Summer Scoop—Mars Area

Festivals, food, music and more... here’s what area communities have lined up for the season.

The community calendar is filling up fast. Whether you’re planning ahead or just looking for something to do on a sunny afternoon or warm evening, consider this your guide to making the most of the season.

From food trucks and festivals to concerts and movies under the stars, these events highlight the best of what summer has to offer close to home.

Fairs, Festivals & Fundraisers

Allegheny County Wine & Spirits Festival

When: July 18

Where: Hartwood Acres Mansion Lawn, 200 Hartwood Acres, Allison Park

For more info: alleghenycounty.us/special-events

Enjoy an evening of wine and spirits, food trucks, and live music at the Allegheny County Wine & Spirits Festival. Samples from some of the best wineries and distilleries in the region will be featured.

Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival

When: June 12–14

Where: Downtown Butler

For more info: bantamjeepfestival.com

Experience the original Jeep Invasion in downtown Butler, birthplace of the Jeep. Hit the off-road trails, shop for Jeep parts and accessories in the vendor area, or simply show off your Jeep and check out others. Military history lovers, show ‘n’ shiners, off-roaders ... all types of Jeep owners are welcome.

Berry Festival and Craft Show

When: June 27 & 28

Where: Freedom Farms, 434 Overbrook Road, Valencia

For more info: freedomfarmspa.com

The Berry Festival and Craft Show features tractor rides, a petting zoo, more than 50 craft vendors, a beer and wine garden, berry-flavored everything, and activities for the kids. There will also be a full open-air market for shopping, concessions with food from Freedom Farms, and face painting.

The Big Butler Fair

When: July 3–11

Where: Butler Fairgrounds, 1127 New Castle Road, Prospect

For more info: bigbutlerfair.com

The Big Butler Fair is one of the largest fairs in Western PA! Families from all over Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York and West Virginia attend to enjoy fireworks, midway games, demolition derbies, concerts, truck pulls and more.

Butler Italian Days

When: August 28 & 29

Where: 338 South Main Street, Butler

For more info: butleritaliandays.com

Butler Italian Days will be a celebration of Italian heritage with delicious food, music and lots of entertainment.

Celebrate the Lake

When: August 1

Where: Glade Run Lake Park, Lake Road, Valencia

For more info: gladerunlakeconservancy.org

Celebrate the Lake is a fun-filled day featuring live music, live animal exhibits, beer and wine tents, food trucks, local organizations, vendors, activities for kids, basket raffles and a silent auction. This event is organized by the Glade Run Lake Conservancy.

Divine Grace Parish Family Festival

When: August 7–9

Where: St. Ferdinand Church, 2535 Rochester Road, Cranberry Township

For more info: parishfamilyfestival.org

This family festival will be three days of live music, food, bingo, raffles, carnival games, a children’s play area, and a massive “white elephant” sale.

Family Freedom Festival

When: August 22 & 23

Where: Harmony-Evans City VFW Post 499, 408 North Washington Street, Evans City

For more info: evanscityvfwpost499.org

This annual event is a celebration of community and support for local veterans and their families. Music, vendors, food, activities for kids, and a beer garden will make this event fun for all.

Festival in the Park

When: June 27

Where: Blueberry Hill Park, Blaine’s Way, Franklin Park

For more info: franklinparkborough.us

This year’s festival will be filled with inflatable fun for all ages, food trucks, activities, entertainment, a petting zoo, ax throwing and live music. Magnificent fireworks will cap off the night.

Holy Trinity Taste of Greece Festival

When: September 3–6

Where: 985 Providence Boulevard, McCandless

For more info: holytrinitypgh.org

Souvlaki, moussaka, soutzoukakia, gyros and so much more will be on the menu for the Taste of Greece Festival. Entertainment and vendors will add to the fun.

Juneteenth Celebration at the Sewickley Community Center

When: June 14

Where: 15 Chadwick Street, Sewickley

For more info: sewickleycommunitycenter.com

This is an excellent opportunity to participate in various activities and events designed to enhance connection and foster a sense of community within the borough of Sewickley. A range of activities including arts and crafts, music and food will be part of the event.

Mars Brew Fest

When: June 6

Where: Mars Flying Saucer, Pittsburgh Street and Grand Avenue, Mars

For more info: marsnewyear.com/marsbrewfest

Enjoy brews from Butler County and beyond ... There will also be live music, food trucks, and much more!

Millvale Music Fest

When: May 15 & 16

Where: Various locations in Millvale

For more info: millvalemusic.org

This community-organized event supports and showcases local music, art and entertainment.

