Lion King, Irish Festival Top Pittsburgh Weekend Events

PITTSBURGH, PA - “Disney’s The Lion King” is in the early stages of its triumphant return to the Benedum Center for the first time since its record-breaking 2013 engagement.

As animals are brought to life onstage, you can thrill to the rhythms of the African Pridelands and an unforgettable score including Elton John and Tim Rice's Oscar-winning song "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" and "Circle Of Life."

You can catch “Disney’s The Lion King” Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sept. 6 at 8 p.m.; Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Other weekend highlights:

• Pittsburgh Irish Festival, Sept.6, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sept. 7 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sept. 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Lots at Sandcastle, West Homestead.

The 29th annual festival, which typically draws about 25,000 people, will include axe-throwing, Irish cuisines and beverages, live music and dance and even mini-golf and a Loch Ness Monster bounce house for all the young lads and lasses.

• A Fair In The Park, Sept. 6, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sept. 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mellon Park, Shadyside.

Sponsored by the Craftsmen's Guild of Pittsburgh, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the fair. An estimated 20,000 visitors annually interact with over 100 regional and national artists working in a variety of mediums including clay, fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, metal, mixed media, and two-dimensional art.

Pitt vs. Ohio, Sept. 7, 11 a.m., Heinz Field

The Steelers open the NFL season on the road Sunday night in New England, so if you’re looking to see football at Heinz Field this weekend this is your only option. Pitt hopes to rebound from an embarrassing 30-14 opening loss to Virginia at home last weekend but often struggles against teams from the MAC. Expect a close, competitive game.

• Airport Oktoberfest, Sept. 6 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Pittsburgh International Airport

Hey, isn’t it still technically summer? While that might be the case, the airport is diving into its annual Oktoberfest celebration that this week will feature accordionist Kevin Solecki, Fraport gift certificates, special German dishes and German brewskis provided by the Penn Brewery’s airport location.