Asian Lantern Festival Among 5 Fun Pittsburgh Weekend Events

PITTSBURGH, PA — The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium debuts a new attraction this weekend, one that has grown increasingly popular at zoos across the country. The Asian Lantern Festival debuts Aug. 14 and will occur on select evenings through October.

The festival features large handcrafted steel and silk sculptures crafted with a trio of themes in mind: the zoo, its global species conservation partnerships and Asian culture.

Be aware that the Asian Lantern Festival requires a separate ticket from zoo daytime admission and most of the zoo's indoor facilities will be closed for the evening event.

Other weekend happenings around town:

• Jason Aldean, Aug. 13, 7:30 p.m., The Pavilion at Star Lake.

Expect to hear Aldean staples such as "We Back," "Tattoos on This Town," "Fly Over States," "A Little More Summertime," and Crazy Town." Also expect the multi-platinum country star to perform "Blame It On You," which last month became his 25th number one single.

• Steel City Con, Aug 13 and 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Aug. 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monroeville Convention Center.

It's not often that Robert Englund (Freddie Krueger in the "Nightmare on Elm Street" movie franchise), singer-actor Meat Loaf, actor Tom Arnold and former professional wrestling star and Pittsburgh native Kurt Angle gather at the same event. This weekend is the exception at one of the region's largest regular gatherings to celebrate celebrities, comics and memorabilia.

• Pittsburgh Summer Beerfest, Aug. 13-14, 6:30-11 p.m., Stage AE, North Shore.

Breweries and beer enthusiasts from southwestern Pennsylvania will gather for an unlimited sampling of hundreds of craft beers of all styles and tastes. The event will benefit Animal Rescue Partners, an organization dedicated to supporting animal rescues, pet adoption groups and community spay-neuter programs.

• Yinzer 4.12K, Aug. 14, 8:30 a.m., North Shore

Light of Life Rescue Mission, in partnership with P3R, is hosting the annual Yinzer 4.12K and Lil’ Yinzer Fun Run. In addition to the race, there also be a costume contest with participants
dressing in ways representing Pittsburgh to them – anything from black and gold colors to a favorite Pittsburgh landmark.

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