It’s time for the Pittsburgh Irish Festival, and 10 other Pittsburgh weekend events for affordable family fun 

Photo above courtesy of the Pittsburgh Irish Festival.

Labor Day weekend is behind us, but this weekend is still full of sunny skies and lots of events around the region. From various festivals and library events to a sensory-friendly concert, plus plenty of rivers and lakes to explore and the beginning of apple picking season, check out what’s happening in Kidsburgh this weekend: 

Friday, Sept. 8 – Tuesday, Oct. 17: RADical Days

Each fall, tax dollars in Allegheny County fund 40 days of enjoying our regional assets in the district — hence the name “RAD” days. During the RADical days fall festival, you’ll find free admission to museums, conservatories and gardens, plus free concerts and more. Find the full schedule of free adventures right here. 

Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10: Somerset Historical Society Mountain Craft Days

In Somerset County, this festival is dedicated to showcasing the local crafts and artisan talents of southwestern Pennsylvania colonists. Kids can learn through displays and hands-on demonstrations. Children 5 and under are free, and admission begins at $5 for older kids and grownups. Check out all the festival has to offer here. 

Friday, Sept. 8 – Sunday, Sept. 10: Pittsburgh Irish Festival

At the Carrie Blast Furnace, enjoy three days of Irish food, beverages, dancing and history. There will be tours of the furnace, a chance to pet Irish dogs, and tons of vendors and activities. Kids 12 and under are free, and regular admission is $20. Find all the details about the festival here. 

Saturday, Sept. 9: STEAM Studio Hex Bug Challenge, 10 a.m. 

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust has lots of great workshops for families that are pretty affordable. This event is $25 per family, and pre registration is required. Families at this workshop will plan and build together to help their wiggly robotic bug make it through a maze. Find the details here. 

Saturday, Sept. 9: Sewickley Harvest Festival, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This event kicks off fall in Sewickley, with vendors, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, and plenty of food. The festival is in the heart of the business district, but don’t miss War Memorial Park while you’re in town. Not only is it a great playground with some more daring climbs for big kids, there’s a wading stream as well for cooling off. Check out the details of the festival on their website. 

Saturday, Sept. 9: Riverview Park Day, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

This park in the North Side is a gem, between the many hiking trails, Allegheny Observatory, playground and pool (closed for the season). For Riverview Park Day each year, there is music, food, guided hikes, activities for kids and ranger sessions. Check out the details on the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy website. 

Saturday, Sept. 9: Pittsburgh Community Science Workshop with Science Bus, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

At the Mount Washington location of the CLP, this free two-hour event will let kids explore and learn about live animals, carnivorous plants, and other scientific wonders. Check out their website for all the details.

Saturday, Sept. 9: Back-to-School Celebration with Azure Concerts, 3 p.m. 

At CLP’s main Oakland location, the violinist Monique Mead and pianist Tina Cardenes will be putting on a sensory-friendly interactive free show for the whole family. Guests are invited to sit, stand, dance or do any behavior they want to enjoy the show.

Saturday, Sept. 9 – Sunday, Sept. 10: “Cleopatra and Antony” with Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks, various times

Don’t think your kids are into Shakespeare? You may be surprised. Pittsburgh Shakespare in the Parks is a local group that provides free shows for the community to instill a love of Shakespeare in people. They do ask for donations if you’re able to support their mission. A cast of nine with tell the tale of Cleopatra and her relationship with Mark Antony of Rome. There are various performances throughout the weekend. 

Saturday, Sept. 9 – Sunday, Sept. 10: Art Book Fair at the CMOA

For two days, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Pittsburgh Art Book Fair will showcase some of the best visual works in the region, including magazines, books and other publications. There will also be book-making activities for children as part of the museum’s regular weekend family programming. Find out more details about the fair here. 

Sunday, Sept. 10: River City Brass Band at MuseumLab, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

As part of RAD Days, the River City Brass Band will be playing a free concert at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, which is also open free of charge that day. Reserving free tickets to the museum ahead of time is recommended, but don’t let the “free day” scare you away — the museum staff is very good at managing crowds! Find all the details here.

Note: The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh reopens Sept. 8 after a one-week closure.  

Looking for more Pittsburgh weekend events and things to do every day of the week? We have a guide to the whole month of September. Sign up for our free newsletter here.

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