Parker McCollum Plays Star Lake; Rock, Reggae, and Relief, Steel City Con, Barrel and Flow Fest; IC Country Music Throwdown (Sat., 8/8/26)

1) Parker McCollum is a fast-rising, award-winning kind of man. In 2022 the singer-songwriter was named New Male Artist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, and recently his 2025 self-titled album took the ACM Award for Album of the Year. McCollum has genuine country roots. A native of Conroe, Texas, he worked on cattle ranches in his youth. He called his 2015 debut album The Limestone Kid in reference to Limestone County, where a good bit of that ranching took place. Those who care about genres will note that McCollum’s music isn’t exactly nothin’ but country; it has definite strains of Americana and even the blues. (McCollum plays harmonica as well as guitar. And, reflecting his neotraditional tendencies, sometimes he whistles.) Pittsburgh-area fans can catch Parker McCollum at The Pavilion at Star Lake. Gabby Barrett and Kassi Ashton are the guest acts. One dollar of each ticket purchase goes to McCollum’s charity, The Ruger Fund, which supports a variety of nonprofits in Texas, and if you haven’t heard of Ruger, he is the artist’s chocolate Labrador Retriever. 7:30 p.m. 665 PA Rte. 18, Burgettstown. (M.V.)

2) “Hey mon, come on down to the Market Square area cause we be jammin’ for Rock Reggae and Relief 2026.“ This year’s lineup includes UB40, The Elovaters, Tribal Seeds, The Hip Abduction, G. Love & Special Sauce, The Expendables,  Surfer Girl, Fubar, and Emily Brimlow. Rock Reggae & Relief is a charity reggae festival that brings people together in love and unity and raises money for our neighbors, this year focusing on Café Momentum. Connected to the festival is Chill Ville which is described as having Rock Reggae & Relief’s local street festival vibes with music, murals, art, creatives, and local flavor. Free admission to Chill Ville for ticket holders. The event is produced in association with the the Piatt Family Foundation. So have a blast and help out our neighbors. Gates open at 11:30 a.m. Downtown. (R.H.)

biggest comic cons is occurring this weekend at the Monroeville Convention Center. The Steel City Confeatures 750 vendor tables, an artist alley, celebrity guests, celebrity Q & A’s, panels, celebrity photo ops, and the Artist Charity Quick Sketch. And if that’s not enough you can also take part in the Steel City Con’s cosplay, trivia contest and costume contests. The Con will be burning bright with celebrities including Ken Jeong, Cheech and Chong, Courtney Eaton, Lou Gramm, Huey Lewis, Bootsy Collins, Jaleel White, Rebecca Romijn, and more. Certain celebrities appear on certain days. See the schedule on the website. 209 Mall Blvd., Monroeville. (R.H.)

BARREL & FLOW FEST August 8, The Strip District

4) The Barrel & Flow Fest 6 will be happening at The Stacks at 3 Crossings. The event features over 75 breweries and distilleries some collaborating on products with each other. Entertainment will be provided by musicians, artists, DJ’s and speakers. There will also be food and shopping opportunities. Barrel & Flow features many Black breweries and distilleries and has been voted the #1 Brew Fest in America two years in a row, by the readers of USA Today. 2875 Railroad St., Lawrenceville.

5) There’s always a lot of happenings at Pittsburgh Brewing’s HQ in Creighton. This month they will be having the Iron City Country Music Throwdown Festival with headliner Chris Higbee. One of Pittsburgh’s top country music performers, Higbee was one of the lead vocalists and fiddle player for The Povertyneck Hillbillies. Also on the Throwdown bill are special guest performances by Josie Sal, Joe Patrick & Four on the Floor, and others; additional artists and entertainment will be announced. Enjoy a full day of hot country music, cold brews, riverfront views, food vendors, mechanical bull riding, and keg lassoing. There will also be prizes awarded in the best boot strutting and fanciest cowboy/cowgirl hat contests. Gates open at noon, music 1 p.m – 11 p.m. 150 Ferry St., Creighton. (R.H.)

Share on Social Media