Arts & Entertainment

Plant Swap, Father's Day Car Cruise and More Planned at Area Parks

Summer happenings are heating up at North Park and Hartwood Acres. Here are some fun activities coming in up the next week:

Wednesday, June 12

What: Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy Guest Speaker: Trails Are For Everyone
Where: North Park Rose Barn
When: 7 to 8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Why: Hear a hiker & trail runner discuss her adventures on some of the world’s most famous footpaths. Jennifer Pharr Davis, author, Appalachian Trail record holder & National Geographic Adventurer of the year, will speak about her trail experiences, as well as the lessons and inspiration she derived from them.

What: Hemlock Groove Outdoor Concert: Matt Constantine
Where: Hartwood Acres Park Hemlock Court
When: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation of $5 per person benefits the Friends of Hartwood. Kids are free. 
Why: Bring a blanket, chair, picnic or cooler. Use Saxonburg entrance. Parking near the mansion. Dogs on leashes are welcome.

Thursday, June 13

What: Adult Nature Walk
Where: Meet at North Park Ice Rink Parking Lot
When: 10 a.m. to noon
Cost: Free
Why: Local naturalists guide these enlightening, leisurely paced walks. New nature adventures & discoveries every week. 

What: Boy Scout Merit Badge Program
Where: North Park Latodami Nature Center
When: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Why: For elementary school children with adult chaperones. This week is environmental science study and dog care programs.

Saturday, June 15

What: L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools® – Bird Watching
Where: North Park McKinney Road
When: 8 a.m.
Cost: Free
Why: Hike around North Park’s McKinney Road looking for avian friends. Pre-register online.

What: North Allegheny Horsemen's Association Fun Show
Where: North Park Horse Show Area
When: 10 a.m.
Cost: $2 for association members, $4 for non-members
Why: All ages and styles welcome.

What: L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools® – Kayaking
Where: North Park Boat Launch Ramp
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $20
Why: Expert instructors teach you basic paddling techniques and safety skills. All equipment provided. Minimum age is 8.  Ages 14 and under must be with a participating adult. Pre-register online.

What: L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools® – Free Kayaking/Stand-Up Paddleboarding Demo
Where: North Park Boat Launch Ramp
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Why: Free demonstration opportunity for a brief paddle (10-15 min). Instructors and a variety of kayaks will be available. Minimum age is 8. Ages 14 and under must be with a participating adult.

What: Pittsburgh Pride Minor League Football Game
Where: North Park J.C. Stone Field
When: 4 p.m.
Cost: Free
Why: The Pittsburgh Pride provides an avenue for adult football players to improve and showcase their skills in an organized and professional environment. As the most successful minor league football team in the Pittsburgh area, the Pride remains committed to providing our community with top notch, high-caliber and competitive football. Its style of play is entertaining, fan-friendly and represents the hard-nosed tradition of western Pennsylvania football. Several Pride players have gone on to pursue careers in college and arena football.

Sunday, June 16

What: Free to Breathe® Pittsburgh Inaugural Lung Cancer 5K Walk & 1-Mile Walk
Where: North Park Boathouse
When: 9:15 a.m.
Cost: $20 for online registration, $23 for mail-in registration, $25 for day-of registration
Why: Free to Breathe provides an opportunity for lung cancer advocates, survivors and the community to come together to raise awareness and support to fight the disease. All proceeds will benefit the PA Lung Cancer Partnership's research, education and awareness programs. Information and register online.
What: L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Schools® – Kayaking
Where: North Park Boat Launch Ramp
When: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Cost: $20
Why: Expert instructors teach you basic paddling techniques and safety skills. All equipment provided. Minimum age is 8.  Ages 14 and under must be with a participating adult. Pre-register online.

What: Backyard Gardener Plant Swap
Where: North Park Ice Skating Rink Parking Lot
When: Noon to 2 p.m.
Cost: Free
Why: Gardeners bring extra perennial, annual and vegetable plants to trade with each other. All plants must be potted and labeled. It's a chance to meet other like-minded gardeners and add to your landscape

What: Second Annual Father's Day Car Cruise
Where: Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater
When: 2 to 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Why: D.J. Phil Lenz will be spinning oldies, and Mike Frazer from 3WS will broadcast from 2 to 4 p.m.


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