As we look forward to Independence Day weekend, schedules will be packed with barbecues, fireworks and fun. But in between all of the hot dogs and dips in the pool, take some time to see what’s going on in the city. Here are five events to enhance your three-day weekend.
Free Symphony Orchestra concerts in the parks
Join the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a free concert Saturday evening at South Park Amphitheater and Sunday evening at Hartwood Acres. Both concerts will start at 8:15 p.m., with food trucks and wine available for purchase starting at 6 p.m.
This weekend’s concerts will concentrate on popular favorites, with compositions by Sousa and Copland, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” plus Beethoven, John Williams and many more.
Concerts are free and will also be performed outdoors rain or shine. To learn more, visit trustarts.org.
Story time at the Carnegie Museum
Start your weekend mornings off right and bring the kids to story time at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. On Saturday and Sunday, from 10-10:45 a.m., museum interpreters will read kid-friendly stories about nature and science.
The program is free with museum admission, which means that this little detour can be a perfect start to your day at the museum. Kids may also get the chance to touch some specimens from the museum for an extra interactive element.
Story time will meet at the bench outside the Kamin Hall of Dinosaurs. And if you can’t make it this week, there will be other opportunities throughout the summer. Check out more at carnegiemnh.org.
First Annual Caribbean Carnival
Head to Allegheny Commons Park West on the North Side on Saturday for the first annual Caribbean Carnival, a celebration of Caribbean culture and music. All day long, vendors with one-of-a-kind art and items will be selling their wares, delicious Caribbean dishes will be available and, of course, musicians will bring the rhythm of the islands for dancing.
Featured music artists will include Jadel, playing Trinidadian-influenced music. The carnival will last from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., so stop by or stick around for the whole day. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.
Spooky Summer Sip n Snack
Summer can be tough for lovers of all things eerie and autumnal, but never fear — Trace Brewing has you covered on Sunday. Head over to Bloomfield for an evening of spooky vibes, vegan delights and refreshing beers.
This event is at a dog- and kid-friendly venue, so bring the whole family. The bash will feature vendors selling their best spooky stuff, vegan offerings from the Sahar’s Food Lab food truck and Trace Brewing’s tempting slate of beers. Admission is free.
Learn more at the Facebook event here.
Title Town Soul Dance Party
The best time to sweat to groovy funk and soul tunes is the height of summer, so head to Spirit in Lawrenceville on Saturday for this month’s Title Town Soul and Funk Dance Party. Bringing good vibes to the holiday weekend, you’ll hear classics from artists including Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin, The Spinners and many more, plus some deeper cuts to expand your horizons and keep things fresh.
The party will run from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Spirit, with a cover of $5 before 10 p.m. and $10 after. This event is 21+. Learn more at spiritpgh.com.
