10 weekend events to send out summer in Pittsburgh — many of them free!

Photo courtesy of Fort Pitt Museum.

This final weekend before Labor Day is brimming with family fun, including a celebration of the banana split and a chance to meet Daniel Tiger. It’s also the last weekend for many area pools, so check out our big pool guide and enjoy one last summer dip.

It’s a great weekend in Kidsburgh:

Thursday, Aug. 22 and Sunday, Aug. 25: Meet Daniel Tiger at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

This special event is included with admission, though visits will be done on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration begins at 10 a.m. at the front desk of the museum. Families are allowed to take their own pictures with Daniel. Find admission rates and details here.

Friday, Aug. 23: Playdate at the Library, 10:30 a.m.

Children learn and grow through play, and this event is designed to foster that. Come to the Lawrenceville branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for this free one-hour play session, designed for kids under age 5. Playdate is a time for families to grow their community, enjoy toys, games and supplies in the children’s space and connect with CLP’s Children’s Services staff. Find more details here.

Friday, Aug. 23: Los Sabrosos Dance Co. Anniversary Social and Showcase, 7 p.m.

Come out and celebrate 13 lucky years of Los Sabrosos Dance Company. Join the team for performances, treats and great dancing at the open-air Avonworth Pavilion, where you’ll find a beautiful mahogany wooden dance floor. The performances begin at 7 p.m., followed by mini lessons, dancing and a champagne toast. Tickets are $10 for kids and $20 for adults. They can be purchased here.

Saturday, Aug. 24: Run Around the Square, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Join other families in Regent Square for their annual 1.5 mile fun run and 5K races! The 1.5 mile fun run/walk starts at 8:15 a.m., with the option of registering a dog. The 5K starts at 9:00 a.m. Join participants in Frick Park Hollow afterwards for free entertainment and refreshments. Sign up here.

Saturday, Aug. 24: Monroeville Public Library Fun Fest, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

The sixth annual Library Fun Fest will be held this weekend on the Monroeville Public Library campus. Last year approximately 2,500 people came together to enjoy games, music, activities and food, along with community and exhibitor booths. New for 2024, visitors can meet Bluey, from the hit animated television series. Bluey’s special appearances happen from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Also making a debut: free Hair Tinsel attachments. And back by popular request are the petting zoo, balloon artists, inflatable rides, magician, ceramic animal painting and the Gateway High School Robotics Club. This Fun Fest event is free and more details can be found here.

Aug. 24: Cannon Firing at the Fort Pitt Museum, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Experience the boom of the Fort Pitt Museum’s replica British six-pounder cannon and learn how artillery was used at the Point during the 1700s. Costumed re-enactors will ceremoniously fire the cannon at select times, weather permitting. Admission is free for outdoor activities.

Saturday, Aug. 24: Kids Club at the Library, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

This free event will take place at the East Liberty branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Kids Club programs may include crafts, games, books, technology and more. These events are a place to meet new friends, hang out with old friends and try something new. This event is geared for kids in grades K-5.

Saturday, Aug. 24: 13th Annual Bocce Tournament and Festival, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Support Heinz History Center’s Italian American Program at this annual event at Arcrisure Stadium. Cheer on the players and enjoy entertainment from The Aces, The New Pure Gold and The Jaggerz. Italian fare by Common Plea Catering will also be available for purchase, but this event is free.

Saturday, Aug. 24 and Sunday, Aug. 25: The Great American Banana Split Fest

Did you know the banana split was invented in Latrobe? This event celebrates that momentous occasion with food, fun, and games. There’s even a car show! Find all of the details about this sweet event here.

Sunday, Aug. 25: Breakdancing for Kids, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

These easy, fun classes allow students to learn the first steps to becoming a breakdancer. Students will get the chance to explore new movements gradually as the teacher breaks down the elements of each step. Class begins with a warm-up and ends with open questions. The goal is for students to build confidence in themselves and the new moves they’ve learned. The price varies based on the amount of classes purchased.

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