It’s a big Fourth of July weekend because it’s also America’s 250th anniversary. Between cookouts and fireworks, there’s still plenty to do around town. Here are a few options to fit into your schedule.
World Cup Fan Zone
While no FIFA World Cup soccer games are being held in Pittsburgh, soccer fans can experience seeing the games inside a football stadium — the Fan Zone event at Acrisure Stadium shows the games on a giant screen.
On Saturday, the experience will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with knockout round games showing at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. After the games, there are free concerts and views of fireworks. On Sunday, the experience is open from 2 to 10 p.m., with games at 4 and 8 p.m. and a Party on the Plaza with DJ Pauly D afterwards.
The Fan Zone also includes interactive activities and a free America 250 festival inside and outside the stadium. To learn more about this weekend of activities, visit acrisurestadium.com.
Neighborhood Flea
What’s more American than browsing through a mid-summer flea market? Neighborhood Flea pops up Sunday at Schenley Plaza in Oakland for a chill shopping experience.
The event will be full of vintage goods and locally made wares that you won’t want to miss. The goal of the Neighborhood Flea, beyond a fun place to shop, is to make connections with neighbors and artisans. Look for retro clothes, vintage jewelry, repurposed furniture, hands-on workshops and tasty food.
The market is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Schenley Plaza in Oakland. To learn more, visit neighborhoodflea.com.
Fourth at the Fort
Independence Day is about fireworks and hot dogs, but it’s also about history. Spending the Fourth of July at the Fort Pitt Museum in Downtown Pittsburgh will give you a chance to examine the significance of the holiday, especially on our 250th anniversary.
There will be a flag-raising, featuring a 36-foot American flag, at 11 a.m. at the Fort Pitt Block House yard. It will be preceded by a performance from the Pittsburgh Concert Chorale. The event also includes Revolutionary War-era reenactments, music, cannon firings, hands-on activities and more.
The event is free and lasts from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fort Pitt Museum and Fort Pitt Block House in Point State Park. To learn more, visit heinzhistorycenter.org.
Dad Karaoke
Channel your inner dad with this themed karaoke night at Bottlerocket Social Hall in the Allentown neighborhood. Are you a huge fan of early 2000s musical acts such as Creed or ’70s staples like Steely Dan? Then this is the event for you. The multi-generational dad-rock-fest will be a great time, whether you’re singing or just bopping your head along.
The event is all-ages, and if you bring your dad, you can get buy-one-get-one-free plain hot dogs. Singing is free, but feel free to bring cash or canned goods to benefit the nonprofit Casa San Jose. The event is on Friday at 7 p.m. To learn more, visit bottlerocketpgh.com.
Patriotic concerts with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Keeping with tradition, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is presenting several free Americana concerts this weekend around the city.
The program includes an Armed Forces Salute, music from pop culture, including John Williams scores, music by Henry Mancini, Aaron Copland and more.
Concerts are Friday at the South Park Amphitheater at 8:15 p.m., Saturday at Arts Landing in Downtown Pittsburgh at 6 p.m. and Sunday at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater at 8:15 p.m. To learn more, visit pittsburghsymphony.org.