Funnel Cake… Kettle Corn… Ferris Wheel… Oh my!

By: Emily Bush

That’s right Pittsburgh – festival season is knocking at your door.  There is no excuse to be bored this summer since every weekend, from now through September, is packed with lively and fun events that keep adults amused and children busy.  Everything from church festivals to the jam packed 50^th Three Rivers Arts Festival keeps Pittsburgh a happening place this summer and fall.

A fan favorite of many Pittsburghers is The Three Rivers Arts Festival which features over fifty music or theater performances throughout the ten-day event.  The most anticipated performance is sure to be the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, which returns to the festival after a 34-year hiatus on June 5.  All of these events are admission free.

The Three Rivers Regatta, another largely anticipated event, is celebrating its 34^th year.  Event goers enjoy all kinds of water fun including, the North American Power Boat Championships, aerial stunt performers, huge sand sculptures, and fireworks to finish off the weekend.  The Regatta takes place from July 2-4 – once again free to the public.

Admission to almost all of these festivals is free, so it’s a fantastic way to spend quality time with friends and family without breaking the bank.

As one who frequents festivals, the food at these events is sure to impress, and not all of it has to take a toll on your weight, cholesterol level or arteries, although the “festival food” is one reason why so many people attend.

While having fun is utmost on attendees’ minds, a great side benefit is that much of the money that you spend will most likely go to a good cause, whether it’s to a nonprofit, church, school or other worthy service organization.

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently released an extensive list of fairs and festivals around town.  Take a peek to see what interests you! (Credit: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, May 13, 2011).

MAY

7th ANNUAL NATIONAL RENDEZVOUS AND LIVING HISTORY FOUNDATION CORPS OF DISCOVERY: Living history event shows the way of life during America’s exploration with sewing, blacksmithing, papermaking and more. Krepps Covered Bridge near Cherry Valley, Pa. (May 19-21). 724-947-4773.

NATIONAL ROAD FESTIVAL: Events at sites along historic Route 40 in Fayette, Washington and Somerset counties (May 20-22). 724-437-9877.

FINEVIEW COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: Fineview playground (May 21, 1-6 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

THE GREAT SHADYSIDE YARD SALE: Liberty Elementary School (May 21). 412-682-1298.

VENTURE OUTDOORS FESTIVAL: Venture Outdoors presents a day of outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels, including kayaking, fishing, climbing, yoga, biking and more. Point State Park (May 21, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.). 412-255-0564.

SHEEP AND FIBER FESTIVAL: Greene County Fairgrounds (May 21-22). 724-627-8119.

ANTIQUE APPRAISAL: McGinley historical house, on McGinley Road, off Haymaker by Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville. $5 for first item; $4 for each additional item appraised with a three-item limit (May 22, 1-4 p.m.).

JUMONVILLE MEMORIAL PROGRAM: Dress, customs and activities of the French and Indian War. Jumonville Glen Unit of Fort Necessity National Battlefield, east of Uniontown (May 28-29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.). 724-329-5512 or 724-329-5805.

JUNE

50TH THREE RIVERS ARTS FESTIVAL: Downtown (June 3-12).

FUN FRIDAY CAR CRUISE: On the Diamond, Ligonier (June 3, 5-8 p.m.).

CRAFT SATURDAY: Learn how to make historic crafts. Friendship Hill National Historic site (June 4).

LINCOLN/LEMINGTON COMMUNITY DAY: Lincoln School playground (June 4, 2-5 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

TRENT’S COMPANY ENCAMPMENT: Fort Necessity National Battlefield, east of Uniontown (June 4-5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). 724-329-5512 or 724-329-5805.

MAMMOTH FEST: Arts and crafts show, food, music, entertainment and more. Children can receive unlimited access to the petting zoo and carnival, pony and kiddie train rides with a $4 pass. Mammoth Park, near Greensburg (June 5, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.). 724-830-3950.

