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Things to Do in Pittsburgh This Weekend (Aug. 8 – 10, 2025) Plus Little Italy Days Start Next Week!
- Craig Knox
- Aug 5
- 8 min read
Updated: Aug 7
Summer is winding down, but the weekend of Aug. 8–10, 2025 is packed with activities that show why Pittsburgh shines in the dog days of August. Whether you’re a pop‑culture buff, a craft‑beer connoisseur or simply looking for a family‑friendly day out, there’s something for everyone. This roundup includes large conventions, neighborhood block parties, live music festivals and a special fundraiser for local animal‑rescue Paws Across Pittsburgh (where I foster failed with Peanut!).
Steel City Con – pop culture overload in Monroeville
Dates: Friday–Sunday, Aug. 8–10, 2025
Website: steelcitycon.com
Location: Monroeville Convention Center, 209 Mall Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146
Contact: DS Promotions, LLC – 5830 Ellsworth Ave., Suite 101, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 • (412) 431‑4433
Pittsburgh’s own comic‑con returns to the Monroeville Convention Center for a three‑day celebration of all things pop culture. This year’s Steel City Con boasts more than 100,000 square feet of exhibits and hundreds of vendor tables. Fans can browse collectibles, shop for comics, join panel discussions and meet celebrities such as the cast of Full House, Matthew Lewis, Chumlee, Gaten Matarazzo, The Pawn Stars, Mary‑Louise Parker and Sara Gilbert. Best of all, you can meet Darth Maul... er, uh, Ray Park! The convention also hosts costume contests, an artist alley and autograph sessions, and children ages 10 and under get in free with a paying adult.
PulpFest – celebrating pulp fiction’s golden age
Dates: Thursday–Sunday, Aug. 7–10, 2025
Website: pulpfest.com
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh – Cranberry, 910 Sheraton Dr., Mars, PA 16046
Contact: jack@pulpfest.com • 1272 Cheatham Way, Bellbrook, OH 45305 • hotel inquiries: (724) 776‑6900 or (855) 610‑8733
If you enjoy vintage science fiction, adventure tales or detective stories, PulpFest is for you. The convention traces its roots to the pulp magazines of the early 20th century, whose inexpensive wood‑pulp pages gave birth to characters like Tarzan, Zorro, Buck Rogers and Conan the Barbarian. This year marks the 53rd edition of PulpFest and honors the 150th birthdays of legendary pulp writers Edgar Rice Burroughs, Rafael Sabatini and Edgar Wallace. Attendees can listen to panels and presentations featuring writers, publishers and artists, bid on vintage ephemera in the auction and explore a dealers’ room filled with rare magazines and collectibles. Although the convention opens Thursday evening, most programming continues through the weekend, giving plenty of time to soak in the nostalgia.
The festival’s host hotel offers a special convention rate (mention PulpFest when booking). Email PulpFest chair David J. Cullers at jack@pulpfest.com with any questions or to request a copy of the festival’s newsletter.
Barrel & Flow Fest – craft beer meets Black arts
Date: Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025
Website: barrelandflow.com
Location: The Stacks at 3 Crossings, 2875 Railroad St., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Contact: info@barrelandflow.com
Named USA Today’s top beer festival in 2024, Barrel & Flow returns for its fifth anniversary with a unique mission: spotlighting Black artists, musicians and small business owners while pouring some of the country’s most inventive brews. The festival features more than 75 breweries and distilleries from across the U.S., many collaborating with artists and performers to create festival‑exclusive releases. Along with craft beverages, attendees can sample food from Black‑owned purveyors and browse booths from local
nonprofits. Live music spans multiple genres, complemented by DJs, visual artists and speakers. Pre‑events earlier in the week include a Collab Vinyl Release Party on Aug. 3 and a Barrel & Float cruise on Aug. 7, making this more than a one‑day celebration.
Rockin’ 4 Rescue – Paws Across Pittsburgh fundraiser
Date: Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025 (doors open at 2:00 pm; event runs 3:00 pm – 8:30 pm)
Event page: Facebook event
Location: JB’s Roadside Bar & Grille, 1633 Saxonburg Blvd., Tarentum, PA 15084
Contact: Paws Across Pittsburgh – info@pawsacrosspittsburgh.com • (412) 495‑2799; venue – (412) 920‑5653
Animal lovers can support a great cause at Rockin’ 4 Rescue, the ninth‑annual benefit for Paws Across Pittsburgh. Held at JB’s Roadside Bar & Grille in the northern suburb of Curtisville, the event promises a day of rock ’n’ roll and fundraising. According to the event description, it’s “a thrilling day of rock and roll dedicated to fundraising for our animal rescue initiatives”1. Proceeds from the $20 admission help cover veterinary care, foster supplies and other expenses for the rescue’s dogs and cats. With live bands, raffles, food and drinks, it’s a fun way to spend Sunday afternoon while helping animals in need.
For more information, visit the Facebook event page or contact Paws Across Pittsburgh directly. The rescue is based in Springdale, PA and can also be reached via info@pawsacrosspittsburgh.com or by calling 412‑495‑2799.
