Stuff to be psyched about this summer

Yeah, we know that summer is hot. But being a whiny shut-in is not. Get outside.
Cinema in the Park (all over):
Pittsburgh Citipark brings Pittsburgh residents a sampling of tried-and-true cinematic gems to parks all around the city, for that old-timey drive-in experience (minus the car). Check out the schedule and locations for your favorites near you.
Market Square Farmer’s Market (Downtown):
Buy local. Now you have no excuse.
For anyone who maintains a busy career, but doesn’t want to let their consumption ethics (or vegetable intake) fall by the wayside, this summer the farmer’s market comes to you. Every Thursday from 10 am to 2, local farmers bring their wares to Market Square Dowtown. Hit it up for piping hot pierogies, homemade pies, fresh flowers, and inexpensive produce on your way to work. Also convenient for those Point Park or Duquesne University types. I wouldn’t go out of my way to attend this one, however- many of the same vendors can be found week-round in the Strip district.
Groupon (the interweb):
Groupon (an amalgamation of ‘Group Coupon’) is a site that offers coupons for cool stuff in your area. Past offerings have included Franktuary, classes at Bikram Yoga in the Strip, and the Firehouse Lounge. The catch? A bunch of people have to place orders for the same coupon before the deal goes through. If the deal is unpopular, you don’t get charged, but you also don’t get the half-off to belly waxing or whatever discount you’re trying to snag. For the gambler in all of us.
Half-price (Oakland):
Surprisingly, half-price is a relatively unknown phenomena for non-Oaklandites. Several restaurants around the Oakland area cater to student life and budgets by offering half-price menu options after 11pm. Participating establishments include India Garden, Joe Mama’s, Fuel and Fuddle, and Mad Mex. While this actually occurs year-round, summer’s the time to go- when the students are in town, it can take an hour or more to be served. Note: They won't seat you for half-price until 11, but you can put your name in ahead of time.
Kayak Pittsburgh (Downtown, under the 6th Street Bridge):
Venture Outdoors brings us a pocket-sized adventure- $15 for an hour of kayaking on the river! Even beginners can paddle along for a beautiful view of Downtown and Mt Washington, and sometimes Yinzers with fishing rods and whistles. The best time to go is towards early evening, around 5:30. It’s less crowded, the sun isn’t direct, and you catch the beginnings of sunset. Everyone can do this- even me, and I was once diagnosed with ‘lower-than average upper-body strength’ by my third grade gym teacher (thanks for that lifelong validation, Mr. R).