Image courtesy of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
Image courtesy of the Heinz History Center.

6. Bocce Tournament & Festival at the Heinz History Center: August 11

Play some bocce for a worthy cause at the Heinz History Center’s Bocce Tournament and Festival. Up to 42 sponsors will play in teams of four during a day dedicated to this classic Italian pastime. You and your family can also enjoy live music, hands-on activities and Italian cuisine provided by Common Plea Catering. All proceeds benefit the Italian American Program. The event is free and open to the public.

Image courtesy of Little Italy Days.

7. Little Italy Days in Bloomfield: August 16-19

Experience a different culture during Little Italy Days in Bloomfield. The weekend features a host of fun activities for the whole family, including more than 30 live acts, a bocce tournament and a pasta eating contest. There will also be tons of vendors selling a variety of Italian cuisine, handmade gifts and more. The event is free and open to the public.

8. Steelers Family Fest at Heinz Field: August 19

Get the family ready for football season when the Pittsburgh Steelers host Family Fest at Heinz Field. Kick off an evening of fun by watching the team play a full practice, followed by live performances from Bill Camp’s Famous Flying Dogs and Pittsburgh Steeline drumline and a fireworks display. And kids will love the new Nickelodeon play zone featuring a Super Slime obstacle course, Nick Bowling, a slime booth and costume characters. There’s also a zipline fan experience, face painting, photo ops, and more.

9. Ballet Under the Stars at Hartwood Acres: August 19

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre kicks off the 2018-2019 ballet season with its free and al fresco Ballet Under the Stars at the Middle Road Concert Area in Hartwood Acres. Arrive early for pre-show family fun, including food trucks, kids stations featuring craft and dance activities, photo opportunities with costumed dancers and more. As the sun sets, PBT will present a mixed repertory performance featuring classical and contemporary showpieces.

Disney’s Aladdin. Photo by Deen van Meer.
Disney’s Aladdin. Photo by Deen van Meer.

10. Disney’s Aladdin at the Benedum Center: August 22-September 9

Take the whole family on a magic carpet ride when Disney’s Aladdin comes to the Benedum Center. Adapted from the Academy Award-winning animated Disney film, the live musical follows a street-smart boy as he tries to win the love of a princess with the help of a magical genie. Sing along to “A Whole New World” and other songs made popular by the film, and hear original tunes written especially for the stage.

Honorable mentions:

2018 EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta: August 3 – 5

Pittsburgh VegFest 2018: August 4

CEA Black Family Reunion Arts & Cultural Weekend: August 12

Teen Summer Reading Finale Party at Mount Lebanon Public Library: August 18

The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival: August 18-19 and 25-26

Apples and Honey Fall Festival at the Waterfront: August 19

Ceinwen King-Smith at Alphabet City: August 25

PRIDE Pop Up Mini Art Festivals at the Kingsley Association: August 25

Bubble Run at Hartwood Acres: August 25

For more events, read 10 Pittsurgh events you won’t want to miss in August.

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Amanda Waltz is a freelance journalist and film critic whose work has appeared locally in numerous publications. She writes for The Film Stage and is the founder and editor of Steel Cinema, a blog dedicated to covering Pittsburgh film culture. She currently lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and oversized house cat.