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.

PHOTO BY TOM DAVIDSON

Dippy is turning 125 this year, and the Carnegie Museum of Natural History is hosting a slate of festivities to celebrate the beloved dino.

Thursday, July 18 is Teen Night: Dippy 125, where teens ages 13-18 are invited to a free night full of dinosaur-themed activities, snacks in the teens-only lounge, and learning what made Dippy such an important discovery. Tickets must be registered in advance, as capacity is limited.

The following week on Tuesday, July 23, Dippy & Friends: A Virtual Event will be held from 7 to 8 p.m. Carnegie museum curator Matt Lamanna will be speaking about the dinosaurs and animals that lived the same time as Dippy.

The month-long “gotcha-day” celebration ends with After Dark: Dippy’s Rockstar Bash from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 26. The Carnegie Museum of Natural History will open its doors for a 21+ bash for Dippy with activities planned throughout the night, including pop-up musical performance. Tickets are required.

Dippy is a Diplodocus skeleton situated in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in Oakland. It is considered the most famous dinosaur skeleton in the world because of the numerous plaster casts donated by Andrew Carnegie to multiple major museums.

Dippy has a public sculpture on the grounds of the Carnegie Institute and Library which is decorated with little props for different seasons and events. Dippy’s 125th is being shown off with a little birthday hat atop his head.

KAWS, UNTITLED (KIMPSONS), PACKAGE PAINTING SERIES, 2001, © KAWS, PHOTO BRAD BRIDGERS

BEST BET

Commercial Collaboration: “KAWS + Warhol”

Through Jan. 20 | The Andy Warhol Museum

Despite the generational gap between the artists, seeing their work next to each other seems natural. Throughout the exhibition “KAWS + Warhol,” part of The Andy Warhol Museum’s 30th anniversary celebration, you’ll find examples from the Pop Art legend juxtaposed with that of contemporary Brooklyn-based artist KAWS.

One wall contains about 2,000 cereal boxes the artist created as part of a project for General Mills in 2022 — within sight of Warhol’s famous Brillo Boxes, an example of how both artists blurred the lines of art and commercialism. On the second floor, you’ll find Warhol’s car crash and electric chair artworks hanging near KAWS’ Chum figure behind bars or in sober black and white.

“With Warhol, people think glamour, Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minnelli, Studio 54, bright colors … the same with KAWS — they think about cartoon characters, bright shiny objects,” says Warhol Director Patrick Moore, who curated the show. “But if you really look at them, there’s this undercurrent that makes them, at least for me, much more interesting — which is a fascination with death, tragedy, sadness, compassion, nostalgia.”

— Lauren Davidson

MUSEUM

“The Science Behind Pixar”

Through Jan. 5 | Carnegie Science Center

PHOTO BY MICHAEL MALYSZKO

Since the release of “Toy Story” in 1995, Pixar has been making folks laugh, think and cry with its tales of life experiences, human and otherwise. How do they do it? Pixarburgh, or “The Science Behind Pixar,” is the exhibit that will answer that question and a few more. Kids of all ages can take selfies with Pixar characters like Buzz Lightyear, explore two floors of STEM playgrounds and poke around in more than 50 interactive displays.

ART

“Myth-Science of the Gatekeepers”

Through July 28 | Pittsburgh Glass Center

PHOTO BY MARQUES REDD AND MIKAEL OWUNNA

The history of Egyptian deities is a fascinating topic, but you have to really dig into it (pun intended) to find out how rich it is. After doing just that, arts nonprofit Rainbow Serpent created 16 life-sized glass sculptures that reimagine these deities as Black, same-gender-loving men. The “Myth-Science of the Gatekeepers” exhibition evokes thoughts about the spiritual purpose of Black LGBTQ people and how to revive ancient traditions.

MUSIC

Norah Jones

July 8 | Heinz Hall

Come away with Norah Jones as she tours in support of her new album “Visions.” The nine-time Grammy winner will wrap you in her ethereal old-soul vocals and serene piano stylings. She might even step out from behind the piano to pluck a few strings on the guitar.

BENEFIT

House Party

July 13 | Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s annual House Party benefit is your chance to party with a purpose. Immerse yourself in a cabaret-style night of down-and-dirty dancing, musical performances and artistically drawn temporary tattoos. You can either come to sweat it out on the dance floor with DJ QRX and ROJO or upgrade your ticket to a VIP for an exclusive performance by dance artist Jesse Factor, hors d’oeuvres and an open bar — all to celebrate the theater’s artists, programming and community.

MUSIC

Northside Music Festival

July 12-14 | Various Sites

Three days of free live music in the heart of Deutschtown is likely on quite a few Pittsburghers’ summer wish lists. The Northside Music Festival is making it happen with multiple musical acts from various genres. Even if the music isn’t what draws you, there will also be art vendors, food and all sorts of family-friendly activities — a little bit of something for everyone.

MUSIC

Herb Alpert & Lani Hall

July 19 | PNC Theatre

If you are over 40, you most likely own or have owned a vinyl copy of “Whipped Cream & Other Delights” by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass. Alpert is a legendary trumpet player and all-around musician who has been paramount in shaping other musicians in and beyond his time. Find him at the Pittsburgh Playhouse with his Grammy Award-winning wife, Lani Hall, in an evening presented by MCG Jazz.

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 September 2024 events is July 15. Include the event name, address, website, date and a brief overview.

PHOTO BY HAWK PHOTOGRAPHY AND MULTIMEDIA LLC

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

FOUR CHORD MUSIC FEST | PHOTOS BY NICK PREZIOSO

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.

MOMIX’S “ALICE” PLAYS AT THE BYHAM THEATER THIS MONTH | PHOTO BY SHAREN BRADFORD

BEST BET

MOMIX’s “Alice”

Byham Theater | May 10-11

Literary nonsense inspires MOMIX’s “Alice” (2019), a hallucinatory wonderland inhabited by curious entities spun from the imaginative musings of director Moses Pendleton and the books of Lewis Carroll.

The 90-minute, non-narrative odyssey propels seven shape-shifting dancer-illusionists through a multimedia marathon of angry rabbits, baby-faced Tweedles and a caterpillar composed of exercise balls.

The humor and whimsy inherent in “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There,” are “the perfect mix for MOMIX to take on Carroll or vice versa,” says Pendleton. “I’ve developed something so you don’t fall asleep, but if you do, please dream.”

