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You may have to drive a bit to get to the Big Butler Fair, but the trip is worth it. One of the largest and best festivals in Western Pennsylvania, Big Butler is a chance to enjoy fireworks, the midway, games, demolition derbies, concerts and truck pulls that are not typically seen in Pittsburgh.

Listen to the majestic music of the Squonk Opera, accompanied by the visual art and acting elements. This contemporary opera has grown from a group of 10-20 artists creating post-industrial performances in a Pittsburgh junkyard to an internationally known touring company. You may have seen their appearance on the popular TV show, America’s Got Talent.

Visit what Travel + Leisure named one of "America’s Coolest City Parks" in 2011. Schenley Park borders the University of Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Mellon University campuses, and is filled with people taking advantage of the park’s 450 acres of trails, woods and attractions—from an ice rink in the winter to outdoor movies in the summer.

Advanced water sports enthusiasts and whitewater rafters can challenge themselves at the famous Youghiogheny River Gorge. Hailed as "the birthplace of whitewater rafting," these rapids can be found in Ohiopyle State Park, about two hours southeast of Pittsburgh. Warm up on the milder Class I and II whitewater like Ramcat, Flipper and Fast & Clean before attempting the churning Class III and IV rapids like Dimple Rock, Double Hydraulic and River's End.