Things to do / Travel Guide
Year-round, southwestern Pennsylvania has a full docket of events that will delight travelers of all ages and interests.
January
Watch Evel-Knievel wannabes wield their mid-air tricks as they brave nearly 100-foot jumps at the International Freestyle Motocross Association Jump Fest held annually in Pittsburgh's Mellon Arena. Admission costs $20-$35.
February
The Kidapalooza Festival held at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh. While things might get a little zoo-ey, your children will certainly enjoy the inflatable games, sports demonstrations, and a petting zoo. Admission for adults is less than $10 and about half price for kids ages 3-11.
May
Taste divine dionysian delicacies at the annual Pittsburgh Wine Festival during the first week of May. Events held at various venues throughout the city include wine tastings of regional and national wines, lectures on viticulture, and gourmet dinners by award-winning chefs. Ticket prices range from $35 to $250, depending on the event.
Multicultural and colorful theater, music, dance, and puppetry from around the world make the Pittsburgh International Children's Festival one of the largest of its kind in the United States. The festival's events take place over an extended weekend at West Park and venues on Pittsburgh's North Shore. Admission prices vary.
Pedal Pittsburgh annual bike tour in mid-May takes more than 12,000 cyclists on a spin through Pittsburgh's neighborhoods and landmarks. Leisurely rides range in length from 15 to 60 miles and start and finish at the Amphitheatre at Station Square.
June
Let your creativity start to flow at the two-week long Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh. Concerts, theater and puppet performances, crafts markets, art installations, and workshops for both adults and children are held at various locations throughout the city.
July
Spend your 4th of July weekend at the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta. Located at Point State Park, the event features live music, fireworks, a fishing tournament, as well as various powerboat and sailboat races. Admission costs less than $5.
Fans cheer wildly as antique cars zoom around Schenley Park. The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix in Pittsburgh's Schenley Park is a week-long celebration of antique autos, and widely considered the best Vintage Grand Prix event in the United States.
Carnivals and circus performers, tractor pulls and demolition derbies, country music and Elvis impersonators are just a few of the events you'll enjoy at the Fayette County Fair in Dunbar, roughly 60 miles south of Pittsburgh. Fayette County Fair generally runs throughout the months of July and August. Admission costs under $10.
August
Enjoy a special savory Souvlaki and Fish Plaki at the yearly Ypapanti Greek Food Festival at Pittsburgh's Olympia Hall on Electric Avenue. The four-day festival in mid-August features live Greek folk music and dancing; admission is free.
September
Attend an authentic Italian church mass, listen to live music, and feast on focaccia at the Labor Day weekend Italian Summerfest. The event takes place at the Amphitheatre at Station Square in downtown Pittsburgh. Admission for adults is around $10 and children cost about $5.
Don your Irish kilt and head to the weekend-long Pittsburgh Irish Festival. Enjoy celtic dancing and Irish food, musical performances and Celtic instrument demonstrations. The event takes place at the Amphitheatre at Station Square in downtown Pittsburgh. Admission costs vary.
At the end of August and throughout most of the month of September, you and your family can head down to the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival. Among the exciting things to enjoy at the festival are jousting, a Children's Realm, food areas, the Pirate's Pub, and an upscale Crafts Marketplace.
November
Enjoy the holiday season's festive colors at Pittsburgh's Light Up Night. Art gallery tours, official christmas tree lightings, the unveiling of department store holiday display windows, ice sculptures, and live musical performances take place throughout downtown Pittsburgh.
December
First Night Pittsburgh is southwestern Pennyslvania's largest New Year's Eve celebration. Outdoor theater and music performances, magic shows, fireworks, street acts, and a parade take place throughout the city. Scheduled events usually run from 6 p.m. until midnight every December 31st. An entrance button good for all of First Night Pittsburgh's events costs around $10.
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