August Wilson African American Cultural Center and Hazelwood Local present a free family-friendly event showcasing games, music, and innovation
PITTSBURGH, PA — The August Wilson African American Cultural Center (AWAACC), in partnership with Hazelwood Local, invites families, friends, and neighbors to step into The Electric Playground on Saturday, October 4, at 2:00 PM at Hazelwood Green (4501 Lytle Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15207). This free, family-friendly community celebration transforms Hazelwood Green into an immersive hub of creativity, technology, and fun.
From virtual reality and robotics to art activities and science demonstrations, this Community Day offers something for all ages. Guests can explore innovation with showcases from local tech companies and creators, shop more than 30 vendors, and enjoy a live Squonk performance with a behind-the-scenes stage tour.
“The Electric Playground Community Day is about more than games and gadgets—it’s about giving our young people the chance to see themselves as creators, innovators, and leaders,” said Cathryn Calhoun, AWAACC’s Director of Education and Community Engagement. “By weaving technology with play, we create spaces where joy, curiosity, and community come together, and where the next generation can discover that learning is not only powerful, but also fun.”
The Electric Playground is free and open to the public, with free parking available on site. Everyone is welcome to attend and experience an afternoon of inspiration, innovation, and community at Hazelwood Green. This AWCommunity is co-presented by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan and Citizens. Additional support is provided by Howmet Aerospace Foundation and PPG Foundation.
ABOUT HAZELWOOD LOCAL
Hazelwood Local is a community-driven initiative focused on enhancing public spaces and fostering local engagement at Hazelwood Green and the surrounding neighborhood. Through placemaking projects and community events, Hazelwood Local aims to create vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable environments for residents and visitors alike.
ABOUT AUGUST WILSON AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER
The August Wilson African American Cultural Center is a nonprofit cultural organization located in Pittsburgh’s cultural district that generates artistic, educational, and community initiatives that advance the legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson.
One of the largest cultural centers in the country focused exclusively on the African American experience and the celebration of Black culture and the African diaspora, the non-profit organization welcomes more than 100,000 visitors locally and nationally.
Through year-round programming across multiple genres, such as the annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, Black Bottom Film Festival, AWCommunity Days, TRUTHSayers speaker series, and rotating art exhibits in its galleries, the Center provides a platform for established and emerging artists of color whose work reflects the universal issues of identity that Wilson tackled, and which still resonate today.
Major support for AWAACC’s operations is provided by Richard King Mellon Foundation, Henry L. Hillman Foundation, Heinz Endowments, and the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). AWAACC’s programming is made possible by generous support from its donors. For a complete list, visit our website: awaacc.org
Media Contacts
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Kiki B. Jones | Nice 2 Media Marketing & Promotions, LLC: (443) 252-3923 | kbrown@awaacc.org