BRYANT STREET FESTIVAL: Bryant Street, Highland Park (June 5, noon-5 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION — ST. JOSEPH FESTIVAL: Immaculate Conception parking lot, Bloomfield (June 8-9, 6-10 p.m.; June 10-11, 6-11 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

ANTIQUES ON THE DIAMOND: Antique fair. Ligonier (June 11). 724-238-4200.

HERB AND GARDEN FAIR: Harmony Museum (June 11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.). 724-452-7341.

FIVE ALARM MOUNTAIN MADNESS CHILI COOK-OFF: Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington (June 11, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.). 724-329-8555.

FULL BLOOM: Summer dance party to support Kelly-Strayhorn Theater. $40/advance, $50/door, $100/opening reception. Kelly-Strayhorn Performing Arts Center, 5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty (June 11, opening reception 7-9 p.m.; dance party 9 p.m.-1 a.m.). 412-363-3000.

OPEN TROLLEY CAR WEEKEND: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Washington (June 11-12). 724-228-9256.

MEET THE CONFEDERATE GENERALS: Historians portray famous generals from the Civil War. Old Bedford Village (June 11-12). 1-800-238-4347.

PARK PLACE PICNIC: Abbott Street, Park Place (June 12, 1-5 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

SAXONBURG FIREMAN’S CARNIVAL: Horne Avenue, Saxonburg (June 13-18).

ALL ACCESS: THE 2011 URBAN GARDEN PARTY — FROM HOLLYWOOD TO PARADISE: Annual Mattress Factory fundraiser. Mattress Factory, 500 Sampsonia Way, North Side (June 17, 7-11 p.m. VIP event begins at 6 p.m.). Nonmembers: $90 for regular tickets, $200 for VIP. (Discounts for members are available.) 412-231-3169.

LAUREL HIGHLANDS BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL: This year’s lineup includes Blue Moon Rising, Lonesome Highway, Mon River Ramblers, Allegheny Drifters, Northwest Territory and others. Route 271, Waterford (June 17-18). 724-238-8646.

BURTNER HOMESTEAD STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL: $3/adults; free admission for 18 and under. Burtner Homestead, Natrona Heights (June 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.). 724-224-7999.

CRAFT SATURDAY: Learn how to make historic crafts. Friendship Hill National Historic site (June 18).

CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTMENT: Old Bedford Village (June 18-19). 1-800-238-4347.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS FUN DAY: Arlington Heights community parking lot (June 24, noon-4 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

COMMUNITY DAY IN GRANDVIEW PARK: Grandview Park, Mount Washington (June 25, noon-4 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

PITTSBURGH PIRATES FUN RUN/WALK FOR EPILEPSY: 5K run, 2-mile walk and tailgate party. Registration begins 8 a.m. Run/walk begins 9:30 a.m. PNC Park (June 25). 412-322-5880.

SCHENLEY HEIGHTS COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: Robert E. Williams Memorial Park (June 25, noon-5 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

GREAT EUROPEAN BEERFEST: Beer sampling sessions. Sharp Edge Beer Emporium parking lot, (June 25, 3-6 p.m. and 7-10 p.m.; June 26, 2-5 p.m.). $60 at the door; $5 discount on tickets purchased in May. 412-661-3537.

GUN FIGHT AT THE O.K. CORRAL: Experience the days of the Wild West. Old Bedford Village (June 25-26). 1-800-238-4347.

CHILDREN’S OLD FASHIONED GAME DAY: McGinley and McCully historical houses, off Haymaker Road near Route 48 at the Gateway Campus Boulevard intersection (June 26, 1-4 p.m.).

CLASSIC CAR SHOW: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Washington (June 26). 724-228-9256.

INTO THE GARDENS: Learn about flax, rye, medicinal herbs and other plantings on the Homestead grounds. Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park (June 26). 412-835-1554.

JULY

ADDISON COMMUNITY DAY: Addison Terrace, 2101 Elmore Square (July 1, 1-6 p.m.) 412-422-6426.

ARTS, CRAFTS AND FOOD FESTIVAL: Ewing Park, Ellwood City (July 1-3). 724-758-3115.