— Karen Dacko

ART

“Everlasting Plastics”

Through July 21 | Carnegie Museum of Art

XAVI AGUIRRE, “PROOFING” EVERLASTING PLASTICS (VENICE, IT 2023)| PHOTO BY REPORTARCH/ANDREA FERRO PHOTOGRAPHY

One word: Plastics. No, this isn’t an exhibit dedicated to the 1967 film “The Graduate,” and no Mrs. Robinsons are scheduled to appear. The site-specific installation “Everlasting Plastics” contains commissions from five U.S. artists, architects and designers and is meant to explore the highs and lows of plasticity as a material and a metaphor. The exhibit is a conversation on the past, present and hopeful future of our environment.

THEATER

“Witness for the Prosecution”

May 3-12 | New Hazlett Theater

For 100 years, the stories of author Agatha Christie have delighted fans of mystery and adventure. Whether through a novel, TV, film or (in this case) play, if you’re in Christie’s hands, you’re in for an exciting ride. “Witness for the Prosecution” is a courtroom drama about a man on trial for the murder of a wealthy woman. Expect plenty of outbursts, confessions and plot twists to keep you on the edge of your seat with Prime Stage Theatre.

MUSIC

Thievery Corporation

May 12 | Roxian Theatre

Lumping Thievery Corporation’s music in the bin of “electronica” does the duo a great disservice. Sure, electronica may be the broth, but jazz, reggae, bossa nova and trip-hop are the meat and veggies that make them a whole. This tour celebrates 25 years of that wine-bar vibe you never want to let go.

SPORTS

Mommies vs. Aunties Soccer Game

May 12 | Westinghouse Park

The annual Mother’s Day Mommies vs. Aunties Soccer Game will be a great way to trick yourself into some exercise. No soccer experience is necessary! Just bring sneakers, water and your willingness to be a goofball for this event. Sponsored by arts collective Sibyls Shrine, this event is meant to bring fellowship amongst those who “mother” in one form or another.

THEATER

EQT Children’s Theater Festival

May 17-19 | Cultural District

It’s the THE-A-TAH … for children! Gather up the little ones for interactive (and sensory-friendly) shows that include puppets, monsters, faraway lands and cross-cultural stories of adventure. The EQT Children’s Theater Festival is an exciting experience for all ages, taking place at several locations within the Cultural District.

MUSIC

The Punk Rock Puppet Show

May 26 | Hard Rock Cafe

It’s 1993, and you were probably watching MTV way late into the night. Remember that really trippy claymation music video telling the metal version of the Three Little Pigs story? Well, the band responsible is bringing that same vibe to the stage as The Punk Rock Puppet Show with Green Jelly. Joined by The Convalescence and Kemical Kemileon, expect heavily costumed theatrics and, of course, puppets.

THEATER

“The Coffin Maker”

May 29-June 16 | O’Reilly Theater

Mark Clayton Southers follows in the footsteps of his mentor, August Wilson, by bringing Black narratives to the stage. The world premiere of his latest play, “The Coffin Maker,” tells the story of Lawrence Ebitts and his wife Eula, who prepare bodies for burial in 1849 Oklahoma. This Western-comedy revenge tale performed at Pittsburgh Public Theater contains some adult language and themes; it’s recommended for ages 13 and older.

MUSIC

Pride on the Shore

May 31 | Stage AE

Between the parade and all of the diverse performances, this year’s Pittsburgh Pride event will keep your schedule full. So, let’s add one more thing to your list. Singer Natasha Bedingfield and entertainer Keke Palmer are extending the party to Pride on the Shore; DJ Kitty Glitter and DJ Hannah Rad will be there to keep the dancing sweaty.

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 July 2024 events is May 15. Include the event name, address, website, date and a brief overview.

AN ELEPHANT AT THE PITTSBURGH ZOO AND AQUARIUM | PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

This summer, an Allegheny County library card will give you access to far more than just books, periodicals, movies and library computers.

It also will give you access to the Summer Staycation 2024 RAD Pass — more than 100,000 free admissions to such attractions as the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, National Aviary, Mattress Factory, Heinz History Center, Children’s Museum and much, much more.

RAD is the Allegheny Regional Asset District, which supports many of Pittsburgh’s cultural amenities through special tax revenue.  

Here’s how the program will work: Ticket offers from local attractions will begin to appear on RADPass.org starting May 1. Free admission days start May 15 and run through the end of August, according to a release. 

These RAD-funded attractions will provide 100,000 free tickets over the summer:

• The Andy Warhol Museum
• Carnegie Museum of Art
• Carnegie Museum of Natural History
• Carnegie Science Center
• Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
• The Frick Pittsburgh
• Heinz History Center
• Mattress Factory
• National Aviary
• Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
• Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
• Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
• Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum

Free “family four-packs” of tickets will be replenished with new dates throughout the summer. You can book these by following a four-step process at RADPass.org:

1.  Log in with your Allegheny County library card number and PIN.
2. Browse for passes by date or by venue.
3. Reserve your pass.
4. Print your RAD Pass or download it to your mobile device.

People must be 18 or older to reserve a pass.

In addition, another resource — RADworkshere.org — will feature a calendar of free concerts, festivals and movies at regional parks throughout Allegheny County.

The summer staycation program is an expansion of the annual RAD Days at places that receive funding from the Allegheny Regional Asset District. Attractions participating in the Staycation will not host a traditional “RAD Day” this year but will shift those to the free summer admissions. RAD Days will continue at select music and theater performances, behind-the-scenes stadium tours, arts classes, family open houses and more.

There also is a FAQ with more details about how the RAD Pass works here.

Get ready to dress up, dance, drink and strike a pose.

The Pittsburgh Wine & Spirits Festival is back for its third year, bringing winemakers, distillers, brand ambassadors and you together for a night of tasting and sampling at Rivers Casino.

The May 31 event will feature more than 200 wines, spirits and seasonal cocktails.

This is the perfect chance to try a drink you’ve never had before. Then, learn how to make it at home! Industry insiders will be there to share their insights (and recipes) about their products and drinks. New drink flavors could also be introduced at the event. You might even get to take home free gifts like koozies and stickers.

Attendees will have the chance to purchase wine and spirits on-site at the Fine Wine & Good Spirits pop-up.

Prefer to eat instead? A buffet dinner is included with all tickets. Plus, designated driver tickets are available at a reduced rate that still grant you admission into the event.

This isn’t just a tasting event — it’s a party. Come for the drinks, stay for the DJ, dancing and photo opportunities. Make a night out of it by booking a room at Rivers Casino.

