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Weekender’s Guide to Pittsburgh: Things Do August 1-3, 2025
- Craig Knox
- Aug 1
- 7 min read
Pittsburgh’s weekend (Friday Aug 1 through Sunday Aug 3, 2025) is packed with music festivals, community events and family-friendly outings. The following sections highlight notable events happening within about 50 miles of downtown. Event details (times, addresses and contact information) are taken from official or reputable sources.
Club Café Reopening – South Side
The legendary listening room on Pittsburgh’s South Side returns with a new lease on life. After going dark at the end of 2024, Club Café reopens this weekend under new ownership, welcoming music lovers back into its intimate space with live performances and an updated decor.
Date/Time: Reopens with live shows beginning this weekend; open daily (check schedule for performance times).
Description: Pittsburgh’s intimate listening room reopens this weekend after closing in late 2024. A TribLive report describes crowds lining up to re‑enter the club and notes that new owners plan to open the bar daily and re‑establish open‑mic nights. The venue retains much of its historic charm, with new memorabilia decorating the walls.
Location: Club Café, 56 S. 12th St., Pittsburgh, PA 15203 (South Side)
Contact: 412‑431‑4950
More Info: Club Café (South Side)
Rock, Reggae & Relief Charity Festival – Stage AE
Music lovers who also want to give back should head to Stage AE for a high‑energy day of reggae and rock. This charity festival pairs big‑name acts with a mission to support the Piatt Family Foundation, turning the North Shore venue into a feel‑good celebration for a good cause.
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug 2, 3:20 p.m.–11:59 p.m. (doors 3 p.m.)
Description: The Rock, Reggae & Relief festival at Stage AE is a day‑long reggae music fundraiser benefiting the Piatt Family Foundation. The 2025 lineup features Stephen and Damian Marley, The Elovaters, J Boog and Uprooted. Gates open at 3 p.m. and music continues into the night.
Location: Stage AE, 400 North Shore Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (North Shore)
Contact: Stage AE box office (412‑229‑5483) or the festival website (see link)
More Info: Rock, Reggae & Relief festival.
ImportExpo Car Show – Downtown Convention Center
Gearheads can spend Saturday evening admiring meticulously customized imports and sport compacts at the convention center. ImportExpo transforms the giant hall into a showcase of automotive artistry, with hundreds of vehicles, vendors and enthusiasts gathering under one roof.
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug 2, 5 p.m.–10 p.m.
Description: ImportExpo brings hundreds of custom cars to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Vehicle registration costs $75 and must be completed in advance; general‑admission tickets are $25 presale and $35 at the door. Children under 12 are admitted free.
Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Ft. Duquesne Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Contact: Email info@importexpo.com or call the venue.
More Info: ImportExpo Pittsburgh event website
Jam at Grandview Concert Series – Grandview Park (Mt. Washington)
If you like your live music served with stunning skyline views, make your way to Mt. Washington. Citiparks’ new Jam at Grandview series turns the hilltop bandstand into a mini music festival complete with craft beverages and family‑friendly vibes.
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug 2, 7 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (series continues each Saturday in August)
Description: The Jam at Grandview series pairs live rock acts with craft beer, cider and wine while showcasing the city skyline. Opening night features Sunny Daze & The Weathermen. Performances are sponsored by the City of Pittsburgh and the Allegheny Regional Asset District.
Location: Grandview Park Bandstand, Bailey Avenue, Mount Washington
Contact: City of Pittsburgh Parks and Recreation – 412‑255‑2621
Lawrenceville Art Crawl – Butler Street
Lawrenceville’s eclectic business district morphs into an open‑air gallery on Saturday afternoon. The annual art crawl invites residents and visitors to stroll Butler Street, pop into local businesses and discover artwork and music spilling out onto the sidewalks.
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug 2, 1 p.m.–9 p.m.; after‑party at Redfishbowl Studios until 2 a.m.
Description: This free neighborhood art crawl stretches along Butler Street from 35th to 52nd streets. About 45 stops—including galleries, cafes and music halls such as Redfishbowl Studios, The Abbey and Thunderbird Music Hall—will host more than 200 artists and dozens of bands.