PS: When you buy or sell a home with us, we donate the cost of rescuing a shelter animal to Paws Across Pittsburgh... I have been on a fostering break since I foster failed with Peanut (a Paws Across Pittsburgh Rescue) since he was puppy, but we're excited to start fostering again soon now that he's older -- and promoted to Chief Barketing Officer of Pawperty Pros.
Kennywood Fall Fantasy Parades – Mardi Gras Magic
Dates: Daily, Saturday Aug. 2 – Sunday Aug. 17, 2025
Location: Kennywood Park, 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin, PA 15122
Contact: (412) 461‑0500 kennywood.com
Kennywood’s beloved Fall Fantasy Parade turns 75 this year, and the park is going all‑in on a Mardi Gras celebration. For more than two weeks the midways will come alive with New Orleans–style revelry: expect brass bands and jazz ensembles performing throughout the park, specialty food and cocktails with a Big Easy twist, and a French Quarter–themed block party complete with colorful decorations. The highlight is the nightly parade of elaborately decorated floats and costumed performers, which steps off at 7:30 p.m. each evening (weather permitting). Grab beads and join the fun — this anniversary edition promises to be the most vibrant Fall Fantasy yet. Tickets and additional details are available at Kennywood’s official website.
View The High School Band Schedule Here.
All Together Now! Music Festival – Benefit For Immigrants
Dates: Thursday–Sunday, Aug. 7–10, 2025
Website: alltogetherpgh.com
Locations: Multiple venues across Pittsburgh (see schedule)
Contact: Contact details vary by venue; see the festival website for updates
This benefit festival raises funds for the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact, a network of organizations that provide legal services, housing assistance, education, and other vital resources to more than 20,000 immigrants in the region. Throughout four days, the festival hosts concerts at venues like the Original Pittsburgh Winery (Strip District), Spirit PGH (Lawrenceville), Acoustic Music Works (South Side), Golden Age Beer Company (Homestead) and Sunburst School of Music (Squirrel Hill). Line‑ups range from Americana to polka and from singer‑songwriters to student showcases. Admission varies by venue, and many shows accept donations at the door. Check the festival website for schedule details and to purchase tickets.
Bethel Bakery Turns 70 Years Old
Date: Saturday, August 9
Website: bethelbakery.com
Born and raised in the South Hills of Pittsburgh, it wasn't a birthday without a Bethel Bakery Cake! Maybe that butter cream icing is a little different with the new owners but it's still good and a Pittsburgh bakery classic. Bethel Bakery is celebrating with special birthday desert features
Anniversary Dessert Features:
Made to order Ice Cream Donuts with ice cream from Flora Park Creamery featuring Penn State Creamery (Available at Bethel Park on August 9th only)
Buttercream Tart Flight (Available for pre-order and in stores at both locations on August 9th only)
Activities for the whole family!
Bethel Park Location:
Cookie Decorating
Guess the Ingredients
Airbrush Tattoos
Photobooth
North Strabane Location:
Cookie Decorating
Guess the Ingredients
Summer Fridays at the Frick – picnic and live music on the lawn
Date: Friday, Aug. 8, 2025
Website: thefrickpittsburgh.org
Location: The Frick Pittsburgh, 7227 Reynolds St., Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Contact: info@thefrickpittsburgh.org • (412) 371‑0600
Pack a picnic blanket and head to the Frick’s North Lawn for a laid‑back evening under the trees. The museum’s Summer Fridays series features live music at 6:30 pm, plus food trucks, artmaking stations and plenty of space for kids to run around. Admission is free (a $5 suggested donation helps keep the series going), and activities begin at 5:00 pm. Bring your own refreshments or purchase dinner and drinks on‑site. Note that the art museums are closed during the event, but the gift shop and visitor center remain open late.
Northside Arts Block Party – art and community on the North Shore
Date: Friday, Aug. 8, 2025 (2:00 pm – 6:00 pm)
Website: newhazletttheater.org
Location: New Hazlett Theater and Allegheny Square East, 6 Allegheny Square East, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Contact: New Hazlett Theater (412) 320‑4610 • nathan@newhazletttheater.org
Presented by New Hazlett Theater, the Northside Arts Block Party transforms Allegheny Square into an afternoon celebration of art, music, food and community. The block party runs from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm and features live performances, art activities for all ages, food trucks and tours of the New Hazlett Theater. Participating partners include Shiftworks, Saturday Light Brigade, City of Asylum, Artist Image Resource and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Admission is free, and the event takes place outside the theater (rain or shine). Bring cash for food truck fare and support neighborhood artists while enjoying the summer weather.
Other happenings and quick picks
Ash & Aloha at BURN! – BURN by Rocky Patel (346 North Shore Drive) hosts a weekend‑long “Bucco Luau” from Aug. 8 to 10. Expect island‑inspired cigars, cocktails and game‑day energy. Entry is free; register through Eventbrite.
Neighborhood Flea – SouthSide Works – On Sunday, Aug. 10, browse vintage clothing, handmade crafts and antiques at this open‑air market along South Water Street. The flea runs 10 am–3 pm; admission is free.
