Summer Scoop—West Allegheny

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.

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

Butterfly Festival

When: August 23

Where: East Main Street, Carnegie

For more info: carnegieborough.com

Carnegie’s Shade Tree Commission and local volunteers will once again host the Monarch Butterfly Festival. Lots of seeds and some of the monarch’s favorite plants will be available. Children can create butterfly art and there will also be face painting, vendors, and education about the preservation of monarch butterflies.

Findlay Township’s Fair in the Woodlands

When: August 14 & 15

Where: Clinton Community Park, 85 Clinton Park Drive, Clinton

For more info: findlay.pa.us

This fair is organized by the Findlay Township Fair Board and staffed by many volunteers, employees and vendors. It features the Findlay 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Walk, food, games, exhibits, entertainment, live music, craft demonstrations, a parade and lots of children’s activities.

Food & Brew and Car Cruise

When: August 8

Where: Donaldson Park, 580 Donaldson Road, Oakdale

For more info: north-fayette.com

This event benefits the North Fayette Parks & Recreation Committee for future events. Dash plaques will be given to the first 100 registered cars. Local breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries as well as food trucks will participate. There will also be live entertainment and much more.

Moon Wizarding Festival

When: September 12

Where: Moon Park, 1350 Joe DeNardo Way, Moon Township

For more info: moonparks.org

Moon Park will be transformed into a magical world of witches, wizards, fantasy folk and muggles! Organized by Moon Parks and Recreation, the day will feature artisans, crafters, music, games, crafts, food, drinks and a costume contest. This is a free event open to all ages.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Festival

When: July 16–18

Where: St. Joseph Church, 1304 Fourth Avenue, Coraopolis

For more info: mshj.org

This parish festival has something for everyone. There will be plenty of carnival games, entertainment, basket raffles, bingo, train rides, a petting zoo, Big Buck Bonanza Raffle and daily food specials.

North Fayette Township Police Youth Programs Golf Outing

When: August 3

Where: Williams Golf & Country Club, 1000 Williams Drive, Weirton, WV

For more info: nfpdgolfouting.com

This annual golf outing raises funds for the department’s youth programs in the coming year.

Live Performances

Carnegie Carnegie Backbeat Series – Yacht Rocket

When: July 17

Where: Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall, 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie

For more info: carnegiecarnegie.org

Yacht Rocket is a vibrant and exciting 10-piece band celebrating the ’70s and ’80s genre of “yacht rock.”

Carnegie Carnegie Studio Jazz Series – Jessica Lee Quartet

When: August 13

Where: 300 Beechwood Avenue, Carnegie

For more info: carnegiecarnegie.org

This show will feature Jessica Lee joined by Rick Gallagher on keys, Mark Strickland on guitar and Erik Lawrence on saxophone.

Collier Township’s Concerts in the Park

When: Check the website for the schedule.

Where: Collier Township Community Park, 5 Lobaugh Street, Oakdale

For more info: colliertownship.net

Collier Township Parks and Recreation presents Concerts in the Park on Sunday evenings. A variety of musical talent will be featured, a different artist each week. Take a blanket or chair and enjoy local food trucks or Grist House beer for purchase.

Concert in the Park

When: July 28

Where: Rec & Sports Pavilion, 810 Route 30, Imperial

For more info: findlay.pa.us

Take a lawn chair or picnic blanket and enjoy an evening of music presented by West Hills Symphonic Band.

Crafton Performing Arts Association Summer Concert Series

When: Thursday evenings July 9 through August 13

Where: Crafton Park, 117 West Steuben Street, Crafton

For more info: facebook.com/CraftonPerformingArts

The Crafton Performing Arts Association, for more than 50 years, has served area residents and organized an annual outdoor summer concert series. The goal is to provide entertainment for neighbors, families and friends that will evoke old memories and create new ones. All concerts take place rain or shine except in cases of excessive thunder and lightning.

East Winds Symphonic Band Concert

When: August 29

Where: Broadway and First Park, 1205 First Avenue, Coraopolis

For more info: ewsb.org

Take your lawn chairs for an afternoon filled with lively band music and a beautiful river view.

Robin Hill Lunchtime Concert Series

When: July 15, August 19, and September 16

Where: Robin Hill Park, 949 Thorn Run Road, Moon Township

For more info: moonparks.org

Take a lawn chair or blanket and listen to some relaxing music in the beautiful surroundings of Robin Hill Park. Concerts are free.

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 be food and craft vendors, a Scouts skill games area, and rock climbing demonstrations as well.

