16 fun August events in the Pittsburgh area to send summer out with a bang

Photo above courtesy of the Moraine State Park Regatta.

Don’t let the dwindling days and back-to-school ads deter your family from fitting in a few more fun activities before that bus pulls up to the curb. We’ve found some great August events in Pittsburgh to fill those last lazy summer days — including a few that are inside for when the temperature is miserable.

Read on to plan your August in style: 

All Month Long: Three for Free Museum Admission

To celebrate The Warhol, The Heinz History Center, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh all winning a USAToday 10Best award for best museums, they’ve decided to offer free admission all month long. Pittsburgh was the only city to win three categories. Advanced reservations are recommended but not required.

Aug. 4, 11, 25: Music on the lawn at SouthSide Works

Come on out to SouthSide Works for three live music events, starting on each of these dates at 6 p.m. There’s room to dance and play. Watch boats on the river, bring your pup to the spacious dog park and check out the free arcade games at Pins Mechanical Co. It’s a perfect summer family evening. Find the lineup here. 

Aug. 5 and 6: Moraine State Park Regatta

This two-day event is packed with food, swimming, water sports, educational activities, and celebration at Butler County’s largest lake. The event is free, though families pay for food and beverages separately. There will be fly fishing lessons, kayaking lessons and more. Check out the full lineup here. 

Aug. 5: Children’s Entrepreneur Market

This award-winning program will take place at the North Strabane Community Day Event from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Kids will learn about entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership through hands-on experiences. Kids decide what to sell, create a booth, talk to customers and more. Come check out what the kids have created and find out how you can be a part of it. Details are here. 

Aug. 6: The Link Between Oppenheimer and Shippingport

At the historic Lindsay Theater in Sewickley, nuclear operator Jim Clark will be giving a presentation before a screening of the popular new film “Oppenheimer.” Clark, who is also a docent at the Beaver County Industrial Museum, will explain how Beaver County’s nuclear power plant in Shippingport was the first peacetime application of Oppenheimer’s invention. He will also show photographs on loan from the museum. This event happens at 2:30 p.m. with a showing of the movie directly afterwards. Tickets can be purchased here. 

Aug. 7-16: “Cinderella Caterpillar,” South Park Theatre

For those extra hot days, why not take in a show? This savvy spoof turns the age-old “Cinderella” love story into a modern-day bug story with a fresh and original twist. Tickets are $5, and admission is free for ages 3 and younger.

Aug. 11: Plant Walks, Allegheny Commons West

Join community herbalist Annie Fox on a slow, one-mile walk to learn how to identify local edible and medicinal plants, review safe and ethical foraging practices, and connect with the plant life of our region. Registration is free.

Aug. 12: Super Science Saturday: Land of the Giants, Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Kids can take a closer look at some of the largest specimens in the museum’s collection, from mammoths to giant geodes. Learn how our planet has supported enormous organisms like T. Rexes and sequoias throughout geologic time. These activities are included with museum admission.

Aug. 13: Kids Day at Schenley Plaza

Enjoy Kids Day activities like a balloon artist, crafts, special guests and performers, plus rides on the PNC carousel. This event is free and geared for kids age 8 and under with no registration required. 

Aug. 13: CLP’s Summer Reading Extravaganza

From 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the main CLP location (4400 Forbes Ave. in Oakland), families will find programs and activities celebrate the theme of this year’s CLP summer reading program, “Find Your Voice.” Enjoy live music, hands-on craft projects including a science workshop and balloon art, and also games, storytelling and a contest to guess the total number of books that Pittsburghers read this summer. Families will have many opportunities to win prizes throughout the day, with the final Pittsburgh reading number revealed and a grand prize awarded at the end of the event. If you get hungry, food trucks will also be on hand. Get all the details here.

Aug. 17-27: “Willie Wonka Jr.,” Little Lake Theatre Company

If your kids haven’t yet seen Willy Wonka or heard the classic tale, they’ll want to before the new film with Wonka’s backstory drops in December. This local performance is the perfect opportunity to catch them up.  Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory lights up the stage in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s fantastical tale. The show features songs from the 1971 film, in addition to a host of new tunes. Best for ages 3 and older. Tickets are $25, $15 for those younger than 16.

Aug. 19: Vintage Base Ball Day, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village 

Come watch a 19th-century base ball game  (originally two words) with the Somerset Frosty Sons of Thunder and the Addison Mountain Stars, who will use 1860s rules. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy America’s favorite pastime. Free with general admission. This museum is part of the Heinz History Center family of museums. 

Aug.19: Rhythm & Brews Festival

Come out to Bellevue for outdoor music, food from a variety of local restaurants and vendors, as well as family-friendly activities and space to dance. Don’t forget that Bayne Park has a skate park, so bring your wheels. This event is from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and those not sampling beer do not need a ticket. Find more details here. 

Aug. 20: Little Kids Disco at SouthSide Works

Joel Lindsey Entertainment presents a very special Little Kids Disco from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at SouthSide Works. This event is free and appropriate for all ages. There will be music, dancing, interactive programming, contests, and more. Details are here. 

Aug. 24: Sloth Birthday Party, The National Aviary

It’s hard to believe our city’s baby sloth is already one year old! If you haven’t said hi yet, why not stop by the aviary?  Kids can sign a card and enjoy sloth-related activities and coloring sheets. Included with aviary admission.

Aug. 26-Oct. 1: Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, West Newton

While this event begins the same week most schools start, the good news is that it runs for more than 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. 

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