Emily Fritz | A&E Editor
With the blisteringly hot and humid days of September nearly upon us and the threat of dull dorm life – sans air conditioning — following the first full week of class, being back on the Bluff somehow seems even more laborious than it did when we pulled ourselves out of bed for that non-negotiable 8 a.m. class. Luckily, the Steel City never disappoints. The extended weekend is bursting with the perfect mix of food, music, festivities and most importantly, free things to do.
Market Square Farmers Market – Thursdays through Oct. 31
If you have a break in your class schedule between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., start the holiday weekend early with a walk down to Market Square for the weekly Farmers Market. Rounding out its 20th season at the end of October, expect to find more than 25 local vendors who are eager to share their craft with you. Stuck on the Bluff today? Head over at 10 a.m. on Sunday morning for ‘Yoga in the Square’ instead, but be sure to bring your own yoga mat!
Acrisure Stadium Kickoff & Rib Fest – Aug. 29 to Sept. 1
Bring your appetite (and some wet wipes) for this saucy endeavor at Acrisure Stadium! Filled with football, free concerts and of course, ribs, this event has grown from its inception in 1990 to cover the majority of Art Rooney Avenue and more than half of the stadium. Steelers mascot Steely McBeam will make his rounds alongside more than a dozen rib vendors as everyone gathers to kickoff the beginning of football season. Super fans will also be permitted to view Super Bowl trophies won by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the FedEx Great Hall and the Hall of Fame Museum for an additional cost.
‘Final Fridays’ at The Warhol – Aug. 30 at 5 p.m.
The Pop District at The Warhol Museum is sending off the summer season with its final ‘Final Fridays’ event from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Silver Street. This block-party style celebration brings artists, creatives and entrepreneurs together with live music, an all-ages hands-on art studio and El Sabor Latin Kitchen food truck for the ultimate outdoor program in the North Shore. This event is free with museum admission — which includes half-price admission after 5 p.m. Following the finale of ‘Final Fridays’ will be ‘Dandy Andy,’ an educational tour that explores the late contemporary artist’s queer identity and falls on the last Saturday of each month.
‘A Soulful Taste of the Burgh’ – Aug. 30 to Sept. 1
Nestled between Stanwix Street and Wood Street, Stop the Violence Pittsburgh is celebrating the return of its soul food festival, which has grown to include more than 50 food vendors and 50 item and cultural vendors since its birth in 2019. Enjoy live music from the talents of DJ Marlon, Keith Washington, Sevyn Streeter and The House of Soul or participate in activities inspired by Pittsburgh’s rich Black history.
Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert – Aug. 31 at 7:30 p.m.
Calling all ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ fans: a new way to enjoy your favorite comfort show is arriving at the Benedum Center this Saturday. This multisensory experience includes a live performance of the show’s original soundtrack while fan-favorite scenes from the Nickelodeon cartoon play out on a full-size screen. The symphonic fusion of Eastern and Western instrumentation has a runtime of nearly two hours and limited availability. Tickets can be purchased at www.trustarts.org.
Carnegie Science Center – Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kamin Family Free Day, thanks to sponsorship by Dan and Carole Kamin, is happening this Sunday at the Carnegie Science Center and encompasses all general admission activities, four floors of exhibit space, Mars: The Next Giant Leap, Highmark SportsWorks, outdoor activities at MessFest and all live demonstration and planetarium and astronomy shows. To celebrate the occasion, patrons can create their own slime and spin art, enjoy water activities using eco-friendly water balloons and dance to music from local DJs. Special entry to ‘The Science Behind Pixar’ exhibit and The Rangos Giant Cinema is not included in free admission.
Steelers Run Walk – Sept. 2
Registration for the 36th annual race is still open! Benefitting the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund and Chuck Noll Foundation, this 5K begins promptly at 8 a.m. on Labor Day and follows a mostly-level course through the North Shore, neighborhood of the team founder. The in-person memorial run concludes on the warning track of Acrisure Stadium. For those who prefer the path untraveled, virtual or at-home participation is available. All participants are automatically entered to win tickets for the Steelers’ home opener against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Mixtape Magic Academy – Now through Sept. 8
For those dabbling in the premature arrival of autumn favorites, Mixtape at 4907 Penn Ave. will be hosting their own 90-minute immersion fit for all ages. Fill out your own Sorcerer’s Report Card while you concoct your own potions, practice spell casting, solve mental puzzles and listen to mythical lore. Newly opened on Aug. 27, join the inaugural class of necromancers at Magic Academy by visiting www.mixtapepgh.com.