If you’re looking for family friendly fun this month, you’re in the right place. Summer is in full swing, and July is packed with family-friendly festivals, outdoor concerts, fairs, fireworks, flower festivals, and unique events happening all across the Pittsburgh area. Whether you’re planning a weekend adventure, looking for free things to do, or trying to keep the kids entertained during summer break, there’s no shortage of fun to discover.
To help you narrow it down, we’ve rounded up our top 10 family-friendly things to do in Pittsburgh in July. These are the can’t-miss events and experiences that make July one of the best months to get out and explore everything the region has to offer. From longtime local traditions to seasonal favorites, there’s something here for every age and budget.
Things to do in Pittsburgh in July
1. Big Butler Fair
July 3-11
The Big Butler Fair is one of western Pennsylvania’s biggest summer traditions, featuring carnival rides, live entertainment, animal exhibits, delicious fair food, agricultural displays, truck and tractor pulls, demolition derbies, and nightly events. It’s a fun-filled outing for all ages, with something new to see and do every day of the fair.
2. Pittsburgh Celebrates America’s 250th
July 4
Celebrate Independence Day in Pittsburgh with one of the nation’s top Fourth of July celebrations. Enjoy live music, family activities, food vendors, a drone show, and the city’s largest fireworks display in decades at Point State Park and along the rivers. The festivities also include a Ferris wheel, entertainment throughout Downtown, and special events leading up to July 4 as part of America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
3. Family fun night at Phipps
July 10
Phipps Wonderland Family Fun Night transforms the Conservatory into a whimsical world inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Families can enjoy themed activities including oversized yard games, spin art, airbrush tattoos, pot-a-plant, circus performances, character meet-and-greets, and a Mad Hatter tea party while exploring the beautiful Summer Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. The event is included with regular admission, and members and children under 2 are free.
4. Free Summer Concerts
Enjoy live music under the stars all summer long with free outdoor concert series happening throughout the Pittsburgh area. From the popular shows at Hartwood Acres and South Park to community concerts in the Strip District, Moon Park, Green Tree, and more, there’s something for every music fan. Pack a blanket or lawn chair, grab dinner from local food trucks at select locations, and make it a fun family night out. Check the event calendar for the full list of free summer concerts, dates, and locations.
5. Picklesburgh
July 16-19
Celebrate one of Pittsburgh’s biggest summer festivals at Picklesburgh! Enjoy giant pickle-themed attractions, unique food and drinks, live music, family-friendly activities, contests, and vendors along the rivers of Downtown Pittsburgh. Whether you’re a pickle superfan or just looking for a fun day out, it’s a one-of-a-kind event that’s worth checking out.
6. Vintage Grand Prix
July 18-19
Experience the excitement of the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix with race weekend at Schenley Park, featuring vintage race cars, historic vehicles, and one of the region’s largest car shows. Families can watch classic cars in action, explore rows of unique vehicles up close, meet car enthusiasts, and enjoy a fun day outdoors with plenty to see for kids and adults alike.
7. Wild Flower Festival at Freedom Farm
July 17-19, July 24 – 26
Spend a day at Freedom Farms’ Wildflower Festival, where you can stroll through colorful flower fields, pick your own bouquet, and enjoy plenty of family-friendly activities. Kids can meet farm animals, take pony rides, explore the sunflower maze, jump into the giant corn pit, and climb the hay mountain, while everyone can enjoy live music, local food vendors, and artisan crafts. It’s a fun summer outing for all ages, with two weekends of festivities and discounted admission during the second weekend.
8. 20th Anniversary Jubilee at Schenley Plaza
July 25
Celebrate 20 years of Schenley Plaza with a joyful day of music, family fun, and community celebration in the heart of Oakland. The free, open-to-the-public Jubilee will feature complimentary PNC Carousel rides, live entertainment including a 21-piece big band and a special concert by Azure, fairytale character appearances, balloon artist, face painting, caricatures, local vendors, and more surprises throughout the day.
9. Family Fest at Arts Landing
July 25
Ideal for families with children ages 1-13, Family Fest at Arts Landing features live performances, story time, family pickleball, local mascot meet-and-greet, and a family dance party, along with ongoing activities including face painting, food trucks, lawn games, chalk art, scavenger hunt, open play, and hands-on arts activities.
10. OpenStreets PGH
July 26
OpenStreetsPGH returns on Sunday, July 26, 2026, transforming more than 3 miles of streets in the Strip District and Lawrenceville into a car-free playground for the day. Walk, bike, run, roll, or simply explore local shops, murals, restaurants, and neighborhood favorites at your own pace. The free event also features water refill stations, restrooms, first aid, and information hubs along the route, making it a fun and active way to experience Pittsburgh from a whole new perspective.
Looking for More Things to Do in Pittsburgh This July?
Be sure to browse the full Play Pittsburgh July Event Calendar for even more festivals, free events, outdoor activities, concerts, and family fun happening in and around Pittsburgh all month long. New events are added regularly, so check back often and make the most of summer while it’s here!