The festival is sure to sell out. Tickets are available online.

Rivers Casino is located at 777 Casino Dr. — free parking is available in the Rivers Casino parking garage.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

All Month — Discover an array of adventures and activities — kayaking, hiking, fly fishing, even compass skills — with L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs.

April 4 & 20 — Visit Phipps Conservatory’s annual Used Bulb Sale to start or add to your garden with some bulbs from local experts, including hyacinths, daffodils and lilies. Two six-inch pots worth of bulbs from the Spring Flower Show can be purchased for $5.

April 6 — Attend the Westinghouse Park Earth Month Celebration for family activities, solar-powered interactives and African drumming and dance performances.

April 9 — Tap into nature and your senses with Earth Month Forest Bathing at the Frick Park Environmental Center. Can’t make it on the 9th? Bathe each Tuesday this month.

April 16 — Help the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy clean up and explore 626 acres of natural heritage in Hays Woods Park, Pittsburgh’s newest official park and a sprawling urban forest. Hays Woods is also the home to two endangered species: a pair of bald eagles and red-fruited hawthorn trees. All are welcome to explore the natural heritage through the walking trails.

April 19-21 — Check out the BANFF Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater to see the best recent documentaries about exploration and the environment.

April 20 — Visit the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Wild Earth Day Festival for a full day of educational programs. With admission, the programs will include activities, conservation tips, and being able to visit the animals and plants that are always there to teach the community about the Earth.

April 20 — Join the Allegheny Commons Earth Month Celebration at McKinley Park for family-friendly activities including lawn games and nature crafts.

April 14-April 22 — Join the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition for Clean Sweep Week. Community clean up events, which aren’t limited to just Earth Day, are open to the public and are a great way for volunteers to improve and protect the environment. Your photos of the before-and-after clean-up process could arn you prizes.

April 26 — Attend the annual Go Green at Market Square, hosted by Pittsburgh Earth Day and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. This year’s event will be a free “after dark” event, featuring live music, educational booths and sustainable local businesses.

PHOTO BY JATI LINDSAY, COURTESY OF WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA

BEST BET

“The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson”

April 27, 30; May 3, 5 | Byham Theater

The story of how the National Negro Opera Company got its start in Pittsburgh should make for a great opera — especially when performed in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh Opera will present “The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson,” about the music teacher who founded the longest-running, all-Black opera company in 1941 in Homewood. Dawson “was not able to, for reasons of segregation at that time, be a part of any of the other opera companies around, and so she basically decided to form her own,” says Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn, who first saw the opera at the Glimmerglass Opera Festival in upstate New York and knew it had to come to Pittsburgh. “It’s inspiring, and it just fills in I think an enormous number of gaps in our knowledge of this history,” he says.  — Lauren Davidson 

Best Action Movie Heroine

March 30 | Arcade Comedy Theater

Do you love giving your opinion on pop culture favorites? Then Bracket Night should be your jam. Arcade Comedy Theater has gathered special guests Natalie Bencivenga, Day Bracey, Robin Hitchcock and Planned Parenthood of Western PA President Sydney Etheredge to determine the Best Action Movie Heroine. (Personally, I like Michelle Yeoh.)

Arcade has hosted 28 Bracket Nights dedicated to everything from choosing the best break-up song to the best way to cook a potato. This iteration will benefit Planned Parenthood of Western PA. It’s like March Madness for a cause.

Big Nosh Jewish Food Festival

April 7-9 | Congregation Beth Shalom

From latkes to matzah balls, the Big Nosh Jewish Food Festival offers so many tasty treats for you to experience all in one place. This is the first year for the Pittsburgh Jewish Chronicle-sponsored event, which is looking to be this community’s biggest celebration of Jewish and Israeli cuisine.

Along with live music and a full bar, plenty of kosher options will be available for dine-in or take home.

Shred Your Fears

April 7 | Switch & Signal Skatepark

PHOTO BY LAURA PETRILLA

Trying new things can be scary, especially if they involve getting on a board with four small wheels and propelling yourself up a ramp. Shred Your Fears is (dare I say) a movement to teach women, trans and non-binary people how to skateboard in a safe and welcoming environment. This workshop includes a yoga-based stretching session, snacks, equipment and, best of all, camaraderie.

Suzanne Vega in Concert

April 12 | City Winery

PHOTO BY GEORGE HOLZ

Do do do do do do do do … singer/songwriter Suzanne Vega’s story starts with just her and her acoustic guitar performing in New York clubs. More than 40 years after her highly observational song “Tom’s Diner,” the neo-folk musician continues telling her melodic stories to captivated audiences. This venue allows fans to get up close and personal while enjoying world-class wine.

Khūrākī: A Celebration of Afghanistan in Pittsburgh

April 12-14 | Shady Side Academy Black Box Theater

PHOTO BY HEATHER MULL

RealTime Arts, in collaboration with Shady Side Academy, presents an evening of shared culture, immersive theater and an appetizing meal. Khūrākī: A Celebration of Afghanistan in Pittsburgh shares the beauty of Afghan culture through theatrical portraits of five Afghan women immigrants, who have also prepared Afghan food for the experience.

Ghosts: Do You Believe?

April 18 | Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall

No one really knows what’s on the other side of death, but it can be intriguing to speculate. Join paranormal researcher Dustin Pari of the TV show “Ghost Hunters” for the supernatural deep dive, Do You Believe in Ghosts? Pari will examine, question and share first-hand accounts of hauntings that will make you overthink the next time something goes bump in the night.

Soul Sessions: Mýa

April 26 | August Wilson African American Cultural Center

For more than 25 years, the singer, dancer, and actress Mýa has entertained the masses with her massive talent. The Grammy Award-winner joins the intimate Soul Sessions Series for a captivating performance of her classic hits along with new, soon-to-be favorites.

PHOTO BY KARLI CADEL/THE GLIMMERGLASS FESTIVAL

The story of how a groundbreaking opera company got its start should make for a good opera. The story of how the National Negro Opera Company got its start in Pittsburgh should make for a great opera — to be performed in Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Opera will present “The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson,” about the music teacher who founded the longest-running, all-Black opera company in 1941.

Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn says a lot of people may not know Dawson’s story, despite the significant effort underway to restore the National Opera House in Homewood, where the National Negro Opera Company began.

“The first performances in Pittsburgh are of tremendous importance,” Hahn says.

