12 free and affordable Pittsburgh events this weekend, including concerts, festivals, races and a demolition derby

Photo above courtesy of P3R. 

This weekend is shaping up to be gorgeous, and there are so many Pittsburgh events happening.

It’s officially RAD days — if you missed our list of these fun free family events, check it out right here. It’s also time for the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, and this weekend kicks off Allegheny County’s fall concert series. (Check out all the upcoming September fun right here.) 

Your family’s fun weekend of Pittsburgh events starts here: 

Thursday, Sept. 14- Tuesday, Sept. 19: Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

This is the 13th year of Pittsburgh’s jazz festival, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, you should! With four days of music, the August Wilson African America Cultural Center has created a lineup that will have your whole family dancing in the streets (literally). Jazz has played an important part in Pittsburgh’s history. Find details, tickets, and information right here. 

Friday, Sept. 15: International Dot Day at Neighborhood North Museum of Play, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

If you haven’t yet checked out Beaver County’s children’s museum, Neighborhood North Museum of Play, this is a great chance to do so. Friday is International Dot Day, and the museum has a slew of events planned to celebrate. International Dot Day was created in 2015 when teacher Terry Shay introduced his classroom to Peter H. Reynolds’ book, “The Dot.” It is now a worldwide celebration of courage, creativity, and collaboration. Check out details here. 

Saturday, Sept. 16: International Day of Play in Hazelwood, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

Around the world, people will be celebrating the art and joy of play this weekend. The Pittsburgh Playful Collaborative will be hosting the event at the Lytle Land park in Hazelwood that boasts the Hazelwood Play Trail. There will be a variety of free play and craft activities. Get creative and come join the fun. 

Saturday, Sept. 16: RAD tours of David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon

Visitors are welcome to come to the convention center, which is a LEED GOLD certified building, for a tour. Tours are 45 minutes long and will occur at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m. As part of the free event, parking will be validated for those parked in the convention center garage at 10th Street and Penn Avenue. Call 412-565-6000 to reserve your spot. 

Saturday, Sept. 16: FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk is your family’s chance to race the runway. This unique course gives participants exclusive access to run through the airfield and taxiways of Pittsburgh International Airport, a true behind-the-scenes look and a side of the airport few get to see. This family-friendly race makes it possible for everyone to earn their wings! There are two options to participate: the 5K (a timed 3.1-mile course) and the 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk (untimed), so there’s something for everyone.

Saturday, Sept. 16: Pop-up Art Festival in Homewood, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

This community festival’s theme is “I love being Black.” Come check out five booths of Africana-inspired crafts for children, dance performances, carnival games and more. There will also be a DJ to keep the party hopping as well as a “bubble land.”  Sponsored by the PRIDE Program of the University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Child Development, this is the only festival in the country focused on celebrating and affirming Black children. Check out the details for this free event. 

Saturday, Sept. 16: Free concert at Harrison Hills Park, 2 p.m. 

As part of RAD days, the musical group Good Karma Band will kick off the Allegheny County fall concert series with a selection of classic rock and blues. Bring some chairs, a cooler, and kick back in the cover an array of classic rock and blues hits to open the Allegheny County Fall Concert Series. 

Saturday, Sept. 16: Westmoreland County Demolition Derby Championship, 7:30 p.m. 

Want to watch lots of cars smash into each other while the crowd cheers? Then a demolition derby is the place for you. This event is at the Westmoreland County fairgrounds. Kids are $5, adults are $10, and pit passes are $20 for all ages. Check out their Facebook page for up-to-date information. 

Sunday, Sept. 17: Pittsburgh County Fair, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Ok, Pittsburgh isn’t a county. But the organizers of this event say they are excited to throw a county fair regardless. Come to Allegheny Commons Park to learn about handicrafts, dyeing and fermenting. There will be activities and lessons, too. Check out the event page for all of the details. 

Sunday, Sept. 17: Waterfront Fall Fest and Pup-kin Race, 1 p.m to 5 p.m.

At the Waterfront shopping plaza in Homestead, it’s time for a fun-packed day featuring fall activities, vendors, food, and the popular pup-kin race. There will be a free pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting. Registration is free — but note the event is for dogs 25 lbs. or less. Check out all the details and registration information here. 

Sunday, Sept. 17: Science lecture on fungi at Powdermill Nature Reserve, 2 p.m.

The Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club Identifier and Allegheny Land Trust Environmental Education Associate Sara Klingensmith will be leading this hour-long interactive session that will teach attendees about local fungi. This event is free, but registration is strongly recommended. This event could be a fun(gi) time for all ages, but is best for middle schoolers and beyond.  

Sunday, Sept. 17: Little Kids Disco at SouthSide Works, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Joel and Amy Lindsey first got the idea for these Little Kids Disco dance parties when they realized their 5-year-old son had never experienced the same level of entertainment that they provide to adults as professional musicians. “We have this wonderful lighting and equipment that I use when I DJ events and I showed my son one day and his eyes lit up. We started hosting dance parties throughout Pittsburgh for little kids and their families, and it just took off,” says Joel Lindsey. This event is free and appropriate for all ages. There will be music, dancing, interactive programming, contests, and more. Details are here.

These are just a few of the events and things to do this weekend. Our calendar is always available to find more, or submit your organization’s event. Sign up for our newsletter here, too. Did you know Kidsburgh is also on Instagram? Follow along so you don’t miss a thing.