10 weekend events in Pittsburgh and the region, including free fun at the Three Rivers Arts Fest

Photo above courtesy of Three Rivers Arts Festival.

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, it’s officially time for summer fun. From the city to Beaver County to Westmoreland and beyond, there are so many weekend events in the Pittsburgh region. We’ve collected highlights for you here, but it’s hard to pack it all into just one list. So make sure you sign up for the Kidsburgh newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!

Check out all the fun happenings and weekend events for the first weekend in June: 

Friday, June 2: Three Rivers Arts Festival Opening Day

It’s time for the Three Rivers Arts Festival once again, which runs from June 2 until June 11 along a 14-block stretch of Downtown. While there’s pricey art and food, there are also a ton of free and accessible family activities which we have rounded up here. Please check their event page for the most up-to-date information. 

Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4: Pittsburgh Pride Festival

Always overlapping with the arts festival, Pittsburgh Pride is also back this weekend with a jam-packed schedule of events, live music, and activities. The parade route runs from the Strip District to the Children’s Museum. Grab a seat early! See their schedule for events and updates. 

Saturday, June 3: Stream Keepers at North Park, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This watershed experience employs STEM-education plus recreation and arts to explore a local stream. By visiting a local stream and having the opportunity to observe it as scientists, anglers, and artists, youth will get the complete picture of what their stream could mean to them. Girl Scouts can earn a Patch by their participation. This free event is by Penn’s Woods West Trout Unlimited Chapters (Pennsylvania) and is limited to 12 kids ages 11-14. Sign up here. 

Saturday, June 3: Family Story Time at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join other families with kids age birth through 5 years old at this free interactive event at the Squirrel Hill branch. Sing, dance, and learn valuable early literacy skills. Find more info here. 

Saturday, June 3: Storytime Under the Stars at the Carnegie Science Center, 11 a.m. 

Come hear a story in the planetarium under the sweeping stars. It’s a unique twist on a typical story time. This event is included with your admission, so use the rest of the day to check out the many great exhibits at the CSC. 

Saturday, June 3: Therapet Visit at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Animals can be calming and soothing — especially when they receive special training. Meet some furry friends from Animal Friends at the Mount Washington location of the library for an hour of comforting fun. Find more details about this free and recurring event here. 

Saturday, June 3: Heritage Public Library Summer Kickoff Party and Car Cruise, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Come out to McDonald for food trucks, vintage cars, kids’ games and giveaways, and more. Bring your Kona Ice cups for reduced-price refills (and reduce waste!). There are also yard sales, and a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Trail Station before the main event. This event is totally free with food available for purchase. 

Saturday, June 3: Beaver County BBQ and Brews Fest, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

This event has food, brews, games for kids, live music and more. There will be giveaways and contests as well.  It’s all happening at Townsend Park in New Brighton. Tickets can be purchased here for those who wish to participate in the beer tasting. Kids and non-drinkers attend for free! 

Sunday, June 4: Princess Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet, boarding 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Party like a princess on this cruise with heroines from favorite movies. Tickets for this cruise are $20 for kids, $32 for grownups. Find more info here about all of the cruises on the Gateway Clipper Fleet. 

Sunday, June 4: ARMCO Park Wheels of Steel Car Cruise, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For the third year in a row, classic cars will gather at ARMCO Park in Slippery Rock. This event is free with loads of activities for families, food trucks and stands, vendors, and more. Check out the whole list of details here. 

Did you see our guides for berry picking and our latest Maker Monday guide to making glitter goop? If you’re looking for more fun events in Pittsburgh for families, don’t miss our daily events calendar for even more fun.