Music for MS

When: August 8

Where: Corbriwood Stage, 36 Corbriwood Lane, Gibsonia

For more info: musicforms.org

The 13th annual Music for MS will feature a number of musical acts and food trucks. Purchase tickets on the website. All proceeds benefit the Pennsylvania Keystone Chapter of the National MS Society.

The Shindig Charity Music Festival

When: August 7–9

Where: Zelienople Community Park, 402 East Beaver Street, Zelienople

For more info: theshindigmusicfestival.com

The Shindig Charity Music Festival will be packed with a great mix of regional and local musicians playing everything from ’80s and ’90s pop to country rock, blues, old-school country and classic rock.

Wildflower Festival

When: July 17–19 and 24–26

Where: Freedom Farms, 434 Overbrook Road, Valencia

For more info: freedomfarmspa.com

Take a tractor ride to the beautiful flower fields where you can pick sunflowers, zinnias, snapdragons and gomphrena. There will also be pony rides, swings, a sunflower maze, corn pit, hay mountain, an animal barn and much more.

Zelienople Horse Trading Days

When: July 16–18

Where: Downtown Zelienople

For more info: horsetradingdays.com

The Zelienople Area Business Association will proudly present the annual Horse Trading Days. This longtime tradition offers tons of vendors, unique food options, local products, live music, a family fun run and carnival fun.

Live Performances

AbbaMania Canada

When: July 18

Where: The Legacy Theater, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park

For more info: thelegacylineup.com

AbbaMania Canada Live is a show for all ages to enjoy and to sing along with songs ranging from “Waterloo” and “Fernando” to “Dancing Queen” and more.

Beach Party Boys

When: May 16

Where: The Strand Theater, 119 North Main Street, Zelienople

For more info: thestrandtheater.org

The Beach Party Boys have been touring the nation and the world with their sensational tribute to The Beach Boys—described as the ultimate beach party!

The Chamber Music Series

When: May 2 & 3

Where: Trinity Lutheran Church, 120 Sunset Drive, Butler (May 2), Hope Lutheran Church, 8070 Rowan Road, Cranberry Township (May 3)

For more info: butlersymphony.org

This series features small chamber works performed by Butler County Symphony musicians, creating an intimate listening experience.

Night Fever

When: August 1

Where: The Strand Theater, 119 North Main Street, Zelienople

For more info: thestrandtheater.org

Night Fever will take you back to the days of disco with this tribute to the Bee Gees.

Parrots of the Caribbean – Jimmy Buffett Tribute

When: June 13

Where: The Legacy Theater, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, Allison Park

For more info: thelegacylineup.com

Parrotheads and music fans alike will love this high-energy Jimmy Buffett tribute band, Parrots of the Caribbean, playing favorites like “Margaritaville” and “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

Pittsburgh Civic Orchestra Presents ‘Echoes From Afar’

When: May 16

Where: Sewickley Academy, 315 Academy Avenue, Sewickley

For more info: pghcivicorch.org

This orchestra’s upcoming concert will be a captivating evening, taking the audience on a musical journey across continents and cultures.

Simply Queen

When: June 11

Where: The Strand Theater, 119 North Main Street, Zelienople

For more info: thestrandtheater.org

This tribute band performs all the iconic songs that made Queen one of the most legendary rock bands of all time, and faithfully re-creates the grand scope of Queen’s live shows.

Summer Brasstacular Presented by River City Brass

When: May 8

Where: Carson Middle School, 300 Hillvue Lane, McCandless

For more info: rivercitybrass.org

Celebrate summer with River City Brass! The show will feature the music of Henry Mancini and Glenn Miller as well as hits such as “Eye of the Tiger” and “MacArthur Park,” plus patriotic favorites.

Family Fun

Aspinwall’s Big Night Out

When: August 6

Where: Field Avenue, Aspinwall

For more info: aspinwallneighbors.org

The Big Night Out is one of Aspinwall’s largest annual community events, drawing neighbors together in a celebration of community and in support of local organizations.

Butler Community Day

When: July 1

Where: Alameda Park, 184 Alameda Park Road, Butler

For more info: experiencebutler.com

Butler Community Day offers fun for the whole family with live entertainment, great food and vendors, lots of activities for the kiddos, and fireworks to end the night.

Butler Farm Show

When: August 10–15

Where: Butler Farm Show Grounds, 625 Evans City Road, Butler

For more info: butlerfarmshow.com

This summer tradition offers family fun for everyone!

