What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, July 11-17? Find out here. Visit each organization’s website and social media for changing Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Monday, July 11, through Thursday, July 14: Good Vibes Community Days
Various times
The local tech community is paying it forward all week. Join Innovation Works to volunteer with organizations making an impact across the region. The week wraps up July 14 with a community picnic at Nova Place celebrating retiring Innovation Works CEO Rich Lunak, event volunteers and local startup leaders. Register for free.
Tuesday, July 12: “Lysistrata” at Row House Cinema
7 p.m.
If ever there ever was a relevant time to revisit “Lysistrata” — the ancient Greek work by Aristophanes about a woman’s mission to end the Peloponnesian War by denying men sex — it is now. Be the first to see the extraordinary and prescient tale reimagined for the 21st century during this world premiere produced by Pittsburgh Festival Opera. With music direction by Robert Frankenberry, the contemporary opera filmed in Pittsburgh features members of the Leslie Fleischner Young Artists Program. Buy tickets.
Tuesday, July 12: Full Moon History Hike in Mt. Washington
7:30-9:30 p.m.
There are many terrific ways to welcome the Full Buck Moon. Join Venture Outdoors for a 3-mile walk around city streets, green spaces and historic features in Mt. Washington and Emerald View Park. See the majestic skyline at magic hour followed by the rise of the full moon from one of the city’s most beautiful overlooks. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, July 13: Full Buck Moon Headlamp Hike in Frick Park
8:30-10:30 p.m.
There’s nothing quite like a nighttime trek through the woods. Let the glow of the Full Buck Moon lead your way during this 4-mile hike led by 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. Experience the beloved park after dark, traverse the trails by moonlight and learn all about camping, paddling, climbing and hiking gear. Meet the group at 1130 S. Braddock Ave. It’s only $5 to register.
Thursday, July 14, through Sunday, July 17: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Historics at Pittsburgh International Race Complex
9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Before taking your spot for Race Weekend, experience the heart-pounding thunder at one of the Grand Prix’s most popular events. Speed, muscle and thunder will converge when racers from all over the country tackle the 2.8-mile track for fierce competition between vintage vehicles — from Mustangs to Porsches to Alfa Romeos. Visit the cars and drivers in the paddock and check out the nation’s premier Triumph race, the Kastner Cup, on Saturday. Buy tickets. And check out our guide to all the Grand Prix events.
Thursday, July 14, through Sunday, July 17: Pittsburgh Black Music Festival at Point State Park and Market Square
Various times
For three jam-packed days, this free festival spotlights the rich legacy of Black music in Pittsburgh while also paying tribute to musician and actress Phyllis Hyman, who grew up in Pittsburgh. Be there for the July 14 kickoff with Lalah Hathaway, Debra Laws and the Ronnie Laws Band. On July 16, don’t want to miss golden age hip-hop star Rakim and soul sensations Tony! Toni! Toné! from Oakland, California. The fest culminates July 17 with funk legends The Ohio Players. Presented by Stop the Violence Pittsburgh, the celebration includes local vendors.
Thursday, July 14: Dog Days of Summer at White Oak Park
6-8 p.m.
The dog days of summer are here and now Fidos around the region have an event series just for them at Allegheny County parks. Enjoy a summer evening of free fun and games with your four-legged bestie, including a puppy pool and treat bags!
Thursday, July 14: Ice Cream Bike Ride with Venture Outdoors
6-8 p.m.
Combine your love of frozen treats and two wheels during summer’s sweetest excursion. Roll through Lawrenceville and the Strip District and stop at two beloved ice cream parlors to cool off and fuel up. Starting at Arsenal Park, the urban ride includes Butler Street and Penn Avenue, stops at Klavon’s and Millie’s, and cool public art. Buy tickets.
Thursday, July 14: Moe Taters and The Gravy Train at Schenley Plaza
7 p.m.
If you love authentic Western swing and country music, hop on the Gravy Train with Moe Taters and Calliope. Led by Charlie Barath on vocals and harmonica, the group includes Pete Freeman (pedal steel), “Taco” (bass), Bert Lerini (drums) and Donnie Bell (guitar). The outdoor show is free but Calliope is accepting tips for the band.