Hahn first visited the National Opera House in 2017 when Pittsburgh Opera performed “The Summer King,” the story of the great Negro Leagues baseball player Josh Gibson; the cast took a field trip to the site. Not long after that, one of Hahn’s colleagues, who runs the Glimmerglass Opera Festival in upstate New York, let him know she was putting together an opera about Dawson.

“I knew really instantaneously that this was a piece that needed to be done here,” Hahn says.

PHOTO BY JATI LINDSAY, COURTESY OF WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA

What Dawson was able to do in the 1940s was incredible, he relates. Starting an opera company from scratch involves more than just finding great singers; Dawson had to find chorus members, seamstresses and stagehands who could travel and put on world-class shows.

At the time, the opera house was a boarding house for Black celebrities who needed a place to stay while they were in town. Dawson’s music studio was on the third floor.

Dawson “was able to plug into a support system that helped encourage her very brave, almost quixotic quest because she was not able to, for reasons of segregation at that time, be a part of any of the other opera companies around, and so she basically decided to form her own,” Hahn says.

The opera went on to perform major productions at The Met in New York City, in Chicago and in Washington, D.C.

“She was a fascinating person bubbling out of Pittsburgh, and we all need to know that.”

The show was written by Sandra Seaton with music from Carlos Simon and selections from “Carmen.”

“The Passion of Mary Cardwell Dawson”
April 27, 30 & May 3, 5
Byham Theater
pittsburghopera.org

The last two nights of this year’s Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival feature two of the most lauded artists in the celebrated festival’s history.

On Saturday, June 8, hip-hop pioneers Sugarhill Gang and the Furious Five will perform Downtown as part of the annual festival. The former group, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, are credited with the first true hip-hop single, “Rapper’s Delight.” Founding members Wonder Mike and Master Gee will perform with the group, alongside fellow trailblazers the Furious Five, fellow Hall of Famers featuring “The Message” MC Melle Mel.

The following night, master songwriter Ben Folds returns to Pittsburgh for a night of his Paper Airplane Request Tour. The pianist, who has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra in the past, will invite fans to write song requests on paper airplanes and loft them toward the stage. (Hopefully there’s no bad weather on Sunday, June 9.) Folds’ appearance was “spoiled” several weeks ago when the Paper Airplanes Request Tour announcement included a date at the Arts Festival.

Other featured artists at the 10-day festival include Los Lonely Boys, Doom Flamingo and more. A full lineup of music, visual arts and exhibitions will be announced in April. Find the lineup of headliners below.

Friday, May 31 — Pokey LaFarge

Saturday, June 1 — Los Lonely Boys

Sunday, June 2 — Martha Redbone Roots Project

Monday, June 3 — Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Tuesday, June 4 — Nicole Zuraitis

Wednesday, June 5 — Ozomatli

Thursday, June 6 — Say She She

Friday, June 7 — Doom Flamingo

Saturday, June 8 — Sugarhill Gang and the Furious Five

Sunday, June 9 — Ben Folds

ALGERIAN ARTIST ANOUAR RAHMANI (LEFT) AND UKRAINIAN ARTIST OLENA BORYSHPOLETS PERFORM ‘SORRY, I DON’T UNDERSTANDING’ AT CITY OF ASYLUM. | PHOTOS COURTESY CITY OF ASYLUM

Two writers who became roommates seeking sanctuary at the City of Asylum’s Comma House have collaborated to create “Sorry, I Don’t Understanding,” an original, multilingual play that explores ways to communicate and connect without language. 

Performed in Navajo, French, Ukrainian and English, the play stars Ukrainian artist Olena Boryshpolets and Algerian artist Anouar Rahmani and takes inspiration from their story of learning to understand each other. “This multilingual aspect is the core idea of the play,” says Rahmani. 

Since 2004, the City of Asylum has offered short and long-term living for persecuted writers through its Exiled Writer and Artist Residency Program so writers can continue to add to culture and literature through their work. One of City of Asylum’s residences on the North Side, Alphabet City, will host a free world premiere of the play at 7 p.m. Monday, March 25 — available in person or streamed online.

“Most of what we do here is much more straightforward, like a reading or book launch or bringing in external artists who have their own thing,” says Alexis Jabour, senior production manager at City of Asylum. “This is a unique program for us.” 

“We’re happy that we’re adding some additional value to its history as the first time two writers from City of Asylum have worked together on a play,” Rahmani says. 

Rahmani, the first person to demand the legalization of same-sex marriage in Algeria, was already living in the Comma House when Boryshpolets moved in. She fled Ukraine when Russia invaded in 2022 and lived in Poland for a year.

Another artist at City of Asylum, Oleksandr Frazé-Frazénko, translated from Ukrainian for Boryshpolets in an interview, “You can imagine my stress when I needed to move to a new country again and start learning a new language that I didn’t know before.”

“She was barely saying ‘hi’ or ‘good morning’. That’s all our interactions were and she was really sad and angry,” Rahmani says. “I was also like that when I arrived, so I got to see myself in her.” 

Step by step, the two started to understand each other without words. While their story makes its way into the play, it’s not just the writers and their experiences. The title of the play refers to the stressful process of moving to another country and how trying to connect with a new world comes with complex lessons that aren’t so easily understood. “This is why we actually chose the title to be a little bit confusing,” Rahmani says. 

The show will also feature Frazé-Frazénko and The Happy Lovers band for one of its scenes, playing a traditional Ukrainian song that Frazé-Frazénko says “reflects the twist in the play perfectly.” 

The night will end with a Q&A session, where the artists are hoping for the most engagement. They expect the audience to be both passive and active “through questions in their mind that we’re trying to encourage them to ask,” Rahmani says.

“This is very important because art should not answer questions,” Boryhspolets said through Frazé-Frazénko as interpreter. 

Jabour says the stage will be surrounded by the audience, making room for about 100 people. Free tickets can be reserved in advance, and the show can also be viewed online via livestream.

PHOTO COURTESY “SIGNTASTIC!”

Tonight, a locally filmed game show will hit the big screen — and its creators will celebrate some historic achievements.

The premiere event, to be held at the Lindsay Theater in Sewickley, will spotlight “SignTasTic!,” a Pittsburgh-filmed game show that incorporates American Sign Language (ASL) to appeal to both hearing and Deaf communities. It’s also the first American game show to feature a Deaf host, Dan Cook.