Christmas in July

When: July 22

Where: Hampton Community Pool, 3101 McCully Road, Allison Park

For more info: hampton-pa.org

Hampton’s Christmas in July is a festive summer afternoon filled with swimming, seasonal fun, and family-friendly activities such as a snowball toss and photos with Santa in his best swim trunks!

Cranberry Summer Nights

When: July 9–11

Where: Cranberry Community Park, 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive, Cranberry Township

For more info: yourctcc.org

Cranberry Summer Nights (formerly CTCC Community Days) will be filled with music, art, fun and community spirit.

Franklin Park’s Night Out 2026

When: August 4

Where: Franklin Park Municipal Building, 2344 West Ingomar Road, Franklin Park

For more info: franklinparkborough.us

Thank local first responders for their service and participate in a touch-a-truck style event. There will be ambulances, fire trucks, police cars, public works trucks and tons of fun!

Moraine State Park Regatta

When: August 1 & 2

Where: Moraine State Park South Shore, 225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville

For more info: morainestateparkregatta.org

This regatta is the region’s premiere eco-recreational event, with free family fun for all ages along the south shore of Lake Arthur.

Richland Township Community Day

When: August 8

Where: Richland Community Park, 1157 Van Velsor Drive, Bakerstown

For more info: richland.pa.us

Community Day is the biggest event of the year in Richland Township and it will conclude with Zambelli fireworks.

Shaler Township Community Day

When: July 4

Where: Kiwanis Park, 1 Meyer Road, Glenshaw

For more info: shaler.org

Shaler Township’s Community Day will include lots of fun family activities and food. Enjoy the day with neighbors and friends.

Summer Nights and Fireflies

When: June 20

Where: Succop Nature Park, 185 Airport Road, Butler

For more info: aswp.org

Is there anything more enjoyable than a summer night filled with fireflies? Learn about our state insect and its interesting life, and how to count fireflies in your own backyard. The evening will begin with a presentation, then everyone will head outside to observe and count as night falls. Registration is required.

Township of Pine Community Day

When: June 20

Where: Pine Community Park, 100 Pine Park Drive, Wexford

For more info: twp.pine.pa.us

Community Day will include food, games, vendors and much more!

Summer Inspiration

Native Plant Sale

When: May 24

Where: Stormy Oaks Nature Conservancy, 120 Forsythe Road, Valencia

For more info: wildbirdrecovery.org

Make your yard more wildlife-friendly by adding native plants to your landscape. Asters, bee balm and mountain mint—to name just a few—will be available for purchase.

Shaler Garden Club’s Plant Sale

When: May 2

Where: Kiwanis Park, Wetzel Road, Glenshaw

For more info: shalergardenclub.com

Plant lovers should put this event on their calendars. Purchase a variety of plants and hanging baskets, plus baked goods and chances for raffle baskets and a 50/50 raffle.

Shaler Garden Tour

When: July 12

Where: Five local gardens

For more info: shalergardenclub.com

Enjoy the colorful blooms, ponds and paths of five lovely local gardens.

Southern Butler County Garden Club Annual Garden Tour

When: June 27

Where: Several private gardens in the area

For more info: southernbutlercountygardenclub.org

Get inspired by touring several private gardens in and around the Cranberry Township area! Homeowners will be available to answer your questions and share their gardening design insight.

Stitchburgh

When: August 21–23

Where: DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh–Cranberry, 910 Sheraton Drive, Mars

For more info: stitchburghpa.com

This festival is all about the fiber arts. Local yarn dyers, fiber artists, and curious beginners come together to learn and create.

Stitching Together Our History

When: September 11–13

Where: Ross Township Community Center, 1000 Ross Municipal Drive, Ross Township

For more info: npqg.org

More than 100 quilts will be on display! The North Pittsburgh Quilters Guild is celebrating 250 years of America with this event. Admission is $10.

Summer Running (and Walking)

Cranberry Chase 5K

When: July 11

Where: Cranberry Community Park, 111 Ernie Mashuda Drive, Cranberry Township

For more info: cranberryfoundation.org

Experience a unique course in this race—one that combines hills, roads and nature trails, making it interesting and challenging.

Habitat for Humanity’s Youth Triathlon

When: July 18

Where: North Park Pool, South Ridge Drive, Allison Park

For more info: kidstriathlon.org

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh’s Youth Triathlon is for young athletes ages 7–15 of all ability levels. Participants must be able to swim, bike, and run on their own. They will receive a t-shirt to tie-dye, as well as a medal upon finishing. Trophies will be awarded to the top three boy and girl finishers in each age bracket. Registration is required.

