Summer Concerts in Pittsburgh for the Whole Family

Pittsburgh is a great city for families, with no shortage of fun, family-friendly activities. And if your family loves music and concerts, then Pittsburgh will not disappoint. All summer long there are festivals and concerts going on all over the city, which are perfect for families to enjoy together. Many of these summer concerts in Pittsburgh are free, and others are very reasonable, with free admission for children. No matter what type of music you love, your family will find a concert in Pittsburgh to enjoy together.

Three Rivers Arts Festival
June 3-12, 2011
The Three Rivers Arts Festival is a 10-day celebration of music, art, food and fun in downtown Pittsburgh. Its centrally located in Point State Park, and some of the festivities spill over into Gateway Center and plazas, galleries and theaters throughout the Cultural District. The whole festival is free, so families can walk around and listen to music all day, as well as browse vendors and artisans from all over. There's also a free children's area in the park which features craft projects, face painting, singing, dancing and more. This is a great way for families to get out and enjoy concerts in downtown Pittsburgh without spending a dime.

Pittsburgh International Children's Festival
May 11-15, 2011
The Pittsburgh International Children's Festival has been entertaining children and families for 25 years with music, theatre, stories and more. This beloved festival is held at the University of Pittsburgh Theatres and Schenley Plaza over five days. Admission is charged per show, which ranges from $8 down to totally free for children ages two and under. Combo tickets and group rates are also available. There are grassy areas around, so you can pack a lunch to enjoy before or after the show. This festival is a great way to encourage a love of the arts in young children and enjoy some quality family time as well.

Pittsburgh Blues Festival
July 22-24, 2011
The Pittsburgh Blues Festival is the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank's largest annual fundraiser. Located in beautiful Hartwood Acres, this festival boasts three days of great blues music, delicious food and activities for the whole family. Not only can families listen to lots of great blues concerts put on by local and national musicians, kids ages 3 through 11 can participate in the free KidZone. Here, kids can play, learn about the mission of the food bank, do crafts and have a healthy snack. Kids 12 and under are admitted free to the festival, and anyone who donates a bag of non-perishable food items can get in for free on Friday, making this an economical concert venue for families.

Stars at Riverview Jazz Series
Dates TBA
On Saturday evenings from 7-8:30pm, Riverview Park is filled with the sounds of Jazz. This series provides free concerts on Observatory Hill all summer long; all you need is a blanket or lawn chair to enjoy the show. And when the concert is over, you can stay for Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park and enjoy a movie with the family.

Mellon Square Summer Concert Series
Thursdays; Dates TBA
Mellon Square is a green space located in the heart of Pittsburgh's business district, at the intersection of Smithfield Street and 6^th Avenue. It's a popular lunch spot for those who work downtown, and in the summertime, free concerts are performed there every Thursday. The events take place from 11am to 1pm with the music starting at noon. So pack a lunch and come downtown to enjoy some free music in the middle of your day.

Pittsburgh Irish Festival
September 9, 10 & 11, 2011
This annual three-day Irish festival is full of music, dancing, food, vendors and more. Located at Riverplex at Sandcastle on the waterfront, the festival celebrates the rich Celtic heritage of the Pittsburgh region. Families can enjoy over 28 hours of continuous entertainment on four stages over three days, as well as a Children's area with arts and crafts. The Pittsburgh Irish Festival is a great way to introduce kids to Celtic traditions and customs, as well as have a great time as a family. Admission is reasonable: $10 for adults; $8 for students and seniors over 60; $5 for Active & Retired Military and Public Safety Officers; Children under 12 are free.

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