5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: July 25-27

Festival season is in full swing! You can find an outdoor party to fit any mood or interest in our fair city. Get some fresh air and enjoy some tunes, food and fun with these events.

Blues and Roots Festival

Head over to Cheswick for this weekend of great music for a good cause. This three-day festival benefits Autism Pittsburgh and Band Together.

This year is named in memory of Kip London, a Western Pennsylvania blues musician who contributed significantly to the local and national scene. The weekend will feature the release of his posthumous album “The Last Dance.”

The festival will feature a Blues Attack guitar showdown, acts including the Sun King Warriors and The Nighthawks, a vendor market and two stages of music.

Located at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center in Cheswick, there will be blues and roots music going on all three days. Get day passes or full weekend tickets at pghbluesfestival.com.

Hill District Arts Festival

On Saturday and Sunday, the Hill District will be alive with art and activities for the whole family. The Hill District Arts Festival will highlight local artisans and vendors with two days of fun.

Starting at 2 p.m. both weekend days, there will be a vendor market, food trucks, live entertainment from local artists and activities for kids to enjoy. This community event is now in its fourth year.

Zip over to the 1800 block of Centre Ave., feel free to bring a lawn chair, sit back and enjoy the music. Learn more at the Facebook event here.

Goat Fest

It’s time for Goatscape PGH and their hardworking animal friends to get rid of invasive plants in South Side Park and keep the area clean and fresh for use. To celebrate these furry landscapers, Goat Fest will be held Saturday in the park from noon to 4 p.m.

This event has everything you want in an outdoor afternoon of fun — with goats added on! Make sure to check out the petting zoo, but also bask in the live music of Don’t Blame the Goat, Wild Garden, The Biscuits and Impossible Burghers. There will be an artisan market, face painting, crafting activities, an inflatable slide and more. Food trucks in attendance include La Palapa, Hummus Pittsburgh and Popworld.

And if you want to do yoga with goats, you can purchase tickets for this add-on activity as well. The festival will take place at Arlington Ball Field on the South Side. Learn more at fosspark.org.

Pittsburgh Black Pride

Pittsburgh Black Pride is celebrating its 30th year empowering and promoting LGBTQIA+ members of the Black community. This week, they’ll hold a rainbow of events to celebrate.

On Friday, the Black Pride Gospel Concert will be held at East Liberty Presbyterian Church. This joyous display of gospel music is an opportunity for the community to come together in faith and fellowship. The concert will begin at 6:30.

At that church on Saturday, a Family Day will allow for an opportunity to bring people of all ages together for bowling, rainbow jewelry making, a three-on-three basketball tournament and a kids’ talent show. The fun will run from noon to 4 p.m.

There will be more events to discover over the weekend, so head to the organization’s Facebook page at facebook.com/pittsburgh.blackpride for the 411.

Christmas in July Breakfast with the Animals at the Zoo

The double-whammy of Christmas in July and getting to hang out with some animals is available at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday from 9 to 11:30 a.m., chow down with the creatures.

The meal will take place in the zoo’s education complex. The menu includes fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, potatoes, sausage and pancakes. Use that nice, hearty breakfast to fuel your day at the zoo — admission is included with tickets to the breakfast.

Along with food, the event will also boast animal encounters and a story time with “special guests.” Tickets are $40 for members, $45 for non-members and $10 for children under the age of 2. Learn more and get tickets at pittsburghzoo.org.