Cook, who also created the show, said the idea initially took form as a card game to make teaching ASL more engaging for students. When approached by a friend to make a show teaching ASL, the idea transformed into a full-fledged game show.

“We both thought that it was not fair that other TV channels [are focused on] diversity … but there is no channel for Deaf people,” Cook says.

This desire led to the creation of Silent Visual Media, a company aimed at bridging the gap between Deaf and hearing communities in media. “SignTasTic!” is one of their first major projects.

In “SignTasTic!,” contestants are given 50 words in ASL to learn, and then are expected to use and respond to them throughout various segments to earn cash prizes. For viewers at home who aren’t fluent in ASL, graphics on screen will help them follow along.

The show incorporates hearing contestants and crew alongside Deaf performers, which caused some communication difficulties early on in the filming process. But by the end, the team formed a tight bond and were reluctant to stop filming.

“I want people to be pulled into the Deaf community in a fun way, so we can all share our experiences,” Cook says. “My hope is that SignTasTic! can help establish relationships and pave the way for Deaf people and hearing people to collaborate together and make awesome entertainment”.

“SignTasTic!” has been picked up by VSYN+, a recently launched streaming service for signed languages, where new episodes will air weekly.

Tickets for tonight’s event are still available — but selling quickly.

PHOTO: VISIT ERIE

Beaches, trails and family fun. Many will make for the coast to enjoy this kind of getaway, but there’s a vibrant destination two hours north of Pittsburgh. Erie, Pennsylvania, nestles into our neighboring Great Lake and offers plenty of opportunities for those looking for a nature-focused getaway.

And thanks to a nearly complete trail network, cyclists can make the majority of the trip under their own power. Read on for updates about that trail system, a pontoon-boat tour of Presque Isle, ideas for families and more — including a once-in-a-lifetime astrological event.

The Ultimate Sunblock

This April, Erie will be at the center of the universe as it falls in the path of a rare total solar eclipse.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

This year, April 8 will be the biggest day on the calendar for the city of Erie. That’s when the next total solar eclipse – known as the Great North American Eclipse — will pass through the United States in a 125-mile-wide band, moving directly over Lake Erie near Presque Isle State Park. Day will turn to night there at 3:16 that afternoon — for 3 minutes and 41 seconds — the longest period of totality in Pennsylvania.

Continue reading here.

Water Play

With water, water everywhere, Erie provides plenty of activities for kids to enjoy.

PHOTO: VISIT ERIE

If you’re looking to take the family on a beach vacation that doesn’t start and end with a full day in the car, Erie is the perfect destination.

Continue reading here.

Lagoon by Pontoon

Since 1985, the state has offered free public tours of Presque Isle State Park’s bays and interior ponds.

PHOTO BY VIRGINIA LINN

Temperatures peaked at a perfect 78 degrees under clear skies last August as we motored into Graveyard Pond to begin our pontoon boat tour of Misery Bay and the interior lagoons of Presque Isle State Park.

Continue reading here.

Mile by Mile

With a grand vision, dogged persistence and grit, volunteer groups and nonprofits are working to fill in the remaining gaps of the 270-mile Erie to Pittsburgh trail — and hoping to bring it to completion in five years.

PHOTO BY RICHARD COOK

Bill Weller doesn’t break a sweat. He’s biking 40 miles on the Allegheny River Trail, the pristine path he watches over like a protective parent.

Continue reading here.

THE STATE’S FREE PONTOON RIDE LAUNCHES FROM GRAVEYARD POND. | PHOTOS BY VIRGINIA LINN

Temperatures peaked at a perfect 78 degrees under clear skies last August as we motored into Graveyard Pond to begin our pontoon boat tour of Misery Bay and the interior lagoons of Presque Isle State Park.

You really can’t get a better deal than this — it’s a free 45-minute tour, staffed by volunteers with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Operated since 1985, the tours typically run from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Related: Escape to Erie for a Nature-Focused Getaway

Our guide, Paul Weiser, is one of the longest-serving among about 375 volunteers who help support operations in Presque Isle — the most visited state park in Pennsylvania. Presque Isle offers a recreational utopia for beachgoers, swimmers, boaters, paddleboarders, kayakers, anglers, hikers, birdwatchers, cyclists, kite-flyers, in-line skaters and more. It celebrates its 103rd birthday as a state park on May 27.

KAYAKERS AND PADDLEBOARDERS EXPLORE PRESQUE ISLE’S INNER PONDS AND LAGOONS.

Brian Gula, DCNR environmental education specialist, says the state uses the pontoon tours as a tool to showcase all the work that’s been done to preserve the area’s wetlands, and also to focus on the wildlife. “The great thing for the public,” he says, “is that they get to see [the wildlife] so close off that pontoon boat.”

GUIDE PAUL WEISER HOLDS UP A BEAVER PELT.

During our trip, Weiser handed out binoculars and passed around various turtle shells, a hefty beaver pelt and photos of the birds and wildlife that we might see.

In Graveyard Pond, we saw map, blanding and painted turtles sunning themselves on logs, which the DCNR anchored in the middle of the pond for optimal visibility. The turtles love to sunbathe, Weiser says, because they are cold-blooded and it helps warm them. (They hibernate in the mud in the winter.)

Then we navigated under a bridge into Misery Bay, with the 101-foot Perry Monument on Crystal Point rising to our right. The monument honors American naval Commander Oliver Hazard Perry, whose fleet of 11 ships defeated the British in the Battle of Lake Erie on Sept. 10, 1813, at Put-in-Bay, near Sandusky, Ohio.

Six of 11 of the vessels were built in the Presque Isle bay — at the time named Little Bay — where the shores and waters of the peninsula protected them during construction, according to the DCNR. After the battle, the fleet returned to Little Bay to repair the ships and seek medical treatment for the wounded. Conditions became so harsh during the following winters that many of Perry’s crew died and, according to legend, were buried in Graveyard Pond (hence the name). To mark those hardships, Little Bay was renamed Misery Bay.

THE PERRY MONUMENT

It might be surprising to learn that the 3,200-acre Presque Isle is a shifting sand spit that is always eroding. Historical records show that it became an island in Lake Erie five times when the strip connecting it to the mainland eroded away; the longest period as an island lasted from 1835 to 1866, Gula says.

Over the years, the Army Corps of Engineers and other agencies have made many improvements to help stabilize the peninsula. The waters were not always as pristine as they are today; the U.S. Department of State under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement designated Presque Isle Bay an Area of Concern in 1991 because of years of pollution. The 25-square-mile bay watershed had been contaminated with excessive nutrients, organic compounds and heavy metals from discharges of wastewater from industrial plants and municipal sources.

