Things to Do in Pittsburgh This June
One of Pittsburgh’s longest-tenured theaters is bringing song and dance to the outfield, presenting a musical review at Wild Things Park.
BEST BET
Broadway at the Ballpark
Wild Things Park | June 30
The 1955 musical comedy “Damn Yankees” brought baseball to Broadway, weaving a supernatural tale about the hard-luck Washington Senators and a devilish deal for glory on the diamond.
This month, Little Lake Theatre Company will reverse that journey, bringing musical theater — including selections from “Damn Yankees” — to the outfield. Broadway at the Ballpark will feature a cabaret-style review presented by Little Lake’s roster of performers, staged in center field at Wild Things Park.
“We’re excited,” says Patrick Cannon, Little Lake’s artistic director. “It’s the inaugural go at it, so it’ll be an interesting endeavor and journey.” He adds that the event hits “the sweet spot” for him personally; he’s a devotee of both theater and the national pastime.
Fans will be invited to bring chairs and picnic blankets onto the field, the home grass for the Frontier League’s Washington Wild Things, after stopping at the concession stands; what’s a night at the ballpark without a hot dog, after all? Cannon says the Wild Things have been great partners for the Canonsburg-based theater and hopes that Little Lake will eventually “be able to do a full production out on the field.”
Will that full production be a certain devilish musical comedy? We’ll have to wait and see — but we bet “Whatever Lola Wants” will sound pretty good under the outfield lights.
— Sean Collier
COMEDY
Select Start Live! Part 2
June 8 | Arcade Comedy Theater
The hottest show at Arcade Comedy Theater this June is Select Start Live! Part 2. Expect short-form improv, drag performer Chi Chi de Vivre and stand-up comedy by Arcade interim executive director Katie Tarara, topped off with brand-new sketches written and performed by local troupe Select Start. Interactive games will give audience members a chance to contribute to the laughs.
CULTURE
Jubilee Parade
June 14-16 | Point State Park and Market Square
This year’s Juneteenth Celebration recognizes the holiday with the Jubilee Parade, a 51 Years of Hip-Hop Celebration and educational programs. Hosted by Stop the Violence-Pittsburgh since 2013, the festival will bring thousands of attendees ready to commemorate historical events like the end of slavery and the passing of the 15th Amendment.
MUSIC
Kim Gordon’s “The Collective”
June 15 | Mr. Smalls
Modest polymath Kim Gordon is bringing her new solo project, “The Collective,” to Mr. Smalls for a standing-room-only experience. Described in the Los Angeles Times as “an uncompromising blend of noise and melody, bursts of avant-garde guitar and underground hip-hop,” “The Collective” is a whole vibe that probably won’t even let you sit down.
FOOD
Father’s Day BBQ Brunch
June 16 | National Aviary
Dads love a BBQ, and this year’s Father’s Day BBQ Brunch at the National Aviary is a perfect way to show Dad some love. As much as he may want to, there’s no need for him to grab his grilling gear. In addition to brisket biscuits, chicken and waffles, the spread will include typical brunch treats, including vegetarian and vegan options.
COMEDY
Pinky Patel
June 19 | Pittsburgh Improv
“Hello my Priends, welcome to my channel!” If you have spent any time on Instagram, you’re probably familiar with Pinky Patel and her honest comedic commentary on life with her “roommates,” aka her husband and children. With a crown atop her head, Patel claims to be more contained on social media — which leaves plenty of room for her live show to go off the rails.
ART
TattooMania
June 21-23 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Tattoos have become an amazing form of self-expression and artistic creation. Pittsburgh TattooMania puts all aspects of tattoo artistry in the spotlight for fans and creators alike. More than 200 of the best tattoo artists from all over the world will showcase their craft and compete in competitions. If you want to add to your tattoo collection (or break the seal by getting your first ink), this is the place to do it.
MUSIC
Four Chord Music Fest
June 22-23 | Carrie Furnace
It’s the 10th anniversary of Pittsburgh’s Four Chord Music Fest — and a big anniversary deserves a big venue. Head to Carrie Furnace for two full days of music with more than 20 bands under the sun and the moon. Headliners The All-American Rejects will close out the festival on Sunday night.
MUSIC
Sheila E.
June 27 | City Winery
The term “legend” can be overused, but it is 100% true of drummer and percussionist Sheila E. She has played alongside some pretty big names in music, but it doesn’t get any bigger than Prince. Will City Winery be able to contain the explosive power that is Sheila E. and the E-Train? It feels like something to be experienced firsthand.
ENTERTAINMENT
Unicorn World
June 29-30| David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Unicorn World welcomes families to wander through a photo-worthy world of color and imagination. A Magic Pass gets you access to bounce and bubble houses, and the life-size unicorns around every corner might leave the kids wondering whether or not unicorns are actually real.
To be considered for coverage, send details to Events Editor, Pittsburgh Magazine, Washington’s Landing, 600 Waterfront Drive, Suite 100, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or email magevents@pittsburghmagazine.com. The deadline for August 2024 events is June 15. Include the event name, address, website, date and a brief overview.