byJennifer Baron
What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 2? Find out here. Know of a cool event?Email us.
Friday, Aug. 30-Monday, Sept. 2: Kickoff and Rib Festival at Acrisure Stadium
Various times
Pittsburgh’s favorite pastime pairs well with stick-to-your-ribs, well, ribs, for this free Labor Day weekend tradition. Savor mouth-watering ribs and fun festival foods from local and national chefs while kicking off the football season. Rib lovers can visit the Pittsburgh Knights Gaming Display, Steelers Experience and Hall of Honor Museum. Attend football clinics, rock out to live music and snap selfies with your favorite mascots. On Monday, don’t miss the 10th annual Cornhole Tournament presented by Veterans Place. Information.
Friday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Sept. 1: A Soulful Taste of the Burgh in Downtown Pittsburgh
11 a.m.-9 p.m.
One of the region’s tastiest summer festivals brings the heat to the Downtown streets. Pittsburgh’s soul food scene takes center stage, from sweet potato pie, Jamaican cuisine and grilled goodies to African recipes and BBQ delights. Setting up shop in Market Square and along the Boulevard of the Allies, the free annual fest showcases Pittsburgh’s soul food heritage dating to the early 18th century. There also will be vendor booths, cultural activities, wellness sessions and a lineup of 10 acts. Information.
Friday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Sept. 1: Public Oktoberfest at Teutonia Männerchor
Various times
Pregame Oktoberfest season at the home of one of the city’s oldest and largest private clubs — not typically open to the public. Nosh on authentic German cuisine like potato pancakes, Bavarian pretzels and Hausgemacht Apple Strudel. Nestled within historic Deutschtown, it allows you to sip imported German brews, watch stein-holding competitions and frolic to music by The Barons and The PolkaMeisters. Information.
Friday, Aug. 30: 21+ Night at Kennywood
8 p.m.
Looking for an out-of-the-ordinary date night or BFF adventure? Experience one of the country’s oldest amusem*nt parks during the park’s first-ever 21+ event. Enjoy exclusive ride time from 10 p.m. to midnight on the Sky Rocket, Old Mill, Kangaroo, Jack Rabbit, Racer, Aero 360 and Merry-Go-Round. Get spooked during the “mAlice in Wonderland” Halloween haunt preview and fuel up at the all-you-can-eat “open body buffet.” The nocturnal festivities include live entertainment, DJs on the Island Stage and a foam party. Tickets.
Saturday, Aug. 31 & Sunday, Sept. 1: “Twelfth Night” in Highland Park
12 p.m.
Grab your beach ball and shake up a co*cktail because Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks is kicking off a “tropical takeover” of four city parks. The fair-weather company celebrates 20 years of free shows with “Twelfth Night,” directed by Nick Hrutkay. Running weekends in September, the musical extravaganza showcases choreography by Shana Simmons. Each show offers preshow storytelling and workshops. Information.
Monday, Sept. 2: Steelers Run and Walk at Acrisure Stadium
8 a.m.
Lace up, wave your Terrible Towel and kick off the 2024 football season at this cherished local tradition benefiting the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund and Chuck Noll Foundation. Get fired up by joining this 36th annual race featuring a 3.1-mile course along the North Shore capped off by an exhilarating finish on the Acrisure Stadium warning track. There’s also a Kids Fun Run for the youngest fans. Register.
Monday, Sept. 2: Labor Day Parade in Downtown Pittsburgh
10 a.m.
Join Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council and a host of unions, special guests and many other organizations for the parade’s 40th year honoring the U.S. labor movement. The parade route follows Centre Avenue to Grant Street then down the Boulevard of the Allies. The review stands and parade finish are in front of the Steelworkers Building at 60 Boulevard of the Allies.
Monday, Sept. 2: Britsburgh Festival at Allegheny River Trail Park & the Mansions on Fifth
11 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
The announcement that Britpop sensations Oasis are re-forming is not the only U.K. news we care about. The British are coming (back) to the Burgh for nine events all around town — and several are free. Running Sept. 2-8, the lineup showcases the rich spectrum of British influences that shape our region. Start your Anglophile edification at a tree-planting ceremony honoring King Charles at Allegheny River Trail Park. Next, don your most fabulous fascinator and head to “A Right Royal Afternoon Tea” at the Mansions on Fifth. Jolly good! Information.
Monday, Sept. 2: Dormont Doggie Dip at Dormont Pool
4-7:30 p.m.
With the dog days of summer getting hotter and longer, it’s a good thing that our four-legged besties get their own day to cool off. There’s room for all water dogs to swim, fetch and paddle at Pennsylvania’s largest pool, which offers three sessions for Labor Day. Register.
Even more things to do this weekend …
Save room for Sunday’s TacoMania Super Fest. Organized by Beers of the Burgh, the one-day fest brings a dozen of the city’s top taco makers to Allegheny Commons Park from noon to 6 p.m.
Findmorethings to do in Pittsburgh, including live music, outdoor recreation, farmers markets, house tours, dance performances and family activities.
Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and SLB Radio Productions. She is co-author of the award-winning book, "Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania." For 15-plus years, she was co-coordinator and marketing director with Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's first and largest independent craft fair. She makes music as The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.
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