After much cleanup and once new environmental regulations were put into place, the area was delisted as an Area of Concern in 2013, but it’s still closely monitored by the state Department of Environmental Protection, with federal support.

The latter part of our pontoon tour moved into the interior lagoons and ponds, flush with lily pads and native flowers, such as the pink swamp smartweed. Even though I have visited Presque Isle many times, I had never seen the interior ponds, which give visitors a different view from the paved path along the peninsula’s perimeter.

LAGOONS ON PRESQUE ISLE

If the water level is high enough, the boat can venture into Long Pond, which is more than a ½-mile from the pontoon dock. There you’ll see a steady stream of paddle boarders and kayakers exploring the coves.

Gula says that the interior waterways were reopened only recently after the state rid them of two invasive species from Europe — large reed grasses called phragmites and narrow-leaf cattails — that had completely consumed the inner channels. “There’s a lot more open water compared to 15 years ago,” he says.

Ospreys returned to the area about five years ago, and there are beavers, coyotes and river otters, says Weiser.

The open water is “one of the reasons the public are now seeing osprey nests and other species, more wading birds and other wildlife activity,” Gula says. “An osprey cannot hunt in a wetland that is consumed by a plant like phragmites because it’s so dense.”

As a National Natural Landmark — a program administered by the National Park Service — Presque Isle also is a waystation for migrating birds.

Of the pontoon tours, Gula says: “It’s a great way for us to get our mission across, which is to protect and conserve the natural resources for all future generations to enjoy.”

Know Before You Go

• The pontoon boats, which seat 16 people, launch from a covered pavilion with seating next to the private Presque Isle Boat Rental. After you pass the Perry Monument, the road to the launch is on the left side of Thompson Drive. Signups are 15 minutes before the tour, first come first served, although visitors should arrive early to secure a spot. There are no advance registrations.
• As Memorial Day approaches, check the Presque Isle State Park calendar of events for the summer pontoon schedule. For questions, call 814-833-7424.

PHOTO: VISIT ERIE

If you’re looking to take the family on a beach vacation that doesn’t start and end with a full day in the car, Erie is the perfect destination.

Presque Isle State Park has numerous beaches with kid-friendly amenities over seven miles. Beaches 7 and 11 are adjacent to playground equipment, and Beach 11 also has the most shallow water and is regarded as the best beach for young children. Beaches 6 and 8 offer concessions, or you can always stop at Sara’s for a famous hot dog as you head out at the end of your day. Beach 6 also boasts eight sand volleyball courts.

Keep in mind the sand in Erie is rocky, lake sand, not smooth ocean sand, so kids may want to wear water shoes rather than go barefoot.

Related: Escape to Erie for a Nature-Focused Getaway

Pirate Adventures

2 State St. | scallywagspirateadventures.com

PHOTO BY HUCK BEARD

The word “pirate” may conjure up images of swashbuckling characters on Caribbean waters, but the Great Lakes have a long and storied history with buccaneers terrorizing boats on their waters. At Scallywags Pirate Adventures, themed cruises play up on that history — no real cannons involved.

Located at Dobbins Landing on Presque Isle Bay, Scallywags runs tours for guests of all ages. Their 90-minute Pirate Adventure Show is perfect for families with children — even teens and tweens are enticed by the nautical antics. Costumed characters begin weaving their tale dockside before boarding their pirate ship to hit the open lake. The cast enlists families to help retrieve a treasure map taken by Captain Skull, who is determined to avoid capture. Sea shanties, face painting, treasure chests, and an epic water cannon battle with a rival boat mean this 90-minute tour is nonstop entertainment for families.

Scallywags also hosts evening Wobbly Pirate cruises for guests 21 and over to “party like a pirate” with a cash bar, DJ and more as the ship rounds the bay.

Water World

200 Peninsula Drive | waldameer.com

PHOTO COURTESY WALDAMEER

Erie’s beaches aren’t the only outdoor water play in town. Don’t miss the 32 slides at Water World, located within the Waldameer Park amusement park at the entrance to Presque Isle. Beyond their impressive collection of water slides, there is an endless river, wave pool, two oversized family hot tubs, a water play area for the tiniest guests and a massive water-soaked playground called “The Battle of Lake Erie,” which is themed around the War of 1812.

For Pittsburghers who love Sandcastle, Water World will be a guaranteed hit. The two water parks share common features like the wave pools, children’s splash areas and endless rivers. Compared to Sandcastle’s 16 water slides, though, there are more options at Waldameer Park. One slide, the Rocket Blast, which opened last summer, is reminiscent of Kennywood’s now-defunct Log Jammer. Riders traverse twists and turns throughout the park in an inflatable rubber flume before finishing with a 60-foot drop — making it the largest ride in Water World.

Because Water World is adjacent to Waldameer Park, guests can move from one area to the other, and no wristband is needed to visit the amusement park. Water World does require an all-day wristband. Both sections of the park are cashless but Wally Cards can be loaded at stations throughout the park.

Splash Lagoon

8091 Peach St. | splashlagoon.com

PHOTO COURTESY SPLASH LAGOON

No matter the weather outside, Splash Lagoon Indoor Water Park on Peach Street is a tropical oasis for kids and adults alike. Opened in 2003, the expansive destination (which regularly attracts more than 300,000 visitors per year) features nine water slides, a variety of pools, a multi-level, interactive tree house, a ropes course and an arcade with more than 100 games.

There’s also the 200,000-gallon Wild Waters Wave Pool and a FlowRider Surf Machine, where participants can ride waves (overseen by a lifeguard) without the fear of shark bites.

For those in search of adult time, there are cocktails and mocktails aplenty at the Surf Bar, plus a grownups-only hot tub behind the family-friendly Lava Pool. Guests may also grab a raft and relax on the circular Lazy River (watch out for the waterfall above!) or rent a private cabana.

There’s no need to leave the Polynesian-themed atmosphere (perpetually kept at a balmy 84 degrees) for lunch either. Besides the Laguna Grill on the lower level of the attraction, the facility is connected to a Quaker Steak & Lube restaurant. For dessert, check out Treasure Island Ice Cream Parlor.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

This year, April 8 will be the biggest day on the calendar for the city of Erie.

