8 festivals, free events and cool things to do this weekend with kids
Photo courtesy of the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race.
There is so much happening around the Pittsburgh area for families this weekend (six events on Saturday alone!) and a great many of them are happening outdoor. Here are some fun, and mostly free, ideas to make your weekend wonderful.
Friday, September 24: Stop Motion Mania Family Night at Carrie Carpool Cinema
6:15-11:15 p.m.
Gather the entire clan for a drive-in double feature with the dramatic Carrie Blast Furnaces as your backdrop. The animated shorts “Head Over Heels” and “From Dad to Son” come first, and then families can get lost in the fun of “Coraline” and “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” Buy tickets.
Saturday, September 25: Tour the Montour Ride
7:15 a.m.
Cycling loving families can hop on two wheels to traverse the country’s longest suburban rail-trail — and help keep it maintained for future generations — at this fundraiser for the Montour Trail Council (the all-volunteer nonprofit that manages the trail). The ride begins at mile zero in Coraopolis. With four different routes to choose from, the event includes rest stops with snacks and beverages, raffles and a Pittsburgh-themed post-race lunch. Register here.
Saturday, September 25: The Junior Great Race
9:30 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Kids love to run. At the Junior Great Race, scheduled the day before the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race, they can earn a medal for it. The Family Fun Run for ages 5-12 invites grownups to run along with the kids. The Tot Trot sends kids up to age 4 years through a 50-yard walled chute to the finish line. And the littlest Pittsburghers of all can compete on their hands and knees in the Diaper Dash. All kids who complete their competition will receive a commemorative medallion and be eligible to win prizes in the post-race raffle. Plus, they’ll get free snacks and drinks, along with the chance to meet mascots and participate in additional activities. Registration for each junior racer is $10.
Saturday, September 25: Girls Rock Science
10 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Ask anyone: Girls Rock Science! Carnegie Science Center is setting aside a special day for girls to experiment with STEM activities and interact with STEM professionals. This day of hands-on play and demonstrations could inspire future studies and spark ideas about science-related careers. This inclusive event is free with general admission to the Science Center.
Saturday, September 25: Mon-Valley Arts Festival
12-7 p.m.
There are so many reasons to visit West Mifflin this weekend. The historic Allegheny County Airport is turning 90 years young by unveiling its new renovations and the West Mifflin Community Foundation is hosting a free festival with local art, vendors selling art, food trucks, live music and more.
Saturday, September 25: Forge Fest at Community Forge
2-10 p.m.
Welcome fall and celebrate community in Wilkinsburg. Co-produced by Jaquea Mae and Jordan Montgomery of Driving While Black Records, this free festival boasts a lineup of local musicians, DJs, artists, food vendors, prizes and family activities.
Saturday, September 25: Etna Art Tour
4-9 p.m.
Explore the artsy side of Etna. The outdoor-focused festival will feature two stages with bands, dance performances and drum groups. Celebrate all things Etna as you visit displays from local artists and businesses such as Kiya Tomlin’s Work Shop and Jamilka Borges’ new restaurant Wild Child.
Sunday, Sept. 26: The Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival
1 p.m.- 6 p.m.
Bring the whole family to Kennywood for this celebration of Pittsburgh’s favorite food. The event features more than 100 pierogi and pierogi-inspired dishes. Along with dining on all things pierogi, visit the Pop-Up Pierogi Marketplace for pierogi-centric wares including soap, artwork, ornaments and T-shirts. Commonwealth Press designed this year’s official festival T-shirt and a portion of all sales will benefit Community Kitchen Pittsburgh.