WESTMORELAND ARTS AND HERITAGE FESTIVAL: Twin Lakes Park, east of Greensburg (July 1-4). 724-834-7474.

BIG BUTLER FAIR: Route 422, Prospect (July 1-9). 724-865-2400.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION: Arsenal Park, Lawrenceville (July 2, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

PITTSBURGH THREE RIVERS REGATTA: North Shore (July 2-4).

KUTZTOWN FOLK FESTIVAL: Folklife displays, quilt sale, crafts entertainment and food. $14/adults; $13/seniors 55 and older; $5/students (13 to 17 years-old); free admission for children 12 and under. Free parking on the fairgrounds. Kutztown fairgrounds (July 2-10). 1-888-674-6136.

BATTLE ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION: Fort Necessity National Battlefield, east of Uniontown (July 3). 724-329-5512 or 724-329-5805.

LIBERTY DAY: Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park (July 3). 412-835-1554.

CTCC COMMUNITY DAYS: Route 19, Cranberry Community Park, Cranberry (July 7-9). 724-776-4806.

GLEN HAZEL DAYZ: Johnston Avenue (July 8, noon-8 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

EPILEPSY FOUNDATION THIRD ANNUAL FAIR PLAY EVENT: Emmerling Community Park, Indiana Township. (July 9, 3-7 p.m.). www.efwp.org/events/events_fairplay.shtml.

CRAFT SATURDAY: Learn how to make historic crafts. Friendship Hill National Historic site (July 9).

PITTSBURGH VINTAGE GRAND PRIX: Annual classic car races and show. Kick-off Rallye (July 10); Black tie and tailpipes event at Lounge Vue Club in Verona (July 15, 7-11 p.m.); PVGP test and tune at BeaveRun MotorSports Complex (July 15); Historic races at BeaveRun (July 16-17); Walnut Street car show (July 18); Car Cruise at Waterfront (July 19); Downtown parade and car display (July 20); PVGP tune-up party at Bossa Nova, Donwtown (July 20, 6-9 p.m.) and Schenley Park Race Weekend (July 23-24). www.pvgp.org/67461012312852830/site/default.asp.

SUMMER GALA: An evening of casual elegance. Roselea Farms, 1474 Coraopolis Heights Road (July 14, 6-9 p.m.). 412-264-6270.

JAMBOREE IN THE HILLS: Morristown, Ohio (July 14-17). 1-800-624-5456.

40TH ANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL: Citizens Park, Troy Hill (July 16, noon-3 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

POLISH HILL COMMUNITY DAY: 3060 Brereton Street (July 16, 1-11 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

PINE COMMUNITY DAY: Pine Community Park, Pine (July 16, starts at 5 p.m.; fireworks at 9:30 p.m.). 724-625-1636 ext. 3.

HAZELWOOD COMMUNITY DAY FESTIVAL: Burgwin Field (July 16, noon-6 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

1820S WEEKEND: Historians from the W.S. Hancock society talk about the fashion, medicine and daily life of the time period. Old Bedford Village (July 16-17). 1-800-238-4347.

BELTZHOOVER COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: Upper McKinley Park (July 16-17, noon-7 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

WHISKEY REBELLION DAY: Historic skit on Whiskey Rebellion. Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park (July 17, skits at 2 and 3 p.m.). 412-835-1554.

ALLEGHENY DWELLINGS COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: 1710 Belleau St., Allegheny Dwellings (July 21, 2-5 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

IT’S A BLOCK THING: YMCA, 7140 Bennett Street, Homewood (July 22, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

MONROEVILLE ARTS COUNCIL ART SHOW: CCAC Boyce Campus gymnasium (July 22, awards ceremony and reception at 7 p.m.; July 23, art show 1-6 p.m.; July 24, art show 1-7 p.m.). 412-373-0277.

MONROEVILLE JAZZ FESTIVAL: Featured performers include the Judi Figel Quartet; the Joe Negri Quartet; Benny Benack III and Friends; the Rogers Humphries Quintet and the Kenny Blake Quartet (July 23, 1-9 p.m.). Boyce Park Soccer Fields, Monroeville. www.monroevillejazz.org or call 412-372-4332.

