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Summer Scoop—Mt. Lebanon and West Jefferson Hills

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

A vibrant evening at a "Summer Scoop" outdoor community movie event. In the foreground, a man points toward a large inflatable screen where a diverse audience sits on blankets and chairs. To the left, a wooden signpost lists upcoming activities: "Summer Starts Here Movie in the Park," "Park Jazz Nights," "Local Food Festival," "Nature Walks & Tales," and "Community Bonfire." The scene is illuminated by warm string lights and the glow of the movie screen, set against a clear, star-filled night sky.

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.

We kindly ask that before attending an event, please check the website provided. We do our utmost to make certain the information we provide in this section is accurate; however, events are subject to change.


Fairs, Festivals and Fundraisers

Bethel Park Lions Club Book Sale

When: July 31

Where: Lions Park, 5757 Irishtown Road, Bethel Park

Calling all bookworms: This event is your chance to get some deals to add to your summer reading material. Look for DVDs and games too.


Bethel Park Lions Club Flea Market

When: August 22

Where: Lions Park, 5757 Irishtown Road, Bethel Park

All local pickers and thrifters should mark their calendars for this annual flea market!


Brookline’s Breezefest

When: August 8

Where: Brookline Boulevard, Brookline

This annual street fair offers live music, craft vendors, activities for kids and fun for all ages.


California Riverfest

When: August 22 & 23

Where: Wood Street, California

This annual community festival offers a wide variety of food and shopping vendors, children’s activities and live music.


Corks & Kegs

When: August 28–30

Where: Hollywood Casino at The Meadows, 210 Racetrack Road, Washington

Corks & Kegs has become one of the largest craft beer events in the region. It offers tons of activities, food trucks, live music, a car cruise and plenty of beers, ciders, wines and spirits.


Fall Fantasy Parades

When: August 1–16 (Check the website for exact dates.)

Where: Kennywood Park, 4800 Kennywood Boulevard, West Mifflin

For more info: kennywood.com

Don’t miss one of Kennywood’s grandest traditions. This series boasts more than 130 marching bands from local high schools and universities, along with beautifully decorated floats.


McSummer Fest

When: July 25 through August 1

Where: Heritage Park, 101 Fourth Street, McDonald

This long-standing tradition draws crowds from all over for food, live music, fireworks, rides and carnival games. Check the Facebook page for more details and the music lineup.


Washington County Agricultural Fair

When: August 15–22

Where: Washington County Fairgrounds, 2151 North Main Street, Washington

For more info: washingtonfair.org

Thousands of animals are set to be shown at the fair! This event offers wholesome family fun, great entertainment, friendly competition and educational experiences for everyone.


Live Performances

‘Frozen Jr.’ Presented by Little Lake Theatre

When: Various dates July 23 through August 2

Where: 500 Lakeside Drive South, Canonsburg

For more info: littlelake.org

The beloved Disney tale comes to life on stage. Join Anna, Elsa, Olaf and friends on a journey of sisterhood, courage and magic.


Green Tree Summer Concert Series

When: June 25 through August 27 (Thursdays—check the website for specific dates.)

Where: Green Tree Park Gazebo, 895 Greentree Road, Green Tree

For more info: greentreeboro.com

Enjoy some live music outdoors with friends and family. Take a blanket or chair and get comfortable!


Keystone Chorus Concert

When: August 16

Where: Bethel Park Community Center, 5151 Park Avenue, Bethel Park

For more info: pghkeystonechorus.com

The Keystone Chorus will be performing as part of the Dean Streator Concert Series. Get ready for an evening of harmony, laughter, community and fun.


Peters Township Summer Concert Series

When: Starting June 24 (Check website for dates throughout the summer.)

Where: Peterswood Park Amphitheater, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia

For more info: peterstownship.com

Free Wednesday night concerts start at 7 p.m. unless otherwise noted on the website. Food trucks will also be available for food purchases.


Rock the Quarry XXV

When: August 28 & 29

Where: Panhandle Trail quarry event area, 38 Walkers Mill Road, Carnegie

For more info: panhandletrail.org

The 25th annual Rock the Quarry will be a two-day event full of music, games, science demonstrations, raffles, campfires and the Grand Rubber Ducky Race. There will also be food and drink vendors, crafts, a Scouts skill games area, and rock climbing demonstrations.


St. John’s Cathedral Concert

When: August 16

Where: St. John the Baptist Cathedral, 210 Greentree Road, Munhall

For more info: ewsb.org

Enjoy an afternoon of some toe-tapping music presented by the East Winds Symphonic Band.


Other Summer Fun

Art at the Farm

When: August 6–8

Where: Gilfillan Farm, 110 Orr Road, Upper St. Clair

For more info: gilfillanfarm.org or mcmurrayartleague.com

Watch artists at work and enjoy the historic Gilfillan Farm at this community celebration of the arts. Live music, art activities for children and adults, art and 50/50 raffles, auctions, food trucks and drinks, a bonfire and more.