That’s when the next total solar eclipse — known as the Great North American Eclipse — will pass through the United States in a 125-mile-wide band, moving directly over Lake Erie near Presque Isle State Park. Day will turn to night there at 3:16 that afternoon — for 3 minutes and 41 seconds — the longest period of totality in Pennsylvania.

It’s such a rare event that Erie officials have been planning for what they’re calling, “The Ultimate Sunblock,” for almost two years.

The Flagship City expects between 65,000 to 250,000 people will visit to view the eclipse, says Christine Temple, director of communications for VisitErie. That estimate comes from GreatAmericanEclipse.com, which uses advanced mapping software, U.S. Census data and a road network model to determine how many people are likely to journey there.

Related: Escape to Erie for a Nature-Focused Getaway

“We are the major city that’s closest to Pittsburgh, D.C., Baltimore and Philly,” she says. Erie is 6 hours from D.C. and 7 hours from Philly.

Most of Erie’s hotel rooms have been booked for months. (Fortunately, Downtown Pittsburgh is about a two-hour drive from Erie so folks can go up and back in one day if they like.)

In Pittsburgh, we’ll see a partial solar eclipse — though a more extensive occlusion than the eclipse in 2017, when thousands of Pittsburghers spilled out of office buildings, university classrooms, homes and shopping centers mid-afternoon to view the phenomena. That year the eclipse covered 81% of the sun here (totality was in Kentucky); this year it will be 97%.

“In math, 97 is close to 100,” says Amanda Iwaniec, director of theater experiences at Carnegie Science Center. “But with an eclipse — no. Totality is totality.”

Pittsburgh will be cast in shadow, not darkness like Erie, she says. But she didn’t want to downplay the Steel City’s experience. “We’re still going to see a pretty amazing thing.”

The next total solar eclipse in this area won’t arrive until 2144 — for our great-grandchildren — so if you want to see the total show, Erie is the place to be. And Cleveland, too, which also will experience totality (3 minutes earlier than Erie) as the celestial wonder moves diagonally across the United States from Texas to Maine.

Erie tourist officials are urging visitors to stay away from Presque Isle State Park; there’s only one road in and out and traffic is likely to be horrendous. Ideal viewing places will be Liberty Park, a large grassy area on Presque Isle Bay in the city’s Bayfront District, as well as Shades Beach, east of the city, and Freeport Beach.

Still, because the sun will be high in the sky and above the treeline at 3:16 p.m., people will be able to see the eclipse from just about anywhere in Erie.

What Erie can’t control is the weather. Historical data shows that April 8 has a 60% chance of cloud cover, Temple says. “Let’s be real. We’re Erie, we’re not the Sunshine State.”

The sky still will turn to a deep twilight during the eclipse whether it’s cloudy or sunny, she says.

A planning committee has put together a website that lists everything viewers need to know.

Also, the American Astronomical Society has compiled a list of certified suppliers of safe solar filters or glasses. People can damage their eyes if they look directly at the sun during an eclipse. The society strongly recommends not going to Amazon or similar sites because there is no way to validate those glasses are safe.

If people do plan to journey to Erie, Iwaniec of the Carnegie Science Center says the most important thing is to map out when and where to go.

“It’s important to make a plan,” she says. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

If you have little ones, Easter can be such a fun holiday. Meeting the Easter Bunny, searching for eggs… and, there’s a lot of candy to enjoy, too!

To help you celebrate, we’ve rounded up some of the best Easter Egg Hunts near Pittsburgh this year, along with a few spots where you can find (and get photos with) the Easter Bunny. Easter is Sunday, March 31, and there’s plenty to do in the next few weeks.

Easter Bunny Events

Coraopolis Easter Egg Hunt

Friday, March 15

AHN Montour Sports Complex in Coraopolis is hosting a family-friendly Easter Egg Hunt, with activities for kids, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Tickets start at $3, and are available online.

North Strabane Township Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, March 17

North Strabane residents are invited to participate in the township’s annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 17. Tickets are $3, and pre-registration is required. See more online.

Settlers Ridge Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 23

Settlers Ridge Easter Egg Hunt is happening on Saturday, March 23 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event will feature an egg hunt, a visit from the Easter Bunny, photo booth, music and more. More information can be found online.

Cecil Township Easter Egg Hunt

Saturday, March 23

Cecil Township children ages 12 and under are invited to join the Egg Hunt at Cecil Park. It starts at 10 a.m., and registration is required.

Eggstravaganza: Scavenger Hunt at the National Aviary

Saturday and Sunday, March 23-24; Friday and Saturday, March 29-30

Hop over to the National Aviary on the North Side for a spring celebration! Over two weekends, the Aviary is hosting an egg-themed scavenger hunt for kids, with various treats and prizes throughout the facility. The Easter Bunny will be visiting between 10:15 a.m. and 2 p.m. for photos. The Glow Egg Scavenger Hunt runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission tickets are available online.

Lunch with the Easter Bunny at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Friday, March 29

Enjoy lunch with the Easter Bunny at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium from noon to 1:30 on Friday, March 29. Several earlier sessions are sold out. Remaining tickets are available online.

Easter Bunny at the Terminal

Sunday, March 24

The Terminal in the Strip District is hosting the Easter Bunny on Sunday, March 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the 18th Street Passageway. Bring your own camera to snap photos and enjoy a pop-up Spring Market, with refreshments from the newly opened Novo Asian Food Hall.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Sunday, March 24

The Buffalo Inn in South Park and the South Hills Pet Rescue are hosting a Breakfast with the Easter Bunny on Sunday, March 24 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are $10 and include breakfast and one photo with the Easter Bunny (children under 5 are free). Tickets are available online.

Easter Egg Hunt at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway

Sunday, March 24

The speedway at 170 Kelso Road in Imperial is hosting an egg hunt at noon. Meet the Easter Bunny, visit the bake shop and join in on fun outdoor games. Free entry for all.

Easter Bunny Kid Cruise at the Gateway Clipper

Saturday, March 30

The Easter Bunny Kid Cruise on the Gateway Clipper will have two, two-hour sails on Saturday, March 30. One will board at 10 a.m., and the other at 1 p.m. Each cruise will feature kid-themed music and dancing, special treats and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Tickets are $20 for kids and $35 for adults, and can be purchased online.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

Saturday, March 30

Enjoy Breakfast with the Bunny at the Hard Rock Cafe at Station Square on Saturday, March 30 at 9 a.m. There will be a breakfast buffet, kid’s activities and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Make reservations online.

