GET BRINY AT PICKLESBURGH THIS WEEKEND | PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH PARTNERSHIP

There are some activities that are nominally targeted at youngsters, yet are simply so cool that adults must be included. For example: A (free) opportunity to create a musical backpack. At the museum.

Sure, you could just help your little ones make their own over-the-shoulder cacophony machine — but then you wouldn’t get one. And you definitely want one.

Fortunately, kids, parents, and any other adults will be accommodated this Saturday, as the Carnegie Museum of Art and Squonk team up to present the Inside Out Summer Exhibitions Celebration. In the sculpture court, you’ll be invited (with help) to create your own DIY instrument — then take part in “Squonk’s Parade of Recycled Wonders,” as the creative theater company turns the day’s festivities into an all-out celebration.

It’s much more than just loud knapsacks, however. If you register in advance, you’ll get complimentary museum admission from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., giving you the opportunity to take in the museum’s current lineup and innumerable treasures free of charge. You can also hop on complimentary tours inside (until 2 p.m.), or snack on grub from the Pita My Shawarma food truck outside.

It’s part of the museum’s loaded Inside Out series, which brings free art and activities into the open air for the warmer months. For younger guests, it’s a great introduction to the world of art — and for everyone, it’s a can’t-miss opportunity to engage with one of the city’s most storied institutions.

More Things to Do in Pittsburgh

Picklesburgh, much like its signature floating vegetable, is getting bigger — it threatens to become a summer-dominating event around these parts. We already experienced “Taste of Picklesburgh,” and that’s just the lead-up to this weekend’s main event: Four days of brined goodness, from signature drinks and food samples to music and entertainment with a slightly green theme, on and around the Boulevard of the Allies. You can peruse the preserved vendors and samples at will, head to Market Square to take in the annual “Olympickle Games,” or bring the kids to the appropriately named “Li’l Gherkins” activity area. If you’re planning on attending on Saturday, grab a ticket (they’re limited) to “Whose Brine Is it Anyway?,” an all-star improv show with a pickled focus taking place at Arcade Comedy Theater. Whatever your fancy — and even if, like this suddenly sheepish writer, you don’t actually like pickles all that much — you’ll see why this festival has been ranked among the best specialty food fetes in the country.

The breakthrough album by Paula Cole, “This Fire,” is an icon of ’90s radio rock. Catapulted by the infectious (and oddly somber) single, “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?,” Cole scored an even bigger hit with “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” immortalized as the theme song for the teen drama “Dawson’s Creek.” In the years since, Cole has continuously reinvented her style, exploring jazz and folk sounds while continuing to record and perform. This Sunday night, you can see her — for free — at Hartwood Acres, as part of the Allegheny County Summer Concert Series.

Sam Shepard’s play “Buried Child” is no light evening at the theater: A family on the brink of ruin welcomes a newcomer, exposing their secrets and regrets to unforgiving light. In the hands of the capable and courageous Throughline Theatre Company, however, it will assuredly be a dynamic and moving performance. The company presents “Buried Child” at Carnegie Stage, opening this Friday and continuing through July 28; a strong cast includes Brett Sullivan Santry, Cecilia Staggers and Michael McBurney. (And we recommend LeoGreta for your pre-show meal.)

A new documentary, “Frank Capra: Mr. America,” explores the life and creative legacy of the iconic Hollywood producer. It opens Sunday at the Harris Theater Downtown, and if you’re lacking in your film history, you can brush up alongside the doc; a group of Capra’s movies, both iconic and slightly obscure, will screen as well. Catch “You Can’t Take It With You,” “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” and more through the end of the month.

Paul Skenes just smoked the American League All-Stars; can the Pirates continue their four-game winning streak after the All-Star Break? They’ll have to handle the formidable Phillies to do so, as the cross-state rivals come into town this weekend for a three-game set. Don’t let those visiting fans dominate the stands: It’s also Yinzerpalooza Weekend at the ballpark, featuring block parties, fireworks, and — on Saturday — a free Wiz Khalifa bobblehead to the first 20,000 fans in attendance.

Looking for more things to do? Check out our complete list of events in Pittsburgh for today, tomorrow and the weeks ahead.