10. PizzaFest at East End Brewery: June 12
The Pittsburgh pizza wars have outgrown the Aiello’s vs. Mineo’s debate, but it’s still fun to fight about, right? Think outside the pizza box when seven of Pittsburgh’s top artisan makers craft pies at the beloved Larimar brewery. It’s the perfect pairing! There’s a slice of heaven for all palates — whether your fave is rustic hearth-baked, old-school NYC, Sicilian square, crispy crust or an explosion of pepperoni. Pizza fanatics will kick back with live music, food demonstrations and dough spinning tricks by world champion pizza acrobat Matt Hickey. Get saucy with two ticketing options (4-6 p.m. or 7-9 p.m.).
11. The Premiere Party at Phipps: June 16
Phipps is your portal to summer. The Oakland destination has missed you and wants to shower you in blooms at its first in-person garden party in two years. Step into something haute horticultural and be a social butterfly again. Inside one of the country’s finest garden conservatories, you’ll be transported to the breathtaking Hawaiian archipelago, experience the blockbuster Monet in Bloom Summer Flower Show and commune with phenomenal pollinators in the beloved Butterfly Forest. From 7:30 to 10 p.m., the botanical bash includes signature libations, savory Hawaiian cuisine, exotic blossoms and special party features. Buy tickets.
12. Juneteenth in Downtown Pittsburgh: June 17-19
Marking the oldest nationally celebrated commemoration of the ending of slavery in the U.S., Point State Park and Market Square will be transformed into the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth Homecoming Celebration. Highlights include the Grand Jubilee Juneteenth Parade, Juneteenth Minority Vendor Plaza, voting rights forum and more. Headlining the Point State Park stage will be the legendary California-based funk band War. Adding to the soundtrack will be Arrested Development, Talib Kweli, The Dazz Band and more. For more Juneteenth celebrations, check out these events and opportunities presented by the August Wilson African American Culture Center, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Heinz History Center, Focus on Renewal and 1Hood Media, Mikael Owunna Studios and The Redd Studio.
13. Allegheny SolarFest at Hazlewood Green: June 18
Harnessing the power of the sun, this one-of-a-kind festival returns bigger than ever to ring in the summer solstice at a new HQ that embodies its mission. Under the sunny skies at Hazelwood’s new innovation hub – home to the country’s largest single sloped solar array and Pittsburgh’s largest solar installation — festival-goers will explore solar energy technologies, watch demonstrations and peruse industry exhibitors. From 12 to 6 p.m., the solar-powered festivities will host live music by Bindley Hardware Co, Buffalo Rose and Jakob’s Ferry Stragglers, local vendors and the region’s largest electric vehicle show. Buy tickets.
14. Pogopalooza in Market Square and Wilkinsburg: June 24-26
Did you know that the pogo stick was invented in 1920 by Germans Max Pohlig and Ernst Gottschall, who took the first two letters of their last names to make the word “pogo?” See how far the activity has evolved — literally into an extreme sport — when Pogopalooza bounces into town. Watch in awe as the world’s top pogo pros land unthinkable tricks, attempt to set a new Guinness World Record and vie for the crown during heart-pounding freestyle events. The free event includes a public jump area, food trucks and a Bounce Off competition for young hoppers.
For more things to do in June, check out our Weekly Event Guides and read Top 10 June events for Pittsburgh kids to kick off your summer bucket list and 31 things to do during Pittsburgh Pride.
For live music, see From Pittsburgh Pride to Juneteenth, the 17 best concerts this June.