Family Fun

Dog Days of Summer at Settlers Cabin Dog Park

When: July 28

Where: Settlers Cabin Park off-leash dog park, off Te Pee Drive, Carnegie

For more info: alleghenycounty.us

Enjoy a summer evening of fun and games celebrating pups of all shapes, sizes and colors.

Ice Cream Social

When: July 9

Where: Recreation and Sports Complex at Leopold Lake, 810 Route 30, Imperial

For more info: findlay.pa.us

Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with the tasty treat along with family and friends while playing some fun yard games.

Imperial’s Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

When: July 3

Where: Recreation and Sports Complex at Leopold Lake, 810 Route 30, Imperial

For more info: findlay.pa.us

Celebrate the holiday with an evening of music, food, balloon and airbrush tattoo artists, giveaways, and fireworks by Pyrotecnico. Gates open at 5 p.m. Shuttles will run from the Findlay Activity Center and Municipal Building.

Moon Market & Music

When: Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday, through September

Where: Moon Park, 1350 Joe DeNardo Way, Moon Township

For more info: moonparks.org

Moon Market & Music offers a little bit of everything, with a popular market, food trucks, craft beers, wine, fun family activities and live music.

North Fayette Community Days

When: August 8

Where: Donaldson Park, 580 Donaldson Road, Oakdale

For more info: north-fayette.com

This event offers a wide range of vendors, entertainment, fireworks, and activities for kids such as inflatables, pony rides, a petting zoo and games.

Summer Runnin’ (and Walkin’)

Community Days 5K, 1-Mile Kids Run, and Family Fun Walk

When: August 8

Where: North Fayette Community Center (Parking Lot), 580 Donaldson Road, Oakdale

For more info: north-fayette.com

The race begins and ends at the North Fayette Community Center and follows Donaldson Road. Prizes are awarded to the top male and female finishers, as well as top age group finishers. All participants will receive a t-shirt.

Family Fun Color Run

When: July 24

Where: Clinton Community Park, 86 Clinton Park Drive, Clinton

For more info: findlay.pa.us

Participants in this 1-mile color walk/run will take a loop around Clinton Park while being blasted with colors along the way.

Harvest Moon Race

When: November 14

Where: St. Philip’s Church, 1629 Beaver Grade Road, Moon Township

For more info: harvestmoonrace.org

Save the date for the annual Harvest Moon Race! This family-friendly community event features a 10-mile run, a 5K run/walk, a 1-mile fun run and the Kidz Dash for those 4 and under. Afterward, enjoy live music, raffles, games, hayrides and food. Proceeds benefit student ministry. (Receive a $5 discount on registration with promo code: COMMUNITY.)

Thomas J. Witt Memorial Firecracker 5K Run or Walk

When: July 4

Where: Crafton Park, 117 West Steuben Street, Crafton

For more info: craftonborough.com

Join your friends and neighbors in this annual July 4th run/walk in memory of a significant member of the community.

Other Fun Summer Stuff

Outdoor Flea Market

When: August 22

Where: Clinton Community Park, 86 Clinton Park Drive, Clinton

For more info: findlay.pa.us

Do you have a lot of “stuff” you are looking to off-load, or would you like to make some extra cash? You can rent a space at this flea market and bring along everything you can sell out of the back of your vehicle. Call 724.695.0500 (x240 or x241) to reserve your spot. On the day, all are invited to check out the variety of items available to buy!

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.

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! Live music, tropical drinks and great food from more than a dozen local restaurants will be available while enjoying the lush habitats of the aviary after hours.

Northside Music Festival

When: July 10–12

Where: Various locations in Pittsburgh’s North Side

For more info: northsidemusicfestival.com

Northside Music Festival offers a curated lineup with a wide variety of genres along with 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, fun event welcomes 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.

Picklesburgh

When: July 16–19

Where: Downtown Pittsburgh (Check the website for specific locations.)

For more info: picklesburgh.com

Picklesburgh is the destination for all things pickled! Enjoy international dishes, artisan cocktails and beers that feature pickled ingredients, plus 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 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 to celebrate tacos! A portion of the proceeds from the event will directly benefit local charities.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

When: July 11–19

Where: Various locations in and around the city of Pittsburgh

For more info: pvgp.org

This is a huge vintage race event, spanning nine days with two race weekends, car shows, parties, parades and motorsport events. It raises funds to help provide residential care, treatment and support for people in the region who have autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities.

Rock, Reggae & Relief

When: August 8

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

For more info: rockreggaerelief.com

This music festival focuses 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

For more info: phipps.conservatory.org

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.