Easter Bunny Photos

South Hills Village

South Hills Village has an Easter Bunny photo experience Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, but not required.

Ross Park Mall

Ross Park Mall has an Easter Bunny photo experience Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations are encouraged, but not required.

This story was produced in partnership with GoodFoodPittsburgh.com.

PHOTO BY DAVE COLE

It’s one of the city’s most popular Downtown events of the year. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, rain or shine. 

The parade, an annual event for more than 150 years, will begin at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street and proceed down Grant Street, where it will turn right onto the Boulevard of the Allies and continue down to Commonwealth Place. It’s expected to last until 1:30 p.m. 

The parade, which regularly draws more than 200,000 people and is one of the largest in the country, will consist of more than 200 groups and floats, including Grand Marshal Robert Tierney and 2024’s Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Madalyn Byrnes. 

St. Patrick’s Church in the Strip will be holding Mass before the parade at 8 a.m. There will also be various events in Market Square before, during and after the parade. 

Bus service will be altered due to the parade, and a list of detours can be found on the Pittsburgh Regional Transit website. Downtown street parking will be limited during the parade as well, so check the Pittsburgh Parking Authority website for a list of available parking garages and lots. 

Streets will begin to close around 7:30 a.m. and will reopen throughout the day on a rolling basis, so plan accordingly. 

Open containers are not permitted along the parade route. 

PHOTO COURTESY SHUTTERSTOCK

Spring is in the air — and if love is, too, a weekend getaway is never a bad idea. 

Here are a few of our suggestions on where to go for a romantic escape; best of all, they’re each within a 3-hour drive of Pittsburgh.  

(We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.)

PHOTO COURTESY VRBO

This Place Rocks, Erie
The three-bedroom cottage on Lake Erie features a one-of-a-kind patio carved into a bluff looking over the water. Oh, and did we mention the property is adjacent to a scenic waterfall? Of note, the cottage sits about 20 feet above Lake Erie. While that makes for incredible views, there is no fence or railing along the rock wall or bluff. Guests may access the water by carefully climbing down the natural rocks at the waterfall. The property also is close to Erie County’s numerous wineries and about 15 minutes from the natural wonders of Presque Isle State Park, where there’s a slew of recreational trails and beaches. Don’t forget to check out the Presque Isle Lighthouse. Built in the 1870s, the lighthouse still serves as a navigational beacon for passing ships.

Price: $305 average per night. Book now

PHOTOS COURTESY KIMPTON HOTEL MONACO PITTSBURGH

Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Pittsburgh
Be a tourist in your own hometown with a stay at the ultra-chic Kimpton Hotel Monaco. Located in Downtown’s Golden Triangle, the Beaux Arts-style building is within walking distance of noted cultural landmarks, among them the Benedum Center and Heinz Hall. Outfitted with luxury Frette linen, each hotel room comes with its own yoga mat, plus morning coffee and tea service. Guests may also order in-room spa services or join in the evening wine hour in the hotel’s elegant lobby. Grab dinner at The Commoner, the hotel’s American tavern-style restaurant or, in the warmer month, enjoy a drink on the open-air rooftop Biergarten. The hotel also is known for its playful, bold design, including its signature golden birdcage chandeliers. 

Price: Prices start at $169 for a standard room. Book now

PHOTO COURTESY OF GETAWAY

Getaway, Beaver Creek Ohio
Leave the rest of the world behind with a stay at one of Getaway Beaver Creek’s tiny cabins in Lisbon, Ohio. Located less than an hour from Pittsburgh, Getaway’s cabins, designed as “mindful escapes,” offer an unplugged experience set among 59-wooded acres. Be warned, there is no TV and no Wi-Fi; those hoping to stay off their phones may also use a wooden lockbox specifically for cell phones. Elegantly minimalist, each cabin comes with a mini-kitchen, bathroom and a private outdoor area with a fire pit and seating. There also are provisions and analog activities such as basic games and classic novels, plus a deck of cards and a complimentary s’mores pack. “The Journal” on the Getaway website offers insights on what to pack, campfire recipes, how to prepare for a disconnected getaway and what to do around Beaver Creek.  

Price: Rates vary by location, seasonality and availability; current winter rates start at $99 per night. Book now

PHOTO COURTESY VRBO

Luxury Treehouse, Ohiopyle
Unwind in the adult version of a treehouse. Located about an hour from Pittsburgh in Ohiopyle, the Luxury Treehouse features three covered patios surrounded by hardwoods and ferns. Guests may enjoy a morning hike on the cabin’s mile-long, private hiking trail that winds through a clear mountain stream, a rock garden boulder field and canopies of mountain laurels. Venture to nearby Ohiopyle State Park, or take a tour of architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater. The cabin is also minutes from another Wright masterpiece, Kentuck Knob, as well as the Laurel Caverns and Lady Luck Casino. At the end of the day, relax in the treehouse’s hot tub. Worth noting: no pets are allowed at the cabin. 

Price: $350 per night. Book now

PHOTO COURTESY VRBO

Waterfront Log Cabin, Cherry Springs
You’ll see stars, literally, with a stay at the Waterfront Log Cabin in Cherry Springs. About a 3-hour drive from Pittsburgh, the tranquil log cabin is close to Cherry Spring State Park, a “dark sky” park renowned for its stargazing that has 10,000 stars visible to the naked eye on a given night. In particular, the park’s hilltop Astronomy Observation Field has a spectacular panoramic view of the Milky Way. Those wishing for a guided experience may also pre-register for official park events. Other nearby attractions include Rainbow Paradise Trout Farm, the Pa Grand Canyon, Kinzua Bridge Skywalk and Austin Dam. 

Price: $368 average per night. Book now

Spring in Pittsburgh always brings rain showers, budding leaves — and the annual Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show.

Now in its 42nd year, the show, which typically attracts close to 300,000 visitors, kicked off March 8 and ends March 17 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. 

Those looking for inspiration for their abodes can check out more than 1,500 exhibits spread across 10 acres. From the luxury to the basics, the event showcases home products for visitors to see, touch, try and to buy — all accompanied by the experts who can explain, assist, demonstrate and answer questions.

Among the annual features at the show are:

• Dream Home Innovation Center, bringing interactive products and ideas to make home life easier and sustainable.
• The Kitchen Idea Center, with more than an acre of dream kitchen inspiration.
• The Ultimate Backyard
• The Construction & Remodeling Center
• Home