Location: Butler Street between 35th and 52nd streets, Lawrenceville neighborhood
Contact: Event details via the Lawrenceville Art Crawl Facebook page
More Info: Lawrenceville Art Crawl Event Page
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live – PPG Paints Arena
For an adrenaline‑fueled outing that kids (and the young at heart) will love, check out this touring spectacle. Monster trucks based on the famous toy line roar, jump and light up the arena, delivering jaw‑dropping stunts and a blast of nostalgia.
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug 2, shows at 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Aug 3, show at 2:30 p.m.
Description: Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Bigfoot and other Hot Wheels trucks roar into PPG Paints Arena for the Glow‑N‑Fire show. The event also features a freestyle motocross team. Pre‑show and VIP tickets are available.
Location: PPG Paints Arena, 1001 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Contact: PPG Paints Arena: (412) 642‑1800; event ticket site via Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live
More Info: Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live website
The Wedding Party: Back to the ’80s – Bottlerocket Social Hall (Allentown)
Channel your inner wedding guest and get ready to dance at an immersive ’80s‑themed bash. Bottlerocket’s inventive show recreates the vibe of a retro reception, complete with a live band, improvisational actors and plenty of surprises.
Date/Time: Friday, Aug 1 – cocktail hour 8 p.m., band 9 p.m.; DJ before and after
Description: Bottlerocket Social Hall transforms into an ’80s wedding reception complete with a live wedding band and a cast of improvisers acting as wedding guests. Expect plenty of dancing, family‑style drama and even a cookie table.
Location: Bottlerocket Social Hall, 1226 Arlington Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15210
Contact: 412‑432‑7105
More Info: Bottlerocket Social Hall events page
All Things Pittsburgh Play Festival – Downtown
Theatre buffs can immerse themselves in a collection of rapid‑fire plays that celebrate Pittsburgh’s quirks and culture. Presented by the Ensemble Actors Studio, this festival proves that big stories can be told in just ten minutes.
Date/Time: Friday, Aug 1, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug 2, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Aug 3, 2 p.m.
Description: Ensemble Actors Studio presents a collection of ten original 10‑minute plays celebrating Pittsburgh culture. General admission seating is first‑come; doors open 30 minutes before showtime. The event is sold out, but readers may follow the Ensemble Actors Studio for updates.
Location: Three Stories: Peirce Theater (Arcade Comedy Theater complex), 937 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Contact: Ensemble Actors Studio, 703 Yunker St., Suite 400, McKees Rocks, PA 15136
More Info: All Things Pittsburgh Play Festival website
Saddle Up (Country Rock) – Crafthouse Stage & Grill
Fans of honky‑tonk and rockabilly can two‑step their way to the South Hills for a night with Saddle Up. The local band’s upbeat show pairs well with the Crafthouse’s casual atmosphere, cold drinks and hearty pub fare.
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug 2 – cover charge begins at 6 p.m.; music 8 p.m.
Description: Local country‑rock band Saddle Up takes the stage at the Crafthouse in the South Hills. The 21‑and‑over show has an $8 cover at the door and suggests reservations via phone.
Location: Crafthouse Stage & Grill, 5024 Curry Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236
Contact: 412‑653‑2695
More Info: Crafthouse Stage & Grill event listing
New Bomb Turks with The Drowns & Thunder Vest – Crafthouse Stage & Grill
Punk aficionados have a rare chance to see the influential New Bomb Turks in an intimate venue. Joined by The Drowns and Thunder Vest, the lineup promises high‑energy riffs and sing‑along choruses.
Date/Time: Sunday, Aug 3 – doors 5:30 p.m.; show 7 p.m.
Description: Punk rock pioneers New Bomb Turks perform with The Drowns and Thunder Vest. Minors under 21 are permitted with a parent or guardian.
Location & Contact: Crafthouse Stage & Grill, 5024 Curry Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15236; phone 412‑653‑2695
More Info: Crafthouse Stage & Grill event listing
Pittsburgh Glass Center – Hot Jam
Art and music collide in Garfield at the Pittsburgh Glass Center’s monthly open house. The Hot Jam offers hands‑on experiences alongside mesmerizing glassblowing demonstrations and live tunes.
Date/Time: Friday, Aug 1, 6 p.m.–9 p.m.