Thursday, July 14: Pickles & Giggles Comedy Showcase at the Byham Theater
8 p.m.
Before devouring all of the pickles LOL with comedy’s brightest new voices. Not only do pickles have their own festival, they now get their own comedy showcase — thanks to this new partnership between the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and National Comedy Center in Jamestown, New York. On the eve of the Picklesburgh, the stage will welcome Jackie Fabulous, Sammy Obeid, Rojo Perez and Steven Rogers. Buy tickets.
Friday, July 15 through Sunday, July 17: Picklesburgh in Downtown Pittsburgh
Various times
Ketchup, Klondikes, pierogies, pickles, fries on a sammie. Pittsburgh adores its homegrown food. But only one has its own three-day festival. Debuting a new HQ and largest footprint ever, this cornerstone culinary celebration will draw global gherkin lovers to the Rachel Carson Bridge and 10th Street Bypass. Under the colossal Heinz pickle balloon, the briny bash will present a massive array of dill-ectable products, foods and experiences. Sip pickle cocktails and beer, compete in a pickle juice drinking contest, shop pickle-themed merch and more. Pickle fanatics can check out cooking demonstrations, live music and local vendors. View a schedule.
Friday, July 15: In Bed By Ten & Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer Summer Party at Spring Hill Brewing
6-9 p.m.
Combine your love of local brews, retro style and summer dancing. Enjoy a picnic atmosphere outdoors in Spring Hill while perusing vintage vendors, grooving to tunes and grabbing diner from Chefs on the Street.
Friday, July 15: Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at South Park
7:30 p.m.
Next up to take the mic at the county’s free summer music series is California-based folk/pop artist Brett Dennen, who released his seventh album, “See The World,” in 2021. Opening the show is the Pete Kilpatrick Band, whose oeuvre blends folk, pop and rock. Bring your appetite because food trucks will be on-site, along with Black Dog Winery and Hop Farm Brewing Co.
Friday, July 15, through Sunday, July 17: Jumpin’ Jive at the New Hazlett Theater
8 p.m.
Texture Contemporary Ballet kicks off its 12th season with world premiere works choreographed by Alan Obuzor and Madeline Kendall. The program includes music selections by Yo-Yo Ma, The Supremes, Tina Turner, Bill Withers, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Faces, Scott Joplin, Fats Waller, Coleman Hawkins, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. You only have three nights to catch the production so buy tickets now.
Friday, July 15: Inside Out Night at Carnegie Museum of Art
8-11 p.m.
If you’re hearing the buzz about CMOA’s outdoor summer series, tonight’s the night to just say no to FOMO. Moving the party to a Friday, this special edition of Inside Out showcases a performance of “CIRCLES: Going Off” by Staycee Pearl and several collaborators. The late-night dance party for the 21+ crowd includes Caribbean cuisine from the M&M Royal Touch Food Truck and drinks by Trace Brewing.
Saturday, July 16, and Sunday, July 17: H2Oh! River Weekend at Carnegie Science Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pittsburgh is known the world over for its three mighty rivers but what’s the science behind these waterways? Dive into aquatic experiments all weekend long. Turn river water into clean drinking water using chemistry equipment, make a cloud in a bottle and join a Bingo scavenger hunt. Next, head outdoors to cast a line in the Ohio River and reel in a big one, and visit a rain garden. Buy tickets.
Saturday, July 16: AWCommunity S.T.E.A.M. Family Day at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
12-4 p.m.
S.T.E.A.M activities for all ages will flow along Liberty Avenue. Free outdoor activations include games, vendors, a Black Urban Gardeners Farmers’ Market, and performances by Palenique Dance, Anyah Nancy band and Royce. At 5 p.m., head inside for a ticketed event featuring by engineer, physician and NASA astronaut, Mae Jemison — the first Black woman to travel into space — as part of the TRUTHSayers Speaker Series.
Saturday, July 16: Stars at Riverview Jazz Series in Riverview Park
7-8:30 p.m.