Brentwood Borough Community Day

When: September 12

Where: Brentwood Park, Park Drive, Brentwood

For more info: brentwoodpa.gov

Brentwood’s Community Day is a chance for businesses, residents and visitors to come together in a show of community spirit! This family-friendly event features raffles, games, inflatables, attractions, and all sorts of craft vendors and food trucks.


Brentwood’s Taking it to the Streets

When: July 18 and August 22

Where: Brownsville Road at the Towne Square, Brentwood

Enjoy live music, craft beers, fine wines, and an assortment of delicious foods from all over Pittsburgh at this series of outdoor concerts.


Campfire Jam Night

When: August 13

Where: Mingo Creek Park, 323 Mingo Creek Road, Eighty Four

Grab a lawn chair or blanket and join park staff around the campfire for an evening of acoustic music! Musicians who play an instrument are encouraged to share their talent. Listeners are also welcome. Light refreshments will be served.


David McKibben Rose Expo

When: September 26

Where: Whitehall Borough Building Community Room, 100 Borough Park Drive, Whitehall

Pittsburgh Rose Society presents this display of roses of all varieties, grown in private gardens around the Pittsburgh area. Consulting rosarians will be on hand to answer rose growing questions.


Family Campout at Mingo Creek Park

When: August 14

Where: 323 Mingo Creek Road, Eighty Four

Spend an evening in the park camping under the star-filled skies. There will be lots of family fun including cooking hot dogs, roasting marshmallows, and spending time around the campfire. You will need your own tent and camping supplies, but park staff will be available to help new campers.


Friday Night Flicks

When: Check the website for the schedule.

Where: Peterswood Park Amphitheater, 700 Meredith Drive, Venetia

For more info: peterstownship.com

Free movies under the stars … take a blanket or chair and enjoy the evening!


Garden in the Park

When: August 15

Where: South Park Theatre, corner of Brownsville Road and Corrigan Drive, South Park

A variety of gardening talks will be held in the theater during this event. Guests are also invited to stroll among the display tables of community partners, environmental groups and master gardeners. Get some great gardening tips, join in family-friendly fun, and enjoy some PSU Berkey Creamery ice cream as well.



Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market

When: September 26 & 27

Where: The Academy Lot (behind The Saloon), 622 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon

For more info: mtlebopartnership.org

The Artists’ Market will include 60-80 booths featuring professional-quality, original art in a variety of media. Food trucks with great eats will be part of the event as well.


North Strabane Township Community Day

When: August 1

Where: 1929 Route 519, Canonsburg

For more info: northstrabanetwp.gov

Celebrate the community of North Strabane with neighbors, family and friends!


South Fayette Community Day

When: August 22

Where: Fairview Park, 129 Greenwood Drive, South Fayette

For more info: southfayettepa.com

Spend time with friends and neighbors at Community Day! There will be free activities, food and drink vendors, and fun for all.


South Fayette Township Movies at Fairview

When: August 14, and September 18

Where: Fairview Park, 129 Greenwood Drive, South Fayette

For more info: southfayettepa.com

Watch movies on the big screen during this free summer outdoor film series. Take a blanket or chair, bug spray and snacks.


Star Party at Mingo Creek Park

When: August 14 & 15, and September 4 & 5

Where: Mingo Creek Park Observatory, 1327 Venetia Road, Finleyville

For more info: 3ap.org

View the moon, stars, planets and deep space objects! These public star parties are hosted by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh. They start at dusk with safe solar viewing beginning approximately two hours before sunset. Observing will take place as long as there is a partly clear sky.


Whitehall Borough Community Day

When: August 8

Where: Brennan Plaza, 100 Borough Park Drive, and Snyder Park, Southvue Drive and Flamingo Drive, Whitehall

For more info: whitehallboro.org

Entertainment, food trucks, family activities and so much more!


Festivals and Fun in the Burgh

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 festival will have three packed stages with more than 30 acts.


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


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 will take the stage to create a sound experience like no other. This annual event is presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Be ready to party, dance, sing and make some musical memories.


Pittsburgh Taco Festival

When: September 12

Where: The Stacks at 3 Crossings, 2875 Railroad Street, Pittsburgh’s Strip District

For more info: pghtacofest.com

A day for celebrating tacos! A portion of the proceeds will directly benefit local charities.


Rock, Reggae & Relief

When: August 8

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

For more info: rockreggaerelief.com

This music festival centers on reggae tunes, unity and feel-good vibes while offering a helping hand to neighbors in need. It raises money for local charities.


Summer Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

When: Through September 27

Where: Phipps Conservatory, 1 Schenley Drive, Oakland

Explore a whimsical wonderland of iconic characters, fascinating features and bizarre botanicals inspired by the classic story!


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

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