Pittsburgh’s parks are playing host to a full slate of free and low-cost live music performances, meditation experiences, celebrations and more this summer.
“Our parks are places where people come together — to relax, learn, celebrate, and connect with nature and one another,” said Bethany Wells, marketing manager at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. “This summer’s programming reflects the diversity and energy of Pittsburgh’s communities while creating welcoming opportunities for everyone to enjoy our public green spaces.”
To view a full calendar of events and registration information, visit PittsburghParks.org/events.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy events schedule
When: Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Where: Schenley Plaza, in front of the Carnegie Library.
What: 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. and the Conservancy team up to lead groups through a drop-in, one-hour yoga flow.
How much: Pay what you feel
When: June 6 and July 11, 10 a.m. to noon (Allegheny Commons); July 18 and Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to noon (Riverview Park); July 30, Aug. 6 and Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Frick Park)
Where: Allegheny Commons, Riverview Park and Frick Park
What: Melt into nature through the restorative practice of forest bathing, which entails sensory cues to slow down and connect with oneself and one’s environment on a one-mile walk. A guide will be on hand to help. Open to ages 14 and up.
How much: $5-10
Introduction to PA Reptiles and Amphibians
When: June 6, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: With live toads, frogs, turtles and snakes on hand, naturalist April Claus gives attendees a crash course in herpetology that includes a lecture, discussion and outdoor field experimentation. Ages 14 and up. Participants aged 14-16 must be accompanied by an adult.
How much: $30
When: June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Schenley Plaza
What: Find vintage clothing, repurposed furniture, handmade jewelry and art, reclaimed wooden wares, local foods and brews, and hands-on workshops at this open-air flea market.
How much: Free to enter
When: June 10, July 8, Aug. 12 and Sept. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Where: Frick Park
What: Be part of a team dedicated to the restoration of Clayton Hill, by removing invasive plants during efforts led by PPC ecological restoration coordinator Rachel Hoag
How much: Free
When: June 12, June 26, July 10, July 31, Aug. 14, Aug. 28, Sept. 25 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center
What: Local wildlife rescues come together for a meet and greet with live animals.
How much: Free
When: Select Friday afternoons through September. Beer gardens are open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Live music from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Dates: June 12, Revival Chili with music from Turkeyfoot; June 26, No Horns Pizza with music from Tucker Muetzel; July 31, Revival Chili with music from Cody Piper and Julia Norah; Aug. 14, No Horns Pizza with music from Zoob; Aug. 28, Hibachi Lou with music from Brad Yoder; Sept. 25, No Horns Pizza with music from Skye Burkett.
Where: The Schenley Park Visitors Center
What: Eleventh Hour Brewing offers craft beer alongside local music and food trucks.
How much: Free to enter
When: June 16, July 21, Aug. 18 and Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Hays Woods
What: Help keep the 626-acre Hays Woods urban forest park in tip-top shape.
How much: Free
When: June 20 (10 a.m. to noon), July 18 (10 a.m. to noon), Aug. 8 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.)
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: Take part in hands-on activities led by naturalist educators, including bracelet making, beading and creative outdoor play in the outdoor classroom and mud kitchen along the Sensory Nature Trail.
How much: Free
When: June 20, 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Riverview Park
What: Connect with the forest, nature and yourself in a guided 1-mile walk at sunset. Ages 14 and up.
How much: Free
When: June 21
Where: Schenley Plaza
What: Music festival featuring performances organized by Azure Family Concerts, Center of Life, Pittsburgh Festival Opera, and Calliope. Bring a blanket or a lawn chair.
Schedule: Wild Orchids, 11 am to noon (visitors center); Donna Occhipinti, noon to 1 p.m. (visitors center); Ray Pelletier, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. (visitors center); Pittsburgh Festival Opera, noon to 1 p.m.; sensory-friendly interactive concert, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; youth jazz concert, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; The Henhouse Prowlers, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How much: Free
When: June 21 and July 19 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: Detach and build yourself up at a one-hour yoga class led by Dr. Pamela Nichols. All levels of practice welcome.
How much: $5-11
When: June 27, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Schenley Plaza
What: The lawn at Schenley Plaza hosts the radio station’s annual music festival. Free rides on the PNC Carousel until 9 p.m.
Schedule: Kahone Concept, 4 p.m.; Cam Chambers, 5:15 p.m.; Jobi Riccio, 6:35 p.m.; Ratboys, 7:55 p.m.; Michigander, 9:15 p.m.
How much: Free
When: June 27 from 8:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m.; July 31, 8:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.; Aug. 28, 7:45 to 9:15.
Where: Frick Park
What: Connect with the forest, nature and yourself in a guided 1-mile walk under the full moon. Ages 14 and up.
How much: Free
When: July 11 at 8:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Frick Park Environmental Center
What: Take part in a morning of wellness and connection supporting nervous system regulation and emotional release in Frick Park with forest bathing, self-awareness meditation, breathing exercises and somatic stretches. All levels of practice welcome.
How much: $25
Story Time: Nikki Kurt Lives in a Yurt
When: July 12 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: Take in a reading of “Nikki Kurt Lives in a Yurt” with the authors and illustrator of the children’s book. Registration is required.
How much: $5
Schenley Plaza 20th Anniversary Jubilee
When: July 25, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Schenley Plaza
What: Guests are invited to take a walk down memory lane in an event featuring carriage rides, vintage music, fairy tale characters, face-painting and “plenty of old-time surprises.”
How much: Free
Nature Photography for Wellbeing
When: Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: Mental health therapist Ben Rainey leads an up to 2-mile guided outdoor workshop designed for adults and older teens using photography practices to support mindfulness and connection to nature. Participants will capture photos as a method of staying in the moment and observing. Registration required.
How much: $5-10
When: Aug. 1, noon to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Riverview Park
What: A day of live reggae music performances with Caribbean food, craft beers, vendors and art.
Schedule: Steel City Scorchers, Noon; Lopaka Roots, 1 p.m.; Pete Funk, 2 p.m.; Flex Crew, 3 p.m.; Green Rose Sound and Force 15, 4 p.m.; Truth and Rites, 5 p.m.; Strika 1 Sound, 6 p.m.; The Meditations, 7 p.m.
How much: Free
Where: Allegheny Commons Park
When: Aug. 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
What: This celebration sees the Parks Conservancy, the City of Pittsburgh and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources partner to create a day focused on accessibility, inclusion and outdoor recreation.
How much: Free
When: Aug. 29 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Frick Environmental Center
What: Use brick stitch beading to make a pair of beaded nature earrings, all under the guidance of a naturalist. Ages 13 and up. Materials provided.
How much: $15
When: Sept. 6 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: Schenley Plaza
What: Celebrate with free rides on the PNC Carousel, face painting, lawn games, a pop-up shop and a visit from Mary Poppins.
How much: Free