Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: July 11-13
If you’re intimidated by the cucumber-hungry crowds of Picklesburgh and you’re looking for something else to do this weekend, don’t worry! There’s still plenty going on around Pittsburgh (outside of Downtown). At least five things, in fact!
Swissvale Edible Garden Tour
Right at the height of the growing season, Swissvale will hold a community event to show off local gardens and the food they grow. The tour will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Stop by the information table at the Swissvale Farmer’s Market to get an event guide and then set off to see a variety of local gardens.
Then, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Swissvale Farmer’s Market, there will be a community picnic with food, activities and more. The free event will bring together gardeners and non-gardeners alike, and maybe inspire more people to grow delicious plants of their own.
To learn more, visit swissvalegardens.org.
National Aviary Night at the Tropics
If fancy is more your style this weekend, get dressed up and head to the National Aviary on the North Side on Friday night for its Night at the Tropics fundraiser.
The evening in paradise will feature delicious food from local restaurants, including Industry Public House, Potomac Bakery, Bistro to Go, El Burro and many more. There will be a selection of beers and a “drink passport” of delicious tropical signature cocktails. There will also be live music, belly dancing and live painting for entertainment. And don’t forget to check out the Aviary after hours and enjoy encounters with Animal Ambassadors.
General admission tickets are $110 for access to the party from 7 to 11 p.m., and VIP tickets are $169 for access from 5 to 11 p.m. The party is 21+. Learn more and get tickets at aviary.org.
270th Anniversary of the Battle of the Monongahela
In 1755, the British were defeated by French and Indian forces, a devastating blow that changed the course of history. The Braddock’s Battlefield History Center will commemorate the 270th anniversary of the history-changing event on Saturday.
The event will include demonstrations, children’s activities and a 1 p.m. talk from the Center’s director of education. The History Center will also unveil its new permanent exhibit, “Braddock’s Defeat Becomes Dunbar’s Retreat.”
Activities are included with regular admission. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Braddock’s Battlefield History Center in Braddock. Learn more at braddocksbattlefield.org.
Shark and Ray Awareness Day at the Zoo
If you haven’t gotten your weekend fill of animals yet, head to the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium in Highland Park on Sunday to learn about the fascinating underwater world of sharks and rays, along with the ways that humans can help to secure a safe and thriving future for these creatures.
Zoo guests will have the chance to meet divers and experts to learn about the wide ar-ray of sharks and rays that live in our oceans. There will be shark crafts and an aquarium classroom storytime, as well. Then, take a pledge to do what you can to protect these animals and their habitats.
All programs will take place on Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the aquarium. The special events are included with the regular price of zoo admission, so be sure to explore the rest of the Pittsburgh Zoo. To learn more, visit pittsburghzoo.org.
Texture Contemporary Ballet’s ‘Infinite Abundance’
Texture Contemporary Ballet is kicking off its 2025-2026 season this weekend with “Infinite Abundance.” The program will feature a number of pieces, both new and returning, choreographed by members of the creative team at Texture Contemporary Ballet. These pieces will reflect themes found in nature, human interaction and more.
Performances will be held at the New Hazlett Theater on the North Side. Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. An interactive children’s performance will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, as well. For more information and tickets, visit textureballet.org.
Alexis Papalia is a TribLive staff writer. She can be reached at apapalia@triblive.com.
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