11 Pittsburgh weekend events for every age and budget, from boat tours to close encounters with birds of prey

Photo above courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

There are so many Pittsburgh weekend events for families, ranging from low-key free events to some special tours and ticketed activities. There is something to match every family’s energy level — and budget. So scan the list below. And while you’re here, don’t forget to check out our guide to summer pools and our list of nearly100 things to do this summer. 

Friday, June 23: TheraPets at Woods Run Library, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

At Animal Friends, they train pets in therapeutic skills so that they can be loving and helpful to their human companions. Come out to the Woods Run branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to meet some of these pets in person. This event is great for children with a fear of dogs to experience a canine in a safe space, as well. 

Friday through Sunday, June 23 – 25: Pogopalooza: The World Championship of Pogo

The 22nd Annual World Championships of Pogo happens this month in Pittsburgh. This family-friendly competition features the world’s best extreme pogo stick athletes competing on high-powered pogo sticks jumping 10 feet in the air, doing flips and more. In the Free Jump area, kids can try pogos of all sizes and learn the basics. Along with watching the pros, check out the Kids 15 and Under Bounce Off happening on the final day. Anyone 15 and younger can join this open competition to see who can stay bouncing on a pogo stick the longest. (Pogos are provided for those who don’t have their own.) The winner gets a brand new, high-end pogo stick. Details here.

Saturday, June 24: The Children’s Museum Turns 40, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Come on out to the Children’s Museum for a blow-out summer free day to celebrate the Museum’s 40th birthday! Festivities happening in the Children’s Museum, MuseumLab and outside include live music, outdoor games and activities, circus artists, performances, dancing and much more. Admission for everyone is free all day. (Note: The Museum Lab will not open until noon.)  

Saturday, June 24: Beaver County Boom!

At the confluence of the Ohio and Beaver rivers, this event includes an air show, games, events, a free concert by country stars Big & Rich, food and more. The fun begins at noon and runs all day. At 9:45 p.m., end the evening with a spectacular Zambelli fireworks display over the water. Check out Visit Beaver County or this Facebook event post for more details. This event is free with vendors for food and beverages. 

Saturday, June 24: Books and Birds at Big Rock Park, 12 p.m. 

Along the Beaver River in New Brighton, the Ohio School of Falconry will be bringing birds of prey for a live encounter with kids and adults alike — all for free! This event is sponsored by the New Brighton Library. 

Saturday, June 24: 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. 

Saturday, June 24: Doors Open Pittsburgh Boat Tour, 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Curious about the history and mysteries of the Allegheny River? This family-friendly cruise takes guests from Acrisure Stadium to Herr’s Island. The tour is 90 minutes in length and will give riders an in-depth look into questions like, “Who were the three sisters?” and “What does horseradish have to do with a floating house?” Join engineer and local bridge expert Todd Wilson and architectural historian Justin Greenawalt for a fresh and immersive look at the histories and mysteries of the Allegheny River. Tickets begin at $15 and can be purchased here.

Saturday, June 24: Teen Time at CLP East Liberty, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Have a teen that is too old for camps but looking for something fun to do this summer? Check out Teen Time at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. During this free hang time, kids in grades 6-12 can play games, create art and connect with one another. Find out details here. 

Saturday, June 24: Market Square Night Market, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., rain or shine

This popular Pittsburgh weekend event is back. The Downtown night market kicks off this Saturday and will run most Friday and Saturday nights through October. The Downtown Pittsburgh Sound series of free concerts will be happening on the Pittsburgh City Paper Stage (this week, you’ll hear songwriters Lindsay Dragan, Zachary Lee and Evan Dean presented by Mr. Small’s Acoustic Café). And you can browse booths filled with artisan crafts, fashion, art, jewelry and photography, as well as small batch food items from independent vendors around the Pittsburgh area. Get all the details here.

Sunday, June 25: First Responders Day at Ross Park Mall with Touch-a-Truck, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In partnership with Jamie’s Dream Team, the Ross Township Police Department will host a day for kids to meet first responders and explore the vehicles. The first hour of the event will be sensory-friendly, with no sirens or lights. Find out more details here. This event is free to attend and will take place at mall entrance #2/the second-level Macy’s entrance along the south side of the mall. 

Sunday, June 25: Summer Sound with Hazelwood Local, 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Jam out with Hazelwood Local and partners Weather Permitting for this free series of summer concerts. Habbina Habbina and Ames Harding and the Mirage will take the stage in June. The plaza opens at 5 p.m. with the music starting around 6 p.m. This event is open to all ages, and additional kid activities and games will be available during each event. Come early to secure your spot and visit fun retail, food and beverage vendors. Fishes & Loaves will have a donation bin set up to collect non-perishable food items. Please bring a donation if you’re able.

Want more Pittsburgh summer events? Check out our daily events calendar! Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter, too. It’s the best way to make sure you never miss a thing.