend events to ease back into the school year, from an oddities expo to a group Pokemon Go! match 

Photo above courtesy of Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

Most Pittsburgh kids begin school this week — which means they may be tired and craving some rest time once this weekend arrives. That’s okay! A new school year is a big transition for most kids. It is for parents, too.

If you’re looking for some low-key entertainment this weekend, we’ve got your covered.

For plenty of weekend events around Pittsburgh and helpful articles about all things kid-related in Pittsburgh, make sure to sign up for our newsletter so you can stay in the loop. And don’t miss Saturday’s WPXI 11 Cares Pack the Bus event: Get details here! 

Friday, Aug. 25: Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium at CLP Carrick, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

This free event is perfect for curious kids of all ages. Come check out some real animals, artifacts, and learn interesting facts to share with your friends. Get the details here. This event is open to anyone and does not require registration. 

Friday, Aug. 25 and Saturday, Aug. 26: 77th Annual Hookstown Fair

This classic fair has been going on for generations, and is a perfect family event for an evening or weekend of fun. Not as large as the Big Butler Fair or Canfield Fair, it’s manageable for young kids but still packed with so much to do. This year the fair begins on Tuesday, Aug. 22, and runs through Saturday night. Don’t miss the demolition derby on Friday night. Tickets begin at $10. 

Saturday, Aug. 26: Final Fiesta at Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Send out summer at the zoo with a day of crafts, music, extra activities, and special animal encounters at the zoo. This event is included in zoo admission — just look for the activities upon arrival! Find all the details on the zoo website. 

Saturday, Aug. 26: Pittsburgh Oddities and Curiosities Expo, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Have a penchant for the weird and curious? Come out to the convention center to find just that. This expo is $10 per adult when purchased ahead of time, and kids 12 and under are free. Adults are $15 at the gate. There will be creepy crafts, displays, decor, and more. Find out details here. 

Saturday, Aug. 26: Wings N Wheels at Columbiana County Airport, 11 a.m. 

Have a transportation-obsessed kid? Venture just over the border into Ohio for this great event sponsored by the Calcutta Fire Department. There will be plenty of vehicles to get up close and personal with, including a C-47 airplane. Find details here. 

Saturday, Aug. 26: Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh and Wild Kratts at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

If you are curious about local wildlife (and love the Wild Kratts), come check out this great show at the new Wild Kratts exhibit. Learn about the animals in our forests and fields with local experts. This event is included in admission, which is free for the month of August. Reserving free tickets in advance is recommended. 

Saturday, Aug. 26: Monroeville Public Library Fun Fest, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

This is the fifth year that the Monroeville Public Library has hosted this day of fun, featuring a petting zoo, games, crafts, and inflatables. Come check out this free event, which has fun for all ages. Rides are ticketed but all other activities are free. Find all the details here. 

Saturday, Aug. 24: Moon Township Pokemon Go! Fest, 12 p.m. to 4 pm. 

Grab your phone and your favorite kid for this event at Moon Township Community Park. There will be lounges, changing stations, refreshments and more. There is no fee to attend this event. Find all the details here. This event coordinates with a global Pokemon worldwide event! 

Saturday, Aug. 26 and Sunday, Aug. 27 (through Oct. 1): Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, West Newton

This event begins this weekend and runs for over a month. Look forward to 16th-century music, magic and merriment, including jousting competitions, themed weekends and a cast of hundreds. Admission is $25 for adults, $12 for kids, and free for kids under 5. 

Sunday, Aug. 27: Highland Park Reservoir of Jazz, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

If you missed Reservoir of Jazz all summer, there’s still time to catch the last one. This free jazz series in Highland Park is a great option for a relaxing summer evening. Let the kids run around, bring a cooler and some chairs, and enjoy the show. Find more info on the City of Pittsburgh website. 

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