Pittsburgh Summer 2023 Events
It’s time to break out those comfy walking shoes, lather on the sunscreen, and put your best selfie smile on because festival season is here in Pittsburgh! Whatever your interests may be, there is sure to be an event to accommodate those needs. Whether you’re looking for music, culture, food, or goats (yes, goats), Pittsburgh is sure to deliver over the next few months.
Read on for a list of festivals and events that are taking place in and around Pittsburgh with links provided for easy navigation. Share your summer experiences on social media! #LOVEPGH
Cultural Connections
Juneteenth Celebration – June 16th to June 19th
Location: Point State Park and Market Square
Free Admission
Enjoy four days of Juneteenth celebrations with fireworks to close out the last evening on June 19th. This festival will host numerous varieties of African American Culture in celebration of freedom of slavery in the United States. Join the residents of Allegheny County in the education of African American Culture through guest speakers, by supporting local minority vendors and artisans, and by enjoying live music performances. There will also be a Juneteenth Voting Rights parade on Saturday, June 17 where a reenactment of two historic parades will take place – the 1870 Jubilee of Freemen Parade and Pittsburgh’s Women’s Suffrage Parade of 1914.
Pittsburgh Black Music Festival – July 13-15
Location: Downtown Pittsburgh – Point State Park and Market Square
Free Admission
Pittsburgh is an acclaimed city for Jazz music and musicians, and the Pittsburgh Black Music Festival is a family-friendly event that highlights just that. This celebration keeps the jazz spirit alive by showcasing musicians performing tributes to jazz on July 13, Gospel on July 14, and R&B-Soul on July 15.
Little Italy Days – August 17 to 20
Location: Bloomfield
Free Admission
At Little Italy Days in Bloomfield, you can experience the Italian heritage through food, music, events, and shopping. Enjoy this four-day event with your friends and families, all while supporting local restaurants and businesses. Learn to stretch pizza dough and follow it up with some dancing alongside the live musical performances during each day of the festival.
Food Festivals
Kennywood Bites and Pints Festival – Fridays through Sundays in June & July
Location: Kennywood Amusement Park
One-Day tickets or season passes to Kennywood allow admission to the tasting festival
From June 2 to July 30, you can try a variety of yummy foods from around the world and pair it with a craft beer! This event takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday inside Kennywood. A one-day ticket or season pass to Kennywood is required for admission into this event, and once inside, there are drink and tasting cards available for purchase. Once purchased, you can use these cards during one visit, or you can use them throughout the extent of the event.
Location: Boulevard of the Allies between Stanwix and Smithfield Streets, and PPG Plaza
Free Admission
Having a notable history of pickles, Pittsburgh has deemed itself the only location to host this one-of-a-kind event; Picklesburgh. Sample an abundance of pickles, as well as a hefty variety of pickled food and drinks. From pickle beer to pickle balloons, there will be plenty of dill-inspired goods to go around.
Fundraising Events
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix – July 14-23
Location: Schenley Park and other locations
Donations accepted, as well as front gate admissions and registrations to events throughout the ten days
At the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, spectators can experience 10 days worth of events, racing, auctions, car shows, tours, and so much more. This charitable, non-profit event raises funds to support individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities and donate to Autism Pittsburgh and Merakey Allegheny Valley School. The event kicks off with a black-tie gala and takes a plunge right into racing excitement. The opening weekend showcases vintage cars from the ’60s and 70’s; Mustangs, Jaguars, and Corvettes to name a few, as well as a Shelby Convention for dedicated enthusiasts. Take a drive through back country roads in your own vintage car and stop for lunch at the local Jamison Farm. You can end the event on Saturday, July 22,
and Sunday, July 23 with the signature Race Weekend at Schenley Park where 150 vintage cars race through the streets within the park. Whether you’re a spectator or a driver of the Vintage Grand Prix, there will be no disappointment during this incredibly unique experience.
Location: South Side Park, “Jurassic Valley”
Donations accepted
This event is all about goats! Volunteers can experience a unique method in removing invasive plant species within the park. Just follow the goats, literally! The goats remove the invasive plants by eating them, and then volunteers follow the goats and plant native species where the invasive plants were efficiently removed. Not only do volunteers have a particularly distinct experience at Goat Fest, they also are helping to raise awareness for the South Side Park’s ecological restoration project while simultaneously creating memories. In addition to this restorative effort, there is live music, a local artisan’s market, food trucks, and a plethora of family-friendly activities.