Hilltop County Fair – Make your way to Mount Oliver on Sunday afternoon for bingo, live music, wrestling and carnival games at this neighborhood fair.
These smaller events add to the festive atmosphere around the city and are perfect for filling gaps in your weekend schedule.
Steel City Spooky Market - Grand Opening August 9th
The Steel City Spooky Market is a Halloween themed market where you will find Halloween themed vendors selling spooky art, tarot readings, taxidermy, crystals, and more all season long. Each week a rotating assortment of food vendors and food trucks that are sometimes Halloween themed. Vendors rotate each week with operations biweekly, and then weekly in October.
Learn More steelcityspookymarket.com/
Family‑Friendly Activities
Looking for ways to entertain the kids without spending a fortune? The region has plenty of free or low‑cost activities tailored to younger audiences. Below are a few highlights happening this same weekend:
Divine Grace Parish Family Festival (Aug. 8–10)
Event page: kidsoutandabout.com
Location: Saint Ferdinand Church (Divine Grace Parish), 2535 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., PA 16066
Contact: (724) 776‑2888 • Rev. James A. Wehner • parishoffice@divinegracepgh.orgpittsburgh.kidsoutandabout.com
Hours: Fri/Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm; Sun 3:00 pm–9:00 pm
Celebrating more than sixty years of community tradition, this free festival transforms the parish grounds into a mini‑amusement park. Expect rides for all ages, live music, carnival games, cash and basket raffles, Kiddieland with train rides and character appearances, nightly pasta and chicken dinners and a massive White Elephant sale. More than 20 thousand people attend annuallypittsburgh.kidsoutandabout.com, and the 2025 edition partners with Penn Premier Shows to offer even more midway fun.
Bloomfield Saturday Market (Aug. 9)
Event page: kidsoutandabout.com
Location: Bloomfield Saturday Market, 366 Gross St., Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Contact: (412) 681‑8800 • info@bloomfieldnow.orgpittsburgh.kidsoutandabout.com
Hours: 9:00 am–1:00 pm
This neighborhood farmers market emphasizes locally grown and produced goods. Families can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables, cheeses, meats and coffee, sample prepared foods from local vendors and browse crafts. It’s free to attend, stroller‑friendly and wheelchair accessiblepittsburgh.kidsoutandabout.com.
Sensory Playtime at Pleasant Hills Public Library (Aug. 8)
Event page: kidsoutandabout.com
Location: Pleasant Hills Public Library, 302 Old Clairton Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Contact: (412) 655‑2424 • pleasanthills@pleasanthillslibrary.orgaclalibraries.org
Hours: 10:30 am–11:30 am
Designed for ages 0–5, Sensory Playtime offers a variety of tactile stations—think water tables, kinetic sand, light panels and ball pits—so toddlers can explore at their own pace while caregivers socialize. The library supplies all materials and no registration is required.
Allegheny County Summer Concert Series – South Park Amphitheater (Aug. 8)
Event page: beyondthenest.com
Location: South Park Amphitheater, 3700 Farmshow Dr., South Park Twp., PA 15129
Contact: (412) 350‑4636 • specialevents@alleghenycounty.us • Kelsey Dowdpittsburgh.beyondthenest.com
Hours: Food trucks open at 6:00 pm; concerts begin at 7:30 pm
Part of Allegheny County’s free summer concert series, this outdoor show at South Park Amphitheater features touring and local musicians. Bring lawn chairs or blankets—there’s no covered seating—and enjoy food trucks, Hop Farm Brewing and Black Dog Winery starting at 6 pm. Concerts take place rain or shine
Get ready for next weekend
Can’t attend everything this weekend? Mark your calendar now for Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days, Aug. 14–17. One of the East Coast’s largest Italian heritage festivals, Little Italy Days stretches along Liberty Avenue and includes a street fair that spans ten football fields. Expect accordion music, bocce tournaments, Italian cooking demonstrations and performances by artists ranging from opera singers to past contestants on The Voice. Families will love the Kids Fun Zone and the Miss Little Italy pageant.
Final thoughts
From comic‑con cosplay to vintage pulp magazines, from craft‑beer collaborations and luau parties to family picnics and neighborhood block parties, Pittsburgh’s upcoming weekend offers a sampler of the city’s diverse culture. Whatever you choose, be sure to stay hydrated, support local businesses and savor these summer moments before fall creeps in. If you know of another great event that isn’t listed here, drop a comment below—your fellow Yinzers will thank you!
Tip: Always confirm event details and availability before attending, as schedules can change. Have a wonderful weekend exploring the Pittsburgh region!
About Craig Knox & Peanut: The Pawperty Pros
Your Hyper-Local Pittsburgh Guide (and Realtor, too)
I’m Craig — a real estate agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty who’s all-in on this city. From hidden gem neighborhoods to the best pierogis in town, I know Pittsburgh block by block. For every home I sell, I fund the cost of rescuing a shelter pet, because everyone deserves a home.
When you find yourself in the market to buy or sell a home, let’s connect about my innovative approach to real estate, how I can serve your needs, and rescue a dog (or cat) along the way.
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