10 Reasons to Visit Pittsburgh in July – Summer Activities

Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on June 29, 2023.

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July in Pittsburgh is one of our favorite months. There are long, hot sunny days, numerous events, and many opportunities to get out and enjoy the great outdoors of southwest Pennsylvania!

As such, it should be no surprise that this month's guide includes a number of outdoor activities as well as a few indoor favorites to round out the list. No matter what you do, you'll be having a great time if you visit Pittsburgh in July!

Looking for things to do in Pittsburgh in July? Check out the following options!

Yoga in Market Square

PPG Place from Market Square

If you're like us, odds are good you're going to overindulge on Saturday, so why not head down to Market Square on Sunday for their summer yoga series? Join a few hundred new friends for one of the largest outdoor yoga events in the city from 10 to 11 am.

Want more? Yoga also takes place on Wednesday nights in Market Square from 5:30 to 6:30 pm! But be sure to check the schedule at the previous link as some days may not have an instructor scheduled so be sure to confirm before you go.

Raspberry Picking at Triple B

Triple B Raspberries

When it comes to picking raspberries, there is no farm better than Triple B berry farm in Monongahela, PA.

This 400-acre estate is known far and wide for its berry picking, and we've always had great luck finding the fruit here during the season.

On your way back into town, pick up a pizza at Fiori's or Beto's– two local favorites!

Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch

Bach Beethoven and Brunch

We are featuring several Citi Park events monthly Pittsburgh guides, and one of our favorites is the Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch in Mellon Park which takes place on Sunday mornings in the summer months from 10:30 am to noon.

In this event, a different local ensemble, including the likes of the Pittsburgh Philharmonic, Allegheny Brass Band, Aeolian Winds, and more, performs a classical music concert each Sunday. The non-alcoholic mimosas, however, are on you.

After taking in the incredible performance, grab lunch at one of our favorite restaurants, Point Brugge in Point Breeze, or head over to Garfield to check out the Center for PostNatural History.

Northside Music Festival

Deutschtown Music Festival

The Northside Music Festival (formerly the Deutschtown Music Festival) converts several blocks in this North Side to one of the biggest concert arenas in the city, with many bands over several stages. 2023's music festival takes place July 14th to 16th!

Many of the bars and restaurants in Deutschtown are open for the festival, including Max's Allegheny Tavern, and Allegheny City Brewing. Check them out while you are there!

Blueberry Picking at Trax Farms

Trax Farms

Mid-July also coincides with blueberry season in southwestern Pennsylvania, and one of our favorite spots to pick is Trax Farms located south of the city. The reason we love this one is that they do a great job regulating the picking of the bushes, and close early and even skip days to ensure the plants are not over-picked.

While this may be an inconvenience in being able to visit on the exact day you want to, we've always come away with an incredible haul of blueberries when we are able to make a trip to this farm.

On your way back into Pittsburgh, grab a beer at Spoonwood Brewery!

Riverview Jazz

Jazz at Riverview Park

Another great event hosted by Citi Parks in the summer months is the Saturday jazz at Riverview Park. Cast in the shadow of the beautiful Allegheny Observatory, music lovers gather on the hillside to listen to some of the best live jazz in the city- absolutely free!

After the performance, stick around to enjoy a Hollywood blockbuster movie screening, or head down to the North Side for dinner at Federal GalleyMonterey Pub or takeout at Quik-It Chicken.

Vintage Grand Prix

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

The Vintage Grand Prix is an annual tradition in Pittsburgh that spans several weekends with many events focusing on all things automobile.

The event culminates with a vintage car race around Schenley Park that is unlike anything the city ever sees (outside of this event, of course). So whether you head down for the events over several weekends, or just come check out the grand finale race at the end, this event proves that there is a car lover in everyone. We guarantee it.  

In 2023, the Vintage Grand Prix is set to occur from July 14th to 23rd, with race weekend occurring on the 22nd and 23rd.

While in Oakland, grab a meal at The Porch or Lulu's Noodles or explore the Nationality Rooms at the Cathedral of Learning!

Schwirian Farms Sunflower Festival

Sunflowers at Schwirian Farms

It is a bit unusual to think that sunflowers near Pittsburgh start blooming in mid-July, but it is true- many, many farms start opening up for sunflower experiences around the middle of the month for the flowers' roughly 14-20 day bloom.

One of the best sunflower experiences near the city is the annual sunflower festival at Schwirian Farms near Elizabeth, PA. While the 2023 show has not been announced just yet, this one typically takes place for two weeks during the middle of the month (pending bloom) and features one of the largest sunflower fields we've seen to date. The best part? Visiting this one is free!

But if you want more, the farm has registered photographers open for portrait sales (advanced registration), sunflower products for sale (grab a sunflower oil if you can), and even pick your own in a dedicated field for a nominal fee!

Sporting Events in July

Honus Wagner Statue

Baseball season is in full swing in July, and PNC Park is hosting a number of amazing home games. On July 1st and 2nd they finish out a series with the Brewers, from July 14th to 19th they have two series against the Giants and Guardians, and finally on the 28th to 30th they round out the month with a trio of games against the Phillies. Pick up tickets on Ticketmaster or Stubhub here!

The Riverhounds have a busy month this year with five home games Highmark Stadium- July 1st against Louisville City FC, July 8th against Sacramento Republic FC, July 15th against Detroit City FC, July 26th against Indy Eleven, and finally July 29th against Memphis 901 FC. Pick up tickets on Ticketmaster or Stubhub.

Shows in July

Liberty Magic

Finally, there are a number of great shows in the Cultural District in downtown Pittsburgh in July. 

The DVE Comedy Festival takes place at the Byham Theater on July 15th, the Pittsburgh CLO is performing The Sound of Music from July 11th to 16th and Once on This Island from July 25th to 30th at the Benedum Center, and Jimmy Ichihana beings a nearly two-month residency at Liberty Magic starting on July 5th!

Do you have a favorite Pittsburgh event in July to check out? Comment below to share!

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