6 free things to do around Pittsburgh this June

Get your joy outdoors this June: We found six fabulous and free Pittsburgh happenings, from concerts to street fests.

Don’t forget that your Pitt ID gets you on city buses for free, too.

Fun, real fun

Wednesday, June 4, dusk

The City of Pittsburgh’s Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park is your front-row seat (lawn chair?) to films throughout the summer. On June 4, catch Daniel Craig’s James Bond gallivanting across Montenegro and playing Texas Hold ’em with bad guys in “Casino Royale.” The best part? You can bring all the snacks you want.

Where: Flagstaff Hill, Frew Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Curated culture

June 5-8, noon-9 p.m.

The Three Rivers Arts Festival is four days of can’t-miss gallery shows, live music, dancing and funnel cakes. This year’s headliners — Cautious Clay, Suzanne Vega, Las Cafeterias and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band — are bringing the rhythm and the beat to rollicking evening concerts.

Where: 15th Street Plaza, Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

Freedom sounds

Wednesday, June 19, 5-6 p.m.

Big bands, once led by Black musical legends such as Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway, ushered in the jazz and swing eras of American music. The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will celebrate their legacy with a Juneteenth concert featuring regional jazz musicians and vocalist Sydney McSweeney. The performance is part of the Western Pennsylvania Juneteenth and Black Music Celebration, June 19-22.

Where: Mellon Park, 1047 Shady Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15232

Snuggle pups

Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Who’s a good boy? Obviously, the pooches being featured at the Old Dogs at the Bloomfield Market. This meet-and-greet, hosted by Pittsburgh nonprofit Senior Hearts Rescue and Renewal, features dogs in need of loving homes. Plus, while you’re at the Bloomfield Saturday Market, pick up local produce, meat, cheese, coffee and more.

Where: 5050 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15224

Island songs

Sunday, June 22, 5 p.m.

Hazelwood Green Plaza, one of Pittsburgh’s newest venues, is the site of this year’s Weather Permitting concert series. Let the sounds of El Laberinto del Coco, an Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba Fusion ensemble, transport you to the sunny Caribbean. Founded by renowned percussionist Hector “Coco” Barez, the band’s 14-piece lineup will get you out of your seat and into the groove.

Where: 4501 Lytle St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15207

Proud welcome

Tuesday, June 24, 5-8 p.m.

Open to all, the Greenfield Family Pride Night uplifts the neighborhood’s LGBTQ+ residents and their allies. Feast at food trucks, take a dip in Magee Pool, shop from community vendors and enjoy nonalcoholic craft cocktails by New Wave Libations.

Where: Magee Recreation Center, 745 Greenfield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15217

Photography by Alex Díaz