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The Best of June: 13 Events Your Family Can Celebrate This Month

Pride Month, Donut Day, Juneteenth and more!

By Emily Papa, Macaroni Kid South Hills of Pittsburgh Publisher May 29, 2023

June: The time most of us say a fond farewell to another school year, the month when summer officially kicks in, and, if you can believe it, the month that marks the halfway point of the year. How is 2023 already half over?

Looking for things to do with kids in the South Hills of Pittsburgh this June? Not only do we have a jam-packed event calendar filled with activities, but we’ve put together a list of 13 events and holidays taking place in Pittsburgh this June. All we can say? Get ready for a great month ahead!


 inkdrop via Canva

LGBTQ+ Pride Month

Show your colors, your strength, your support and your PRIDE this month in Pittsburgh. LGBTQ+ Pride events, including parades, parties, picnics, and much more, are organized nationwide this month to celebrate Pride Month. Along with celebrations, and teaching our littles about diversion and inclusion, this is also a chance for those in the LGBTQ+ community and their allies to show support and highlight important legislation and policies affecting the LGBTQ+ community. Together for the first time ever, Pittsburghs three professional sports team support Pittsburgh Pride Revolution for its Golden Jubilee year June 2nd-4th, celebrating 50 years of Pride! In Mt. Lebo on Saturday June 17th, local LGBTQIA+ community and allies are hosting Lebo Pride Celebration. Washington PA Pride wil be on June 10th. For additional LGBTQ resources and support, check out qburgh.com. These are just a few of the events you'll see throughout Pittsburgh in June. Be part of the change and help create a safe space for the people you love, and celebrate Pride Month in Pittsburgh. June 1-30 





Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival

The Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, is a celebration of the arts in downtown Pittsburgh unlike any other in the nation. Each of its world-class, multi-disciplinary performing and visual arts attractions is free to attend and open to everyone. This 10 day festival of art and music wil be June 2nd - 11th. traf.trustarts.org



 Andrea Izzotti via Canva

National Ocean Month

The ocean covers more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface and is where life began 3.5 billion years ago ... and yet about 95 percent of the ocean remains unexplored! Celebrate National Ocean Month by learning more about the world's amazing bodies of water — from the Atlantic to the Pacific and the Great Lakes in between! 

But there's nothing like actually going to an ocean, lake, or local creek to really appreciate them ... so get out there and explore! June 1-30



Mihai Constantin from Pexels

National Donut Day

Do-nut let this day go by without a celebration. Get one ... or a dozen! Friday, June 2



 Getty Images via Canva 

National Cheese Day

What's better than donuts? Cheese! Serve the kids grilled cheese tonight — better yet, teach them to make their own! This sandwich isn't just for kids, either. Check out our 3 delicious twists on the classic sandwich. Sunday, June 4



 SDI Productions via Canva

Flag Day 

Everyone knows the story of Betsy Ross, but have you heard the story of Bob Heft? In 1958, shortly after Alaska gained statehood, the 17-year-old from Ohio took apart his family's 48-star flag and added two more in a symmetrical pattern for a class project. He explained to his teacher he believed Hawaii would soon gain statehood status as well.

He sent the flag to his congressman, who, in turn, presented it to then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Eisenhower selected Heft's design for the 50-star flag after Hawaii became a state, and on July 4, 1960, Eisenhower and Heft raised the 50-star flag together for the first time.

The best part of the story? Heft’s teacher, initially unimpressed with his project, had given him a B-. The teacher later changed his grade to an A. Wednesday, June 14

DIY project: Make your own Flag Day pin!



 Laks-Art via Canva

Eat Your Vegetables Day

Well, we've celebrated donuts and cheese this month. Guess we should also include a few veggies in the mix! Want to get your kids excited about vegetables? Take them to pick-their-own at these local farms and farmer markets or plant a garden together. No room? You can also plant many veggies in pots! Here are 10 benefits of gardening with kids. Saturday, June 17



 DragonImages via Canva

International Picnic Day

Everyone loves a picnic! You can head to your favorite park for an elaborate grill out or simply throw a blanket down in your backyard and serve PB&Js. The joy of a picnic is in spending time together enjoying the outdoors. That amazing potato salad? Well, that's just a bonus. Need some help planning? First, find a Great Picnic Spot in the South Hills then check out 5 Tips for a Perfect Picnic with the Family from our sister site, Hulafrog. Sunday, June 18



 GeorgeRudy via Canva

Father's Day

Celebrate all the men in your life who have taken on the role of dad. Get a good laugh out with a Free Father's Day Printable: Let's Play DADLibs! Sunday, June 18


Sesame Street celebrates Juneteenth!

Juneteenth

Juneteenth marks the date Texas slaves were told in 1865 that they were free — two and a half years after Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, Juneteenth emphasizes African American education and achievement and is a time marked with everything from family reunions to rodeos. It is now recognized as a federal holiday in the United States. (Find out more: How to Talk to Children about Juneteenth). Monday, June 19



 FamVeld via Canva

June Solstice

Summer is officially here! Get outside and celebrate and one of our favorite South Hills Splash Pads or Playgrounds! Wednesday, June 21


Free Summer Movies

Summer can be tiring because the heat drains you, but not your kids. Summer Movies can give your family time to relax, together and Macaroni KID has the 411 on all the free movies in the South Hills this summer with our FREE Summer Movie Guide


School's Out, Summer Camp In

With many schools in the South Hills ending within the next week or so, most camps are open for registration, with some even being full already. If you haven't registered your kids for a camp yet, now is the time. Not sure where to start? Find some great tips in our article How to choose a Summer Camp and then browse our 2023 Summer Camp and Fun Guide


Did you find something fun for your family to do in the South Hills of Pittsburgh this June? If you didn't see it here, check out our local event calendar for more fun.

Is there something you think we missed, or you’d like to see listed this month? You can submit event info HERE. Have a wonderful June!