What are Horse Trading Days? Discover this local fest and 9 other Pittsburgh weekend events, including Picklesburgh!  

Photo above by Renee Rosensteel courtesy of Picklesburgh/PDP.

While the retail world is already planning for back-to-school, there’s too much fun to be had this summer to rush things. You’ll find a bunch of Pittsburgh weekend events around the city and beyond, including an evening at the Carnegie Science Center, Picklesburgh and a local festival called Horse Trading Days. Can you guess what the original event was about? 

Below you’ll find those events and more. And don’t miss our guides to local outdoor swimming pools and super-cool indoor swimming pools, also local ice cream places where kids and grownups can cool off. Also, check out our big summer events guide and get the scoop on free movies in the parks — and find out how you can enjoy a “no-cation” this summer.

Thursday, July 20 – Saturday, July 22: Zelienople’s Horse Trading Days

Not as much horse trading goes on at this festival as when it first began, but it’s a great family event. The main street of historic downtown Zelienople is full of events, a dog show, vendors and activities. Some parts of the celebration extend beyond town, so be sure to check the full schedule. Zelienople also has a great town park with a pool, skate/BMX area, ADA accessible playground and a wading stream — so come prepared! 

Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23: Picklesburgh

This has become one of the most popular Pittsburgh weekend events in July each year. Rated the top speciality food festival in the country for several years running, Picklesburgh is a can’t miss event for pickle lovers (or anyone who likes a good festival). It takes place in a new location this year — along the Boulevard of the Allies. Stop by the Lil’ Gherkins area for the kid activities and buy a chocolate-covered pickle to round out the day. 

Friday, July 21: Plant Walk at McKinley Park, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. 

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 for this event.

Friday, July 21: Short Short Fest at Schenley Plaza, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

 The Short Short Fest is a touring animation festival for local and independent animators and creatives. There will be games, prizes, and creative activities. This festival is free and no registration is required. 

Saturday, July 22: Story Time at Spark Books, 10:30 a.m. 

If you haven’t discovered the delightful Spark Books in Aspinwall yet, this weekend is the perfect chance. This story time includes activities and an ever-changing rotation of the best in kid lit. Check out their website for updates about this event and art classes at the store, as well. (And don’t miss our guide to great local bookstores the whole family will love.)

Saturday, July 22: Monarch Madness at Glade Run Lake, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Folks from the Glade Run Lake Conservancy in Valencia will be leading this free event to teach all about the health and life of monarch butterflies in this region before they make their long flight south. Entomologist Julia Schwierking will lead the hour-long event, which is best for ages 5 and up. Bring a blanket or chairs, and pack your fishing gear — this is a great spot for kids to fish! 

Saturday, July 22: A Visit from the Zoo at CLP, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Have you ever wanted to see zoo animals up close and personal? You can this weekend when Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium comes to the Downtown location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for an up-close-and-personal encounter. Find the details of this free event here. 

Saturday, July 22: SkyWatch, Carnegie Science Center, 9 p.m.

This special event occurs hours after the museum has closed to guests — it needs to be dark to get the best view. Connect with the night sky with a planetarium performance and live views through a rooftop telescope. Tickets are $12.

Saturday July 22 and Sunday, July 23: Pancakes with Parents, Pittsburgh Zoo, 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Get treated to a tasty breakfast along with other fun activities before heading out to explore the zoo for the day. Tickets are $40 (though they’re $10 for those younger than 2), which includes zoo general admission.

Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23: Vintage Grand Prix Race Day at Schenley Park

Vintage Grand Prix lineup of events begin July 9, but this challenging racecourse is the biggest attraction. The best place to watch the races is from the Bob O’Connor Golf Course where the Grand Prix stages its International Car Show. A weekend donation is $10. Parking is available on Flagstaff Hill for $30 and up to 4 people in the car receive a wristband for free entry into the event and shuttle transport to the golf course.

The fun doesn’t stop here! Check out our daily events calendar. We’ve also got the scoop on local farms where you can pick your own berries. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter so you never miss a thing in Kidsburgh.