7 ways to stay busy in Pittsburgh this August

Pittsburgh is buzzing in August as students return and residents soak up the last of the city’s summer activities. Whether you’re new to the area or kicking off another semester in the Steel City, it’s sure to be a busy month. Fill the gaps in your schedule with these free events that will bring you closer to Pittsburgh, your neighbors and the universe.

Shop on Schenley

Sunday, Aug. 3, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

You can find the Neighborhood Flea — featuring vintage and upcycled goods, collectables, hand-made pieces and more — on the Oakland campus every first Sunday of the month through October. There are plenty of food trucks and vendors, so don’t forget to bring a blanket for a picnic lunch on the lawn.

Where: Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA,15260

Shape your sound

Sunday, Aug. 3, 1:30 p.m.

Did you know the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has more than 50 instruments and music production tools you can borrow? Explore the collection and meet fellow music-makers at Gadget Playground. The library’s main branch in Oakland also hosts guest speakers, performances and events focused on electronic music each month.

Where: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Main Branch, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Share your story

Aug. 5 and Aug. 21

There are two chances to get on stage with Story Club Pittsburgh this month. Sign up to tell a true six-minute story or simply listen to others’ tales as an audience member — you could even be asked to serve as a judge. On Aug. 5, the event is at City of Asylum and the theme is “bridges”; on Aug. 21, head to Bottlerocket for “meltdowns.” The event is free but fills up fast, so a reservation is recommended to save your seat.

Where: City of Asylum, 40 W. North Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15212; Bottlerocket Social Hall, 1226 Arlington Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15210

Celebrate Indian culture

Sunday, Aug. 17, noon-4:30 p.m.

There will be food, music, henna body art and even kite-flying at Incredible India, hosted by Pitt’s Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs and Asian Studies Center. Learn to dance, peruse clothing and jewelry from local vendors, or win a raffle prize at this cultural celebration.

Plus, you can see all of Pitt’s Nationality Rooms on a guided tour. It’s an excellent way to get to know the Cathedral of Learning — or spend a hot day inside.

Where: Cathedral of Learning Commons Room, 4200 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Get to know Frick Park

Wednesday, Aug. 20, 5 p.m.

If you’re new to Pittsburgh — or just intimidated by the city’s largest park, which spans 644 acres — this guided hike can help you find your way around. A Pittsburgh park ranger will lead a two-mile expedition over the Fern Hollow Bridge and through Frick Park.

Where: Meet at the Biddle Building, 800 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15221

Gaze at the stars

Saturday, Aug. 23, 9 p.m.-11 p.m.

Pittsburgh is on the cutting-edge of cutting out light pollution. See the benefits of city and state ordinances to protect dark skies firsthand at Allegheny Observatory, which will have telescopes in the building and on the lawn for this star party, if the weather is clear.

Where: Allegheny Observatory, 159 Riverview Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15214

Feast on soul food

August 29-31

Head downtown for a mouthwatering celebration of the best of Pittsburgh’s Black food scene at A Soulful Taste of the Burgh. This annual festival hosts more than 100 small food and craft vendors, a smoking barbecue battle and live entertainment.

Where: Market Square and Boulevard of the Allies, between Stanwix and Wood streets