14 weekend events for Pittsburgh families, including Independence Day fun, Anthrocon, the Big Butler Fair and much more

It’s hard to believe it’s July already, but this weekend will ring in the second weekend of summer. You’ll find great weekend events for Pittsburgh families, including four whole days of low-cost or free family activities. Enjoy the long weekend — hit the water, watch some fireworks, or take in some live music.

Kick off the weekend early on Thursday night with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy during their first Summer at the Square Block Party of 2023. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., you’ll find an awesome evening of larger-than-life lawn games, live music and local food vendors at Mellon Square Park.

Then check out this lineup of great weekend events to choose from: 

Now through July 2: “Into the Woods,” Benedum Center

What happens when the fairytale ends? Pittsburgh CLO presents this innovative production that is sure to enchant as it ventures beyond “happily ever after.” Tickets start at $29.

Now through July 5: “The Spell of Sleeping Beauty,” South Park Theatre

 The familiar story of Princess Briar-Rose who is cursed by a witch to fall into a deep sleep is presented as a charming and comedic story with zany, lovable characters. Tickets are $5, free for ages 3 and younger.

Friday, June 30: Story Time, Schenley Plaza, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Kids ages 5 and younger will enjoy a story reading, followed by free rides on the PNC Carousel. Registration is required for this event.

Friday, June 30: Final Fridays Disco Golf Party, Schenley Park, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Gather with friends or family to play 18-holes on Schenley Park’s classic disc golf course. Then, head to Schenley Plaza where you’ll putt the 19th Hole and join the after party. Begin at the 19th Hole with rental discs, discs for sale, and putting practice on the Final Friday of each month through October. This event is best for ages 14 and older. No registration is required.

Friday, June 30: Sewickley Night Market, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Come out to the Sewickley Night Market for food, music, vendors, and more. This once-a-month event in the picturesque Sewickley business district is the perfect place to spend a few family-friendly hours. While you’re there, check out War Memorial Park with its many play structures and a creek that’s perfect for wading, (so bring a change of clothes if your family will be dipping in). 

Friday, June 30: Family Pride Night, Pittsburgh Zoo, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Celebrate Pride and LGBTQIA+ communities with an evening of fun, inclusive activities for families of all ages. Admission is $25. (This ticket cannot be combined with other discounts.) 

Friday, June 30: Summer Fridays at the Frick, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

On the final Friday of each month, the Frick Museum features live music, food, and family-friendly activities at no cost (food is purchased separately). The museum is open throughout the event. (The Frick mentions that pets, scooters, bikes and sports equipment are not a fit for this event, even though it is held on a lawn. There are bike racks available at the entrance if you arrived on two wheels.) Find more details here. 

Friday June 30 – Saturday, July 8: The Big Butler Fair

Now in its 167th year, the fair includes the School Bus Demolition Derby, country music concerts, midway games and carnival rides. Kids will be entertained by the Agricadabra agricultural magic show, the exotic petting zoo and Hot Diggity Dog Show. Admission is $7-$9, free for ages 6 and younger. Ride-all-day packages are available.

Saturday, July 1: Anthrocon Fursuit Parade and Block Party, 1:45 p.m. 

Anthrocon participants will close down Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th streets for two public events – the Fursuit Parade and the Anthrocon Block Party in Market Square – for a family-friendly day of mingling with their fandom. Parade participants should arrive around 11 a.m. for photos and to line up for the parade. 

Saturday, July 1: North Boroughs Community Day, 6 p.m.

The five tiny boroughs bordering the city to the north — Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Bellevue, Avalon, and  Emsworth — are joining together to celebrate the long weekend with an evening filled with games, raffles, food, fireworks and more. This event will be held at Avalon Community Park, which has a pool and a brand new playground. Come early to swim, then stay for the festivities. 

Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Allegheny County Parks, 8:15 p.m.

As part of their summer concert series, the PSO will be performing on July 1 at South Park and the following evening at Hartwood Acres. These concerts are a great, free way to let kids experience a variety of music genres in a low-stakes setting where they can run around. A suggested donation of $20 per car load benefits Allegheny County Human Services, but is not required. 

Sunday, July 2: Independence Day Celebration, Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village. 

Celebrate the spirit of America with historical demonstrations and period games at Meadowcroft’s 18th-century frontier area and 19th-century rural village. Activities included with general admission. 

Tuesday, July 4: Fourth at the Fort, Fort Pitt Museum, 1 p.m.

Museum staff, scouts and local veterans will help celebrate the Fourth of July holiday by raising a 36-foot American flag. Following the patriotic flag raising ceremony, visitors can enjoy a family-friendly afternoon of living history demonstrations, cannon-firing and 18th-century martial music. Outdoor activities are free.

Tuesday, July 4: City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration, Point State Park

Enjoy a family-style picnic, complete with patriotic music and food vendors from 4-10 p.m. The Independence Day Fireworks will begin at 9:35 p.m.

Want more events for Pittsburgh families? Check out our daily events calendar! We’ve also got a list of nearly 100 summer events and a guide to the best pools around the region.