Description: During this free open house, glass artists Steve Hagan and Mark Leputa demonstrate live glassblowing while musical artist Starling My Darling performs. Visitors can also participate in a walk‑in Make‑It‑Now activity and browse the gallery.
Location: Pittsburgh Glass Center, 5472 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Contact: 412‑365‑2145
More Info: Pittsburgh Glass Center website
“Catching Sunbeams from the Porch Swing of Wisteria Castle” – The Frick Pittsburgh
Take a contemplative stroll through the Frick’s historic greenhouse and discover sculptures that interact with light and air. Local artist Atticus Adams suspends shimmering metal pieces from ceilings and windows, transforming the space into a dreamlike installation.
Dates: Ongoing exhibition through Oct 26 (regular hours 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday)
Description: This greenhouse exhibition features abstract sculptures by local artist Atticus Adams made from aluminum mesh and wire. Works hang from ceilings and windows, inviting visitors to explore how sunlight interacts with the metallic forms. Admission is free.
Location: The Frick Pittsburgh Greenhouse, 7227 Reynolds St., Pittsburgh, PA 15208
Contact: 412‑371‑0600 (info@thefrickpittsburgh.org)
More Info: The Frick Pittsburgh exhibition page
Moraine State Park Regatta – Lake Arthur (Butler County)
Escape the city and enjoy two days of outdoor adventure at Lake Arthur. The regatta celebrates eco‑recreation with paddling, sailing, hikes and nature programs, plus food vendors and family activities on the park’s south shore.
Dates/Times: Saturday & Sunday, Aug 2–3, all day (activities typically run 10 a.m.–10 p.m.)
Description: This free two‑day festival showcases eco‑recreational activities on the south shore of Lake Arthur. The regatta offers water and land recreation, nature‑themed shows and vendors from local communities. It’s designed for all ages and celebrates the natural beauty of Moraine State Park.
Location: South Shore, Moraine State Park, 225 Pleasant Valley Rd., Portersville, PA 16051 (about 40 miles north of Pittsburgh)
Contact: Regatta organizers – regatta@appleseedeventspgh.com
More Info: Moraine State Park Regatta website
Community & Family Events in McKeesport
Drive‑Up Diaper Distribution
Families facing diaper insecurity can receive assistance on Saturday morning. This drive‑up event makes it easy for parents and caregivers to stock up without leaving their cars.
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug 2, 9 a.m.–11 a.m.
Description: Global Links and the Western PA Diaper Bank host a drive‑up distribution that provides up to a month’s supply of diapers per household. Families may choose up to two sizes (1–6).
Location: McKeesport Area Senior High School, 1960 Eden Park Blvd., McKeesport, PA 15132
Contact: For information, contact the Western PA Diaper Bank
More Info: McKeesport civic calendar
Calvary‑First Clothing Closet
McKeesport Area Shared Ministry opens its doors to anyone in need of clothing or small household items. Volunteers help shoppers find essentials in a welcoming, no‑cost environment.
Date/Time: Saturday, Aug 2, 9 a.m.–11 a.m.
Description: The McKeesport Area Shared Ministry operates a clothing closet offering free clothing and small household items. The thrift‑store program runs year‑round.
Location: Calvary‑First Campus, 1406 Cornell St., McKeesport, PA 15132
Contact: McKeesport Area Shared Ministry (website or phone number)
More Info: McKeesport civic calendar – clothing closet
Summer Concert Series – “Dancing Queen” in the Park
Sunday evening brings disco vibes to the park with a lively tribute to ABBA. Bring chairs, blankets and dancing shoes for this free community concert under the stars.
Date/Time: Sunday, Aug 3, 7 p.m.
Description: The McKeesport Summer Concert Series continues at the Lions Bandshell with a free show by Dancing Queen, Pittsburgh’s disco tribute band. Bring chairs or blankets; all concerts begin at 7 p.m.
Location: Lions Bandshell, Renziehausen Park (Eden Park Blvd. & Tulip Dr.), McKeesport, PA 15132
Contact: City of McKeesport Recreation Department
More Info: McKeesport concert series page
Tip: Always confirm event details and availability before attending, as schedules can change. Have a wonderful weekend exploring the Pittsburgh region!
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