A monster battle royale. A day of fun for dogs and their owners. A free outdoor festival all about books. With so many events this June, it’s a wonder how you’ll fit it all in.
The Giant Eagle Creativity Zone at the Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival: June 2-11
The Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival gives kids a chance to join the fun with the Giant Eagle Creativity Zone. Located at Point State Park and Gateway Center, the designated areas offer free hands-on activities and demonstrations presented by some of Pittsburgh’s most preeminent art and outreach organizations. Those participating include The Anthropology of Motherhood, Construction Junction, For Good PGH, the Mattress Factory, PC/PFA, Sweetwater Center for the Arts, TechShop, Trust Arts Education and the Warhol Museum.
The Giant Eagle Creativity Zone will take place every day during the festival from 12-6 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public.
Panera Pup Walk a the Waterfront: June 4
More than 300 dogs from across the region are expected to descend on The Waterfront for the 8th annual Panera Pup Walk. Presented by the Humane Animal Rescue and marshaled by former Steeler Charlie Batch and his wife, Latasha, the family-friendly event takes four-legged friends and their owners on a brisk walk along The Waterfront’s scenic trail. The event concludes with a festival featuring puppy pools, games and other activities that will make any tail wag. There will also be giveaways and local dog-friendly vendors to entertain human attendees.
Registration for the Panera Pup Walk takes place in The Waterfront Town Center at 9 a.m. followed by the walk and festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Register your dog online for $35, plus $5 for each additional dog. The event benefits the Humane Animal Rescue.
CATurday: Art Cat’s Sketchbook Launch Party at Carnegie Museum of Art: June 10
Carnegie Museum of Art welcomes a feline friend when they throw the CATurday: Art Cat’s Sketchbook Launch Party. The event kicks off the launch of Art Cat’s Sketchbook, a new educational activity book about the joy of art. Get a “Cattoo,” design your own cat ears or take part in drawing activities led by Art Cat designer Dave Klug. Meet adoptable kittens from Humane Animal Rescue, enjoy a live performance by the Center for Young Musicians, go on an Animal Kingdom Gallery tour or move and groove during the Kid City dance party with DJ Kelly Mom. To top it all off, the museum will also present the furry winner of their Art Cat contest.
CATurday takes place from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The party is included with regular admission. Little artists receive $2 off admission if they contribute drawings of their favorite cats to the museum’s community gallery.
Rainbow Kitchen & UPMC Health Plan Walk & Ride Against Hunger: June 10
Help Rainbow Kitchen and UPMC fight hunger in Allegheny County with a day of outdoor fun. The Walk & Ride Against Hunger encourages families to walk or bike a course that begins at the historic Pump House in Homestead and continues down the Great Allegheny Passage trail. Walkers and riders are encouraged to raise pledge contributions in support of Rainbow Kitchen Community Services’ mission to feed the region’s most vulnerable populations, including struggling families, children and those dealing with homelessness. The interactive 3WS Sports Challenge game gives kids the chance to win prizes by hitting inflatable targets. The event also includes a health and wellness expo as well as giveaways for hotel stays, gift baskets and certificates, merchandise and more.
The registration and expo begin at 9 a.m. Departure takes place at 10 a.m. followed by prize drawings at noon. Online registration costs $15 for adults, $10 for youth 18 and under and students. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
Carnegie Library’s Summer Reading Extravaganza in Oakland: June 11
Get ready to tackle some beach reads when Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh presents its 17th annual Summer Reading Extravaganza. Hosted at the Main Library in Oakland, the festival features a schedule of fun, free activities for all ages. Enjoy storytimes and puppet shows, as well as live performances by WYEP music artists, Pittsburgh Musical Theater and Timbeleza. There are also crafts, games, food trucks and a book sale. The event kicks off the library’s citywide summer reading program which challenges kids, teens and adults to collectively read 180,000 books by August 31.
The 17th Annual Summer Reading Extravaganza runs from 12-5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
