With school back in session, it’s time for fall fun to begin and September offers something for the whole family, from the running of the wiener dogs to a Star Trek celebration to a Sleeping Beauty ballet. Read on to get all the details.
Steel City Star Trek Celebration: September 2 – October 28
Live long and prosper during Geek Pittsburgh‘s Steel City Star Trek Celebration. Beginning Friday, September 2, venues all over Pittsburgh will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the beloved sci-fi series, which premiered on NBC in 1966 and went on to spawn tons of follow-up series, movies and a devoted fan base.
From Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 8, Trekkies young and old can enjoy a week of Star Trek films and activities at Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville. On Friday, September 9, head to the Hollywood Theater in Dormont for a special double feature of Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan and the new Leonard Nimoy documentary For the Love of Spock. The event also includes members from local fan groups, music by DJ Zombo, and a costume contest, as well as a pop-up art gallery featuring a sneak peek of the upcoming Toonseum exhibit Boldly Go: The Graphic Art of Star Trek, which opens on Friday, October 28. From Friday, September 2 through Wednesday, September 7, the Hollywood Theater will also show the new blockbuster film Star Trek Beyond.
Tickets for all Row House Cinema events are available at their website or at the door. Tickets for the Hollywood Theater double feature are available for purchase online at Eventbrite. Star Trek Beyond tickets are available for purchase at Showclix.
Pittsburgh Folk Festival in Schenley Plaza: September 3 – 4
One of Pittsburgh’s oldest and largest festivals returns to honor the rich cultural diversity of the region with free performances, food and more. Now in its 60th year, the Folk Festival takes over Schenley Plaza in Oakland to present two days of international cuisine from 20 countries, as well as cooking demonstrations, kid-friendly crafts and a global marketplace filled with handmade and imported goods. The festival is also featured as part of the City of Pittsburgh’s Bicentennial celebration.
Festival hours are Saturday, September 3 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, September 4th from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is free.
A Fair in the Park in Mellon Park: September 9 – 11
Now in its 47th year, the Craftsmen’s Guild event A Fair in the Park returns to Mellon Park in Shadyside to showcase more than 100 artisans and craftspeople from Pittsburgh and across the country. For two days, guests can shop for handmade items in a variety of mediums, including glass, metals, ceramics, fiber, mixed media, wood, 2D and jewelry. Families can take in live music performances or artist demonstrations, or grab food and drink from a wide array of mobile kitchens and food trucks. There’s also a kids’ activity area with interactive projects run by the Frick Art & Historical Center, Artist & Craftsman Supply, Hatch Art Studio, The Kentucky Avenue School, Sunburst School of Music and The Andy Warhol Museum.
A Fair in the Park will take place on Friday, September 9 from 1 to 7 p.m.; Saturday, September 10 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pittsburgh Irish Festival at the Riverplex: September 9 – 11
The Pittsburgh Irish Festival will present three days of food, activities and entertainment at Riverplex at Sandcastle in Homestead. The whole family can get lost in the colorful traditions of Irish culture with live performances by traditional step dancers and musicians, a variety of Celtic cuisine and beverages and vendors selling handmade items, as well as a tent showcasing various Irish dog breeds. For the wee ones, there are arts and crafts, storytelling, sing-a-longs and the opportunity to dance an Irish jig.
Festival hours are Friday, September 9 from 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and Sunday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids 12 and under get in for free. Weekend passes are available for purchase for $30. Call 412-422-1113 for ticket details.
Alphabet Trail and Tales at Frick Park: September 10
Head to Frick Park for some fun educational activities with Alphabet Trail and Tales. Presented by Citiparks, the free annual literacy event gets kids excited about reading with interactive, hand-painted story sets and a look at the year’s best children’s books. Though the event is geared toward the early childhood and elementary-aged set, the entire family will want to participate in the art, music and games representing all 26 letters of the alphabet. The fun takes place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Frick Park Blue Slide Playground on Beechwood Blvd. at Nicholson Street.