SUMMER IN LIGONIER: Craft festival on the Diamond (July 22-23). 724-238-4200.

OAKMONT YACHT CLUB REGATTA: Washington Avenue, Oakmont (July 22-24). 412-828-9847.

CRAFT SATURDAY: Learn how to make historic crafts. Friendship Hill National Historic site (July 23).

ENCAMPMENT: Fort Necessity National Battlefield, east of Uniontown (July 23-24). 724-329-5512 or 724-329-5805.

FAIRYWOOD COMMUNITY REUNION: Fairywood playground (July 23-24, noon-9 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

BEDFORD COUNTY FAIR: Bedford County Fairgrounds (July 24-July 30). 1-814-623-9011.

SIDEWALK SALE: Shadyside (July 27- July 31). 412-682-1298.

FAYETTE COUNTY FAIR: Fayette County Fairgrounds (July 28-Aug. 6). 724-628-3360.

FIT, FIRM & FUN FAIR: 200 Tabor Street, Esplen (July 30, 12:30-5 p.m.) 412-422-6426.

EAST HILLS COMMUNITY FUN FEST: East Hills Park (July 30, noon-8 p.m.; July 31, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

AUGUST

LINCOLN PLACE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: 5800 Buttermilk Hollow Road parking lot (Aug. 1, 6-8:30 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: Dinwiddie Street, Hill District (Aug. 2, 6-9 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

CALIFORNIA-KIRKBRIDE NATIONAL NIGHT OUT: 1800 Block of Brighton Place (Aug. 2, 4-8:30 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

AMERISERV FLOOD CITY FOLK FEST: Downtown Johnstown (Aug. 5-7). 1-814-539-1889.

BANKSVILLE COMMUNITY DAY: Banksville Park (Aug. 6, 2-9 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

CRAFT SATURDAY: Learn how to make historic crafts. Friendship Hill National Historic site (Aug. 6).

BLACK FAMILY REUNION: Schenley Park Oval, Point Breeze (Aug. 6-7, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

REGATTA: South Shore of Lake Arthur Moraine State Park (Aug. 6-7). www.lakearthurregatta.org.

63RD ANNUAL BUTLER FARM SHOW: Butler (Aug. 8-13). www.butlerfarmshow.com.

ITALIAN DAY FESTA: Entertainment, food and fireworks. Idlewild Park and SoakZone, Ligonier (Aug. 12). 724-238-3666.

BEDFORD DWELLINGS COMMUNITY DAY: Somers Drive parking lot (Aug. 12, noon-4 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

STROLL THROUGH LIGONIER: Sidewalk sales, entertainment, classic cars and more on the Diamond (Aug. 12, 5-9 p.m.). 724-238-4200.

BROOKLINE COMMUNITY DAY: Brookline Recreation Center (Aug. 13, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Brookline Breeze 5K race begins at 9 a.m.). 412-422-6426.

RICHLAND COMMUNITY DAY: Richland Community Park, Richland (Aug. 13). 724-443-5921.

ANTIQUE GUN SHOW: Harmony Museum (Aug. 13, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.). 724-452-7341.

VIETNAM EDUCATIONAL WEEKEND: Old Bedford Village (Aug. 13-14). 1-800-238-4347.

WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR: Washington County Fairgrounds, Washington (Aug. 13-20). 724-225-7718.

TROLLEY RIDES TO THE FAIR: $2 round trip per person to Washington County Fair from Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Washington (Aug. 13-20). 724-228-9256.

AUGUST FUN FEST: Car show and cruise, arts and crafts, food, entertainment and children’s activities. Children can receive unlimited access to the petting zoo and carnival, pony and kiddie train rides with a $4 pass. Cedar Creek Park, Rostraver (Aug. 14, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.). 724-830-3950.

SUMMER FLAX FEST: Flax to linen process demonstrated, plus sampler needlework display. Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park (Aug. 14). 412-835-1554.