Your summer jazz club is actually a tranquil lawn overlooking Pittsburgh’s landmark Allegheny Observatory. Cool off as the sun sets with a free jazz concert led by trombonist, pianist and composer — and longtime Pittsburgher — Reggie Watkins. Afterward stay for a screening of “Spider-Man: No Way Home” as part of the Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park series.
Saturday, July 16: Night in the Tropics at the Aviary
7-11 p.m.
Why not pair the tropical climate with exquisite avians and lush habitats? Party like it’s 1952 at this retro-themed gala celebrating the Aviary’s 70th anniversary. Take a vintage (stay)vacation in The Garden Room with an open-air terrace and exclusive access to beautiful birds at night. The summertime soirée sizzles with music, entertainment and food by Pittsburgh’s top restaurants. Check out fire dancing by Tuika’s Polynesian Island Magic, then cool off with friendly penguins, owls and parrots. Bird nerds have been waiting two years for this feathered fiesta, so get your tickets now.
Saturday, July 16: House Party at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater
9 p.m.
Studio 54 meets The Met Gala meets East Liberty at one of the summer’s hottest new parties. Rewriting the book on the house party and debuting a new concept for its benefit bash, the theater will pulse with immersive art installations and performances, community activations and spectacular fashion statements. Dress up to party down when the lobby transforms into an epic dance party with ICY PISCES fka Deejay Aesthetics sets and DJ Femi. Buy tickets.
Sunday, July 17: Sunflower Festival at Schwirian Farm
8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunflower season is in full bloom and there’s no better place to experience this dazzling perennial flowering helianthus. It’s the last day to wander through through the fields of gold at this family-owned farm in Monongahela. And with sunflowers priced at $1 per stem, you can create a bouquet for friends and loved ones. The festival includes food and drink vendors.
Sunday, July 17: Pittsburgh Art Park in the Hill District
1-6 p.m.
Make your mark and help paint Pittsburgh’s largest mural! The public is invited to join Pittsburgh muralist and activist Kyle Holbrook to paint names, messages, missions, and messages of hope and peace in a symbolic act of solidarity. Part of the MLK Mural Project, the canvas is the new Salem’s Market and Grill at 1850 Centre Ave. The free event includes food vendors, music by DJ Brother Marlon, artisans, children’s activities and more.
Sunday, July 17: Ice Cream Fundae at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
6-9 p.m.
What better way to banish the Sunday scaries than with ice cream? Pressley Ridge is teaming up with Huntington Bank to host this signature summertime social, where families can experience the sights and sounds of the zoo while savoring 12 flavors of Graeter’s Ice Cream, along with face painting, magic and live music. Order seconds, because proceeds support Pressley Ridge’s vital services for more than 9,000 children, youth families. Buy tickets.
Sunday, July 17: Artist Talk at Carnegie Museum of Art
6-9 p.m.
Creativity is a catalyst for mental health during this series founded by Sydney Davis (Niplids). Equal parts performance and therapy, the event returns for its third and largest edition to showcase eight LGBTQ+ identifying artists. Artists from all mediums will come together to shine a light on mental health conversations and share stories about their personal work. Benefiting Hope For The Day, the unique gathering engages audiences by providing self-care activations, tools and resources. The night includes live painting by Cue Perry, hor d’oeuvres and a raffle. Buy tickets.
Sunday, July 17: Summer of Love at Hartwood Acres
7:30 p.m.
Time travel to 1967 when the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series goes retro. Unwind on your blanket and take a trip through the iconic sounds of the 1960s and 1970s — from Dylan, Janis and Jimi, to the Doors, the Dead and so many more. Created by multi-instrumentalist Glen Burtnik of Styx fame, the free show features 16 dynamic performers, psychedelic lighting and projected videos.
For more things to do, read 13 top things to do in Pittsburgh in July from the Furries to Picklesburgh. For live music check out Concerts in Pittsburgh this July: Our guide to 16 can’t-miss shows. For family events, see 10 fun-filled Pittsburgh events for kids in July.