15 August events to happily send off summer, many of them free!

Photo above courtesy of Riverlife.

It’s hard to believe that August is already upon us and kids will be heading back to school in just a few weeks! Thankfully there’s still plenty of time to enjoy a slew of great events in August. From the Summer Flower Show to a circus on the river, August is packed to the brim with family fun.

Here’s just one option: Want to have a sweet treat and do some good during August? All month long, Bruster’s will be offering the “Heyward Blitz Sundae” (cookie dough ice cream topped with chocolate syrup, Oreo pieces, brownie bites, whipped cream and a cherry) and donating $1 from each sundae to Heyward House. Learn more about Heyward House in our podcast interview with Cam Heyward and in this story about Craig’s Closet.

Check off the rest of the fun on your summer bucket list with the wide range of events in our August guide:

Aug. 2-3: Alumni Theater Company presents “Be More Chill”

The Alumni Theater Company Teen Ensemble is excited to present their 100th show, Joe Tracz’s “Be More Chill.” Catch the show at their home theater, the Bill Nunn Black Box. As a spectacular conclusion to her 16-year tenure with ATC, fearless founder Hallie Donner directs 16 Pittsburgh teens in this campy sci-fi adventure about an undeniably average nerd scaling the harrowing heights of high school social hierarchy. Tickets are $25. Read more about the play and purchase tickets here.

Aug. 2: Under the Sea Family Adventure Night at Phipps Conservatory

From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., visitors can explore the magical underwater world of Phipps’ Summer Flower Show during Under the Sea: Family Adventure Night. There will be educational activity stations, incredible displays and more. Find all the details here.

Aug. 3-4: Moraine State Park Regatta

The regatta celebrates its 25th anniversary this summer. The purpose of the event is to showcase eco-recreational activities with water and land opportunities for all ages, nature-themed experiences, live music and vendors from the local community. Admission is free, with food and beverage available for purchase.

Aug. 5-10: Butler Farm Show

Come out to the Butler Farm Show grounds for five days of animal petting, tractor pulls, carnival rides, great food and more.  This event has been happening since 1948. Admission is $11.25. Find all the details here.

Aug. 7: Sensory-Friendly Morning, Pittsburgh Zoo

Those with sensory processing needs are invited to explore the Zoo early on a quiet morning with smaller than usual crowds. This event is perfect for zoo visitors who may be overwhelmed by the bustle of a typical zoo day. Click here to purchase advance tickets.

Aug 10: Penny Arcade Kids Comedy Show

A watch-and-play comedy show designed for kids! The Arcade Comedy Theater brings together talented improvisers, actors, and comedians to provide family-friendly content on the second Saturday of every month at 2 p.m. This experience is great for children 4-8 years old – but everyone can enjoy the interactive improv, uncontrollable giggles, and free vintage arcade games. Find details here.

Aug. 10: Family Food Truck Festival at Glade Run Lutheran Services

Head to Glade Run on Aug. 10 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to enjoy some of Pittsburgh’s tastiest food trucks. Cold beer, refreshing drinks and sweet treats will be for sale as well. The event also features a car cruise, vendors, mini golf, bake sale, kids zone, raffles and live performances featuring the Sun King Warriors. Admission and parking are free. Proceeds benefit children with autism and individuals served through mental health programs at Glade Run. While you’re there, check out their playground, which made Kidsburgh’s top playground list. Find details about this event here.

Aug. 14: Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Movie in the Park: Disneynature Wings of Life

As part of their summer movie series, this month’s movie will take place at Allegheny Commons Park. These events are totally free, just bring a blanket and some snacks. The movie begins at dusk. Find more details about the event here.

Aug. 16-18: Flotsam River Circus

Get ready for a splash of excitement! Riverlife has partnered with Flotsam River Circus to bring a series of enchanting riverfront performances to Pittsburgh that feature aerial artists, creative performances, and more. Find all of the details here. This incredible event will take place over three days at the following locations:

• Friday: Point State Park (Allegheny River side)
• Saturday: South Shore Riverfront Park (Monongahela River)
• Sunday: Great Lawn (North Shore, Ohio River)

Aug. 17: Youth Skoot with Friends of the Riverfront

For this new event, run by Friends of the Riverfront, a section of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail will be managed by volunteers from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., so that young scooters can enjoy this busy section of the trail safely. Adult volunteers will be holding “stop” and “slow down” signs to manage the bike traffic on the Trail. This will emphasize the need for safety around children on the Trail and ensure Trail users go slowly around the event. Meet up at the new segment of the Three Rivers Heritage Trail that comes out of Allegheny RiverTrail Park.

Aug. 17: Vintage Base Ball Game at Meadowcroft Shelter & Historic Village

Check out what base ball (originally two words) was like during the 1860s. Pack a picnic lunch, peanuts, and Cracker Jacks and enjoy the game. Activities included with general admission.

Aug 17: Hummingbird Day at Powdermill Nature Center

Celebrate the world’s smallest birds! Spend the morning at Powdermill Nature Center learning about colorful, tiny, fast-flying hummingbirds and their important place as pollinators in their ecosystems. Go on a guided hike, learn how to take care of bird feeders, and find out which plants in our area are perfect for pollinators. You may just get to see some hummingbirds up close. This is a family-friendly event open to all ages. Registration required.

Aug. 17-18: Stickball at Fort Pitt

Learn about the native American game of stickball, one of the oldest organized sports played in America. Historically, the game was used to resolve conflicts within tribal communities and between tribes from other towns and regions. Pick up techniques and test your skills at stickball on the Fort Pitt lawn. Admission is free for outdoor activities.

Aug. 24: Cannon Firing, Fort Pitt Museum

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.

Aug. 29-Sept. 2: Kickoff and Rib Festival at Acrisure Stadium

Grab plenty of napkins for this lip-smacking, finger-licking event. Football season officially begins with the Kickoff and Rib Festival that fills the area around Acrisure Stadium. A lineup of local and national bands will take the stage throughout the five-day festival. Admission is free and more details can be found here.