two women kayak along Allegheny River in Pittsburgh

Labor Day Weekend 2022 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

Sept. 2-5 | Acrisure Stadium, North Shore
Enjoy mouthwatering ribs and BBQ from award-winning food vendors, free concerts by local and national recording artists, games and rides for the kids and more. Admission for the Rib Fest is free all weekend long.

Pittsburgh's Soul Food Festival

Sept. 2-4 | 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

Allegheny County Summer Concert Series

Sept. 2 | South Park Amphitheater
Experience the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at South Park over Labor Day weekend. Enjoy a free concert as Gene the Werewolf and special guest The Paul Luc Band take the stage at South Park Amphitheater.

GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World

Sept. 2-5 | Carnegie Science Center
Don’t miss this amazing touring exhibition featuring nearly 100 acoustic, electric and antique guitars, as well as engaging STEM interactives and the world’s largest playable guitar!

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A Midsummer Night's Dream

Sept. 3-4 | Frick Park
The Bard is alive and well in the Burgh as Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks opens their 18th season with this raucous comedy full of magic and mistaken identities. Opening weekend is free in Frick Park with performances continuing throughout the month at various outdoor locations.

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Pittsburgh Water Lantern Festival

Sept. 3 | 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.

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Steelers Run & Walk 5K

Sept. 3 | Acrisure Stadium
The Steelers Run & Walk returns to kick off the 2022 football season! The event starts at 8 a.m. with Hall of Fame running back Franco Harris as the honorary captain. All participants will receive a t-shirt, finisher medal and have a chance to win autographed prizes and VIP trip to the home opener.

Allegheny County Music Festival

Sept. 4 | Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater
Experience a night of music under the stars at Hartwood Acres Park, featuring:

  • theCAUSE 
  • Dogs in a Pile
  • Pink Talking Trash

The concert begins at 5:30 p.m. with food trucks and Hop Farm Brewing Company opening on-site at 6 p.m. Pack a blanket unwind during this musical night in the park. A $20 per vehicle donation is requested to benefit the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.

Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade 

Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. | 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. Step off is set for 10 a.m. Downtown.

Can't-Miss Concerts

Take your pick of concerts to enjoy Sept. 3, from a free outdoor jazz festival to indie, punk and rock shows at some of the best venues in the city, including:

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Take to the Water in Pittsburgh's Rivers

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

Find 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!