10 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, from Pierogi Fest and historic tours to a massive Steelers watch party

With Labor Day behind us, it’s time for Pittsburgh to dig into some fall activities like football and farm visits. September also kicks off RADical Days, a series of free events during September and October. Check out this list of things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region:

Thursday, Sept.  8 through Sunday, Sept. 11: Broadway at the Overlook, 7 p.m.

CitiParks and Pittsburgh Musical Theater team up to present “Broadway at the Overlook,” a series of free preview performances of PMT’s upcoming season. Join the audience at the West End Elliot Overlook for musical selections from favorites such as “Beauty and the Beast, “The Little Mermaid” and “A Lyrical Christmas Carol. No registration is required for the performances, which begin at 7 p.m. daily.

Friday, Sept. 9: RADical Days Tour of David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Have you ever wanted to tour the convention center and go behind the scenes? This weekend during the RADical Days Tour, you can do just that. It’s the world’s largest LEED® Gold Certified convention center, and the highest rated LEED® Platinum Certified convention center in the U.S. Be sure to pre-register at the phone number in the link above. 

Friday, Sept. 9: Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival at Kennywood: 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. 

Is there anything more Pittsburgh than a festival where you can eat lots of pierogis while having fun at Kennywood? Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival returns to Kennywood this weekend with 20 pierogi vendors plus a Pop-Up Pierogi Marketplace, free activities and contests, live music and a guest appearance by Pittsburgh’s favorite pierogi mascot. Seven Kennywood rides will be running. Tickets available in advance or at the door: $29.99 for people 13+, $12 for kids 3-12 and free for kids 2 and under.

Friday, Sept. 9 through Sunday, Sept. 11: Pittsburgh Irish Festival, various times

Bring your wee lads and bonnie lassies to this three-day event celebrating the Irish heritage that runs strong in the Steel City. At this year’s new location, there will be dancing, live music, tours of the Carrie Blast Furnace, Irish comedy, Irish dogs and more, including crafts and games for kids at Leprechaun’s Landing. Get all the details and discounted advance tickets right here. 

Saturday, Sept. 10: ALCOSAN Open House, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

If your kids have ever wondered where the water that goes down the drain ends up, they will love this event. While the more in-depth tour of the water and waste treatment facility is booked up for this weekend, the open house still features tons of hands-on activities, learning experiences, and even a free meal. To prepare for your visit, kids will love the Flush! episode of “Brain’s On,” a science podcast for kids. 

Saturday, Sept. 10: Alphabet Trail and Tales at Frick Park, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Here’s one of the most educational and fun things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh: You’ll find a puppet parade, music, storytelling, face painting, children’s art activities and more at Alphabet Trail and Tales on Saturday at Blue Slide Playground (Beechwood Blvd. at Nicholson) in Frick Park. This free celebration is Pittsburgh’s largest read-aloud event for families.

Saturday, Sept. 10: South Side Historical Village Tours, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.

In Hookstown, Beaver County, an entire historical village has been recreated to educate and preserve the way of life of European colonizers who came to this area in the 19th century. This weekend, the site is open to the public and filled with reenactors who bring history alive for tiny visitors. 

Sunday, Sept. 11: Frick Nature Playdate, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m.

This energy-packed, free outdoor play date is best for kids under 10. Dress your kids in clothes that can get dirty and come explore this unique outdoor play space. There’s even a mud kitchen!

Sunday, Sept. 11: Steelers Season Opener Watch Party: Hazelwood Green, 1 p.m.

Bring your lawn chairs and terrible towels so your family can join in the fun at this free event. Watch the Steelers crush the Bengals on a giant outdoor screen while the kids enjoy face painting, a bounce house, chalk and balloon art, and activities. A variety of food trucks will be available for attendees. Kickoff is at 1 p.m., but feel free to come early. 

Sunday, Sept. 11: Grandparents Day, Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, 

On Grandparents Day at the zoo, all Pap Paps and Grandmas accompanied by a grandchild receive free admission. As a reminder that sharing is caring in the world of extended families, the grandkids are allowed several grandparents on the same deal. UPMC for Life members also receive free admission, with or without a grandchild in tow.

Looking for more things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh? Check out our daily events calendar, and our guide to all the cool family events happening in September. Also, take a moment for all the cool #BeKind21 experiences which kicked off Sept. 1!

And apple picking season is here! Check out our guide to 6 local farms where your family can pick apples (and flowers!).