If your enthusiasm fizzled out after the Fourth of July, don’t fret; there’s still a lot of summer left. From roller skating and singing to cosplay and ice cream, take advantage of August’s top kid-friendly events before those back-to-school blues set in.
1. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in Concert at Heinz Hall: Aug. 2 & 4
Everyone’s favorite wizard gets some backup from local musicians for two magical performances. Watch “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” in high-def while the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra plays John Williams’ soaring score. Heinz Hall will feel like Hogwarts.
2. Curious George at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Go bananas at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. The new Curious George exhibit allows kids to monkey around through STEM-based activities. Explore the primate’s town, play a round of putt-putt and meet pals from H.A. and Margret Rey’s classic books and the PBS television series. Photo ops with George are available Aug. 2-4 and Aug. 23-25 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Wear your yellow hat!
3. PhenomeCon Teen Fandom Convention at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Aug. 3
Attention, fanboys and fangirls! You don’t have to go all the way to San Diego to geek out at a pop culture convention. Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s main branch in Oakland is hosting a free fandom fest for teens. From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., you’ll find everything from trivia and crafting to a costume showcase, role-playing games and more. Transportation will be available from select CLP locations, with a permission slip.
4. Purple Community Skate at Neville Roller Drome: Aug. 3
Drape yourself in purple and lace up your skates to support victims of domestic violence. This all-ages event benefits She Deserves, a nonprofit helping women in abusive situations develop confidence and self-worth. Each ticket sale ($10 for adults; $5 for 12 and under) will provide admission to a survivor’s child. Along with round-and-round rink action, check out the basket raffle.
5. Steelers Family Fest at Heinz Field: Aug. 4
Get pumped for the black and gold’s upcoming season during Steelers Family Fest. Gridiron activities start at 4 p.m. on Art Rooney Avenue and continue inside Heinz Field at 5:30. Play games, win prizes, meet Steelers legends, take selfies with six Lombardi Trophies and watch a full practice under the lights. Tickets are $10 online.
6. National Night Out at the Aspinwall Recreational Fields: Aug. 6
Aspinwall Neighborhood Watch invites all of Pittsburgh to its 10th annual National Night Out, a fundraiser supporting the borough’s fire, police and EMS crews. For a $10 family admission, guests can play games, sample food and beverages from local restaurants and check out an Allegheny Health Network LifeFlight helicopter and other emergency vehicles. Bonus: Kelsey Friday & The Rest of the Week will play kid-friendly hits.
7. Solar Concert Series at Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square: Aug. 7, 14, 21 and 28
Enjoy the sunshine and free live music every Wednesday from 12:15 to 1 p.m. outside the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Family-friendly acts such as L.A.’s Mista Cookie Jar perform through a solar-powered sound system. Even rain won’t put a damper on the festivities: They’ll move indoors pending available space in the museum.