Labor Day Weekend 2023 in Pittsburgh - The Ultimate Guide

Your three-day weekend is right around the corner. Here is the ultimate guide for how to make the most of your Labor Day weekend in Pittsburgh!

Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh this Labor Day Weekend

Work hard, play harder. There’s plenty of the Only in Pittsburgh kind of fun to be had throughout the holiday weekend! Enjoy free concerts, festivals, special events and much more in the original birthplace of the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions in the United States and Canada.

This Labor Day weekend is the perfect opportunity to take a respite from work and bring your family and friends to the ‘Burgh for a little R&R. Pack a chair to sit under the stars for a free outdoor concert or bring a blanket to stretch out in one of our parks. Come on over. No labor involved!

Acrisure Stadium Kickoff & Rib Fest

Aug. 30-Sept. 4 | Acrisure Stadium, North Shore
Enjoy mouthwatering ribs and BBQ from award-winning food vendors, free concerts by The Clarks, The CommonHeart and Billy Price, a new show from Squonk Opera, a Pitt game vs. the Wofford Terriers, games and rides for the kids and more.

Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at South Park

Sept. 1 | South Park Amphitheater
Experience the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at South Park over Labor Day weekend. Enjoy a free concert as Punchline and special guest Caleb Kopta take the stage at South Park Amphitheater.

Pittsburgh's Soul Food Festival at Market Square

Sept. 1-3 | Market Square

Pittsburgh's Soul Food Fest honors the rich history of culinary, butchery and Black food businesses in Pittsburgh since 1795. The festival will take place in downtown Pittsburgh inside Market Square and extending to Third and Fourth Avenue. Enjoy delicious food from a variety of vendors across Western Pennsylvania along with:

  • A BBQ contest
  • Speakers
  • Local and national entertainment
  • Family-friendly activities

Laser Shows and Vikings at Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center

Sept. 1-3 | Laser Dark Side of the Moon | Buhl Planetarium

Experience a vibrant display of lasers and visual features while grooving to Pink Floyd's most popular songs. This exhibition will open on July 14 and run until September 3.

Sept. 1-4 | Laser Taylor Swift | Buhl Planetarium

Don’t miss this interactive showing of glimmering laser lights and special effects that celebrates Taylor Swift's popular discography. This exhibition opens on July 12 and its last showing will be on Sept. 4.

LAST CHANCE | VIKINGS: Warriors of the North Sea

If you haven't seen it yet, Labor Day Weekend will be your very last chance to see 140 authentic Viking artifacts as you create your own Viking boat, hold a Viking sword and roleplay as a Viking! Hurry, Monday, Sept. 4 is the final day to see this exhibit!

Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Wofford College at Acrisure Stadium

Sept. 2 | Acrisure Stadium

Celebrate the official kickoff to the college football season at Heinz Field! Watch as the University of Pittsburgh Panthers take on the Wofford College Terriers. The game starts at 3:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the ACC Network and 93.7 The Fan.

Pittsburgh Water Lantern Festival at Allegheny Commons Park

Sept. 2 | Allegheny Commons Park West
Design your own lantern and watch it reflect on the water with thousands of others in this magical event that brings the community together.

Cleopatra and Anthony at Frick Park

Sept. 2-3 | Frick Park
Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks opens their 19th season with this tragic romance full of passion and twisted loyalty. Performances in Frick Park will continue throughout the month at different outdoor spots.\

Allegheny County Music Festival at Heartwood Acres Park

Sept. 3 | Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater
Experience a night of music under the stars at Hartwood Acres Park, featuring:

  • Men Without Hats
  • The Re-52s
  • The Affordable Floors

The concert begins at 5:30 p.m. with food trucks and craft beer from breweries. Men Without Hats will perform on stage at 8:00 p.m. Pack a blanket unwind during this musical night in the park. A $20 donation is requested to benefit the Allegheny County Music Festival Fund.

Steelers Run & Walk 5K at Acrisure Stadium

Sept. 4 | Acrisure Stadium

The Steelers Run & Walk returns to kick off the 2023 football season! The event starts at 8 a.m. and all participants will receive a t-shirt, finisher medal, goodie bag and a chance to win autographed prizes and tickets to the home opener.

Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade

Sept. 4 | Downtown Pittsburgh
Join Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council for one of the country’s largest and oldest Labor Day parades! The parade will feature special guests from across the country as they celebrate the history of organized labor in our region.

Can't-Miss Concerts

Take your pick of concerts to enjoy Sept. 1 to 4, from comedy to rock shows at some of the best venues in the city, including:

Take to the Water in Pittsburgh's Rivers

Here are a few ways to get out on the water in Pittsburgh!

  • Rent a kayak with Venture Outdoors
  • Go for a thrilling water adventure at Sandcastle Waterpark
  • Set sail on Pittsburgh’s iconic three rivers with a Gateway Clipper Fleet sightseeing cruise!

Find More Ways to Get Out on Our Rivers and 10 Wet Ways to Stay Cool in Pittsburgh this Labor Day weekend!

Go for a Hike or Ride a Bike

Enjoy the great outdoors with plenty of family-friendly activities in Pittsburgh! Western Pennsylvania is home to some of the most diverse landscape in the United States.

  • Our steep, winding hills and flat river areas makes Pittsburgh one of the best cities for cyclers. Bring your own bikes or rent from Golden Triangle Bike.
  • The Allegheny County Parks also offer more than 180 miles of trails for hikers and people who just want to get outside.

Check out our guide to 5 Spectacular Stops along the Great Allegheny Passage

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate Labor Day in Pittsburgh, enjoy yourself and share your photos using #LovePGH on social media!

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