10 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend, from Bellevue’s Brickvue to the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

Photo above by Xavi Cabrera used by permission via Unsplash.

Now that all the area schools are back in full swing, it’s time to condense all that family-togetherness into the weekend. Whether you’re looking for a small, quiet event or a busy fall festival, there are so many things to do in Pittsburgh (and beyond) that are just right for your family this weekend. 

Friday, Sept. 16: 38th Annual Antique Tractor Show, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

At the Hookstown Fairgrounds, this gathering of historic farm equipment will wow any young farming fan. Hosted by the Beaver Valley Antique Equipment & Crafts Association Inc, this event will feature a special collection of John Deere tractors, tractor pulling competitions, kid pedaling competitions, and more. Daily admission at the door is $10, with discounts for seniors. Free for kids 2 and under. Tickets and details here. 

Friday, Sept. 16 through Sunday, Sept. 18: Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, various times

As the days cool off, it’s the perfect season for outdoor music. All weekend long, various artists from across the country will take the stage at Highmark Stadium. Tickets are available as a single-day or weekend pass. 

Saturday, Sept. 17: Bellevue’s Brickvue, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Join other families at a Lego extravaganza. This Love Your Library event is a fundraiser for Andrew Bayne Memorial Library in Bellevue. View a Lego creation of the town itself, make your own creations with Legos, add to the display, and take a chance on some raffle baskets to support the Allegheny County Library Association. This library is located in a park with a playground and skate park, so throw your wheels in the back of the minivan before heading over. Tickets ($5 per person or $15 for a family) are available for purchase here. 

Saturday, Sept. 17: Avalon Touch-a-Truck, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Avalon Borough is giving kids a chance for an up-close look at fire trucks, construction vehicles, and food trucks. In addition to vehicular entertainment, there will be concessions, a used book sale, vendors and other family-friendly entertainment. Proceeds of fundraising benefit Friends of the Avalon Public Library. This event is only several blocks from Brickvue as the neighboring communities celebrate their libraries together.

Saturday, September 17th: “Rusalka,” Pittsburgh Opera, 8 p.m.

Once upon a time, before Disney re-invented Hans Christian Anderson’s The Little Mermaid, a Czech fairytale recounted the fanciful story of a water sprite named Rusalka. Follow the drama at Pittsburgh Opera’s production of Rusalka. The opera, which premiered in 1901, includes supertitle translations. The performance may be best for romantically-minded tweens, teens and adults, though kids as young as 6 are welcome. Tickets for ages 6-18 are half-price for all Pittsburgh Opera performances.

Saturday, Sept. 17: Tee It Forward, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. 

The Arnold Palmer Learning Center, located at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course in Schenley Park, is hosting a free event for anyone who loves golf – or is curious about it. At Tee it Forward, families can enjoy golf coaching, games and contests. The day is rounded out with a cookout and prizes. The event is free, but registration is required. 

Sunday, Sept. 18: Family Day at Allegheny Commons Park, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

This free monthly event occurs the third Sunday of every month from April through October. Spend two hours with other local families taking advantage of the expansive Allegheny Commons Park. Free activities for children include fun with balloon artists and craft activities, as well as special guests and performers. Registration is not required.

Sunday, September 18th: Sustain/Ability, Carnegie Museum of Art, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Carnegie Museum of Art’s Youth Art Initiative invites teens to Sustain/Ability, a day of eco-friendly community and activities. Expect clothing swaps and an exploration of how to help create a more sustainable society. Upcycling workshops will offer ideas for on-the-spot mending and fashion creation. Light refreshments will be served, along with a guided tour of the “Extraordinary Ordinary Things” exhibit. The teen-only Sustain/Ability is free for ages 13-18. Registration is required.

Sunday, September 18th: Liberty Magic @ Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, 2 p.m.

“Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart” is a one-hour performance featuring a combination of stunning magic and clean comedy, and it’s full of interactive wonder. Whether it be shouting the magic words from the comfort of your seats or coming up on stage to be trained as a magical assistant, every member of your party will actively participate throughout the show. Prices range from $25 to $40.

Sept. 18: Gemini Children’s Theater Fairytale Festival, Riverview Park, 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Gemini Theater – and its many fans – are thrilled to return to celebrating its annual fundraiser with an outdoor Fairytale Festival instead of its traditional Royal Ball. Celebrating 25 years of interactive children’s programming, revelers are invited to dress in their favorite fantasy attire as a royal, pixie or another fairytale-related character. The family-focused party includes a unicorn, a royal petting zoo, carnival games and crafting. Expect tasty eats and an opportunity to dance, dance, dance. In addition to sponsorships, tickets are $5 for littles 2 and a half or younger, and $35 for all others, with a special rate of $125 for a family of four.

Looking for more things to do with kids in Pittsburgh? Check out our daily events calendar, and our guide to all the cool family events happening in September. Also, take a moment for all the cool #BeKind21 experiences which kicked off Sept. 1 and run through Sept. 21!

And apple picking season is here! Check out our guide to 6 local farms where your family can pick apples (and flowers!).