Rich-Mar Rotary Schoolyard 5K Run and 1-Mile Walk

When: June 20

Where: Mars Middle School, 1775 Three Degree Road, Mars

For more info: runsignup.com/race/pa/mars/schoolyardrunwalk

The money raised from this event will honor past Rotarians Mary Lord and Bob Ulz and support two scholarships: one for a Pine-Richland High School student and one for a Mars High School student with additional proceeds going toward the YASU organization (Young Adult Survivors United).

Sewickley Classic 5K Run and Festival

When: May 16

Where: War Memorial Park, 5 Blackburn Road, Sewickley

For more info: runsignup.com

This new spring tradition is built around running, walking and bringing people together in the heart of Sewickley. It will feature a scenic, fast 5K road race through the village, as well as additional run and walk options, youth activities and a post-race community festival.

Twilight 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk

When: July 24

Where: St. Conrad Campus and Butler Farm Show Grounds, 125 Buttercup Road, Butler

For more info: allsaintsbutler.org/5k

Proceeds of the event will benefit All Saints Parish and the Sarah Kasunic/Emily Leyland Scholarship at Butler Catholic School.

Festivals and Fun in the Burgh

3 Rivers Comicon 2026

When: June 6 & 7

Where: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, 1000 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Downtown Pittsburgh

For more info: 3riverscomicon.com

This family-friendly event brings a variety of comics, books and collectibles to life. There will be more than 200 artists, vendors and other guests at this year’s Comicon.

Bloomfield Little Italy Days

When: August 13–16

Where: Liberty Avenue (from Ella to Gross St.), Bloomfield

For more info: littleitalydays.com

Bring your appetite to one of the region’s largest heritage festivals! Expect lots of music and food, games, and activities for the kids among the unique shops and fine restaurants. This four-day event will have three packed stages with more than 30 acts.

The Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival

When: June 5–7 and 11–14

Where: Arts Landing, Downtown Pittsburgh

For more info: traf.trustarts.org

A production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, it features world-class, multidisciplinary performing and visual arts attractions free and open to everyone. The outdoor festival features music, performances and visual art as well as a large artisan market.

Night in the Tropics: Sunset Riviera

When: July 17

Where: National Aviary, 700 Arch Street, Pittsburgh’s North Side

For more info: aviary.org

Feel the Mediterranean breeze at this 21+ summer party! Enjoy live music, tropical drinks and great food from more than a dozen local restaurants in the lush habitats of the aviary after hours.

Northside Music Festival

When: July 10–12

Where: Various locations on Pittsburgh’s North Side

For more info: northsidemusicfestival.com

Northside Music Festival offers a curated lineup in a wide variety of genres. It also includes numerous art vendors, food and lots of family activities.

Pedal PGH

When: August 30

Where: Allegheny Commons Park West, 600 West North Avenue, Pittsburgh’s North Side

For more info: pedalpgh.org

This casual event invites riders of all ages, abilities and fitness levels. Proceeds benefit BikePGH, a nonprofit organization that works to make the city safe and accessible for everyone to bike and walk.

Picklesburgh

When: July 16–19

Where: Various locations in Downtown Pittsburgh

For more info: picklesburgh.com

The destination for all things pickled! This culinary celebration offers international dishes, artisan cocktails and beers that feature pickled ingredients, and lots of other prepared foods. There will also be canning demonstrations and much more. It’s kind of a big dill!

Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

When: September 17–20

Where: August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Avenue, Downtown Pittsburgh

For more info: pittsburghjazzfest.org

World-renowned musicians, local jazz pros and new artists take the stage to create a sound experience like no other. Be ready to party, dance, sing and make some musical memories.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

When: July 11–19

Where: Various locations in and around the city of Pittsburgh

For more info: pvgp.org

A huge vintage race event, spanning nine days that include two race weekends, car shows, parties, parades and motorsport events. It raises funds to support the care of people in the region who have autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Red, Wild, and Blue Day

When: May 25

Where: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 7370 Baker Street, Highland Park

For more info: pittsburghzoo.org

Kick off the season at the zoo as a variety of animals receive special enrichment!

Rock, Reggae & Relief

When: August 8

Where: Downtown Pittsburgh (Check the website for location updates.)

For more info: rockreggaerelief.com

This music festival brings reggae tunes, unity and feel-good vibes while raising money for local charities.

Summer Safari: Zoorassic Park

When: June 5

Where: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 7370 Baker Street, Highland Park

For more info: pittsburghzoo.org

The zoo’s biggest fundraiser of the year will feature an unforgettable “dinosoiree”!

We love to inform our readers about fun events in our local communities. Send an email to d.mountain@icmags.com if you have details about a future event in the area.