7 Things to Do in July

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

1:

Celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial birthday with the City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration on July 4.
The annual event, recently named the No. 1 Fourth of July celebration in the country by USA Today, will be held at Point State Park, Downtown, North Shore and Mount Washington and feature local food vendors, family-friendly activities, stages with entertainment, a vendor marketplace and even a hot air balloon. The Plain White T’s will headline the BNY Mellon Stage at Point State Park at 8 p.m. on July 4.
VARIOUS LOCATIONS | July 4 | pittsburghpa.gov

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

2:

Pittsburgh is home to the largest furry convention in the world. Anthrocon returns to the Steel City to celebrate its 20th anniversary at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. After a massive Fursuit Parade, attend the Anthrocon Block Party on July 4. The convention will close down Penn Avenue between 9th and 11th streets for a day of mingling between furries and enthusiasts.
July 2-5 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center | anthrocon.org

PHOTOS BY OLLIE GRATZINGER

3:

Pennsylvania garnered national attention earlier this year for hosting the 2026 NFL Draft. Now, the commonwealth is back in the spotlight for the FIFA World Cup. While six of the 104 total matches will take place in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh also is showing up for the celebration. Acrisure Stadium will host the Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone, a free celebration welcoming soccer fans for what officials are calling a “one-of-a-kind viewing experience.” A watch party will take place inside the stadium, and an additional America 250 festival will also be held in and around the stadium with youth soccer clinics, live music and the largest firework displays in Pittsburgh’s history.
July 4, 5, 9 & 19 | Acrisure Stadium | acrisurestadium.com

The is a beginning ballet community program for anyone 14 years and older

4:

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre has made it even easier to get moving. The longstanding dance company, which will debut an all-new version of its famed “The Nutcracker” ballet next year, is hosting free dance and fitness classes at Arts Landing every Saturday through Sept. 26. From barre and pilates to contemporary dance and hip hop, a range of styles are available for people aged 14 and older with all levels of experience.
July 11, 18 & 25 | Arts Landing | pbt.org

PHOTO COURTESY DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH PARTNERSHIP

5:

Pittsburgh’s briniest festival returns this month; Picklesburgh, named the No. 1 specialty food festival in the U.S. five times over, celebrates Pittsburgh’s love of all things pickled. The festival will take over two of the city’s Sister Bridges, as well as Market Square and Arts Landing, making it the largest Picklesburgh to date. From photo ops with the 35-foot-tall Heinz pickle balloon to pickle juice drinking contests, pickle-themed merch vendors and food booths featuring unique pickle-themed flavor combinations — pickle fudge, anyone? — the event promises to dill-ight.
July 16-19 | Downtown | picklesburgh.com

HOUSER POSING WITH HIS DISPLAY INSIDE OF THE ARROTT BUILDING

6:

If you’ve ever wondered about Pittsburgh’s architectural history, Mark Houser has just the tour for you. The history buff and longtime contributor to Pittsburgh Magazine will host his Antique Skyscrapers Rooftop Tours, taking participants on a journey through time as you visit the rooftops of four Downtown landmarks, among them the Koppers and Frick buildings. Throughout the tour, Houser will share details about the buildings, and people behind them.
July 18-19 | Downtown | housertalks.com

Two goats look at the camera

7:

At Goat Fest, the hungry critters munch on invasive vines while volunteers follow behind them to pull up the woody remains and seed the area with native plants. According to Allegheny Goatscape, the organization that cares for the animals, goats can eat almost anything, including invasive plants that threaten natural biodiversity as well as poison ivy and wild grape vine. Goat Fest takes place at the Arlington Ball Field in South Side Park, and also features craft vendors, goat yoga, food trucks and more.
July 25 | Arlington Ball Field | southsidecommunitycouncil.org/goat-fest/