LAWRENCE COUNTY FAIR: 464 Midway Drive, Route 108 east of New Castle (Aug. 15-20). 724-654-7745.

HOMEWOOD NORTH COMMUNITY DAY: Ferris Court, (Aug. 19, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

WESTMORELAND FAIR: Westmoreland Fairgrounds (Aug. 19-27). 724-423-5005.

CARRICK COMMUNITY CORNFEST: Phillips Park (Aug. 20, noon-6 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

EAST CARNEGIE COMMUNITY DAY: East Carnegie parklet (Aug. 20, noon-7 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

CRAFT SATURDAY: Learn how to make historic crafts. Friendship Hill National Historic site (Aug. 20).

BRITISH, FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR: Old Bedford Village (Aug. 20-21). 1-800-238-4347

PITTSBURGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL: Medieval festival featuring combat jousting, games of skill, rides, period foods and costumed performers and artisans’ marketplace. Off I-70, 6 miles west of New Stanton (Aug. 20-21, 27-28; Sept. 3-5, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25). 724-872-1670.

HOOKSTOWN FAIR: Hookstown Fairgrounds (Aug. 23-27). 724-573-4512.

NORTHVIEW COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: Northview Heights playground (Aug. 26, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

UPTOWN STREETFEST: Gist Street, Uptown (Aug. 27, 1-5 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

ANTIQUES ON THE DIAMOND: Antique fair. Ligonier (Aug. 27). 724-238-4200.

ART FESTIVAL ON WALNUT STREET: Shadyside (Aug. 27-28). 412-682-1298.

THE CONFEDERATION OF UNION GENERALS WEEKEND: Historians portray Union Generals. Children programs run throughout the day. Old Bedford Village (Aug. 27-28). 1-800-238-4347.

ANTIQUE TRUCKS & TROLLEYS DISPLAY: Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Washington (Aug. 28). 724-228-9256.

GARFIELD COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: St. Lawrence O’Toole Activity Center (Aug. 28, 1-7 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

SUMMER FROLIC AND GAMES: Frontier games. Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park (Aug. 28). 412-835-1554.

INDIANA COUNTY FAIR: J.S. Mack Community Center, Indiana (Aug. 28-Sept. 3). 724-479-8282.

SEPTEMBER

PENNSYLVANIA ARTS & CRAFTS COLONIAL FESTIVAL: Westmoreland Fairgrounds, Greensburg (Sept. 2-5). 724-423-5005.

LABOR UNITED CELEBRATION: Flea market, food, arts and crafts show, entertainment and a one-ring circus. Children can receive unlimited access to the petting zoo and carnival, pony and kiddie train rides with a $3 pass. Northmoreland Park, Allegheny Township (Sept. 4-5, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.). 724-830-3950.

HIGHLAND GAMES SCOTTISH FESTIVAL: Pipe bands, highland dancing, athletic competitions. Idlewild Park and SoakZone, Ligonier (Sept. 9-10).

MORNINGSIDE COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: Heth’s Field (Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.). 412-422-6426.

FLAX SCUTCHING FESTIVAL: Stahlstown. (Sept. 10-11). 724-593-2119.

PITTSBURGH DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL: Dragon boat racing, music, dance, food and other activities. South Side Riverfront Park (Sept. 17). http://pdbf.org.

REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENCAMPMENT: Re-enactments with rifle and weaponry displays. Oliver Miller Homestead, South Park (Sept. 17-18). 412-835-1554.

FESTIFALL: Historic crafts, food and music. Friendship Hill National Historic site (Sept. 17-18). 724-725-9190.

So grab a friend or two and see what Pittsburgh has to offer, you won’t be disappointed!

Emily Bush is an intern at BizChicks.  She is a student at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio studying History and Journalism. Emily wrote for Miami’s on-campus magazine called the Miami Quarterly.  She was born and raised in Pittsburgh.  Emily is excited to be home for the summer and intern at BizChicks, as well as spend time with her family.

Emily has a passion for writing about things that she loves – Pittsburgh, food, and fun!  She also loves sports and playing games.  Emily is eager to get started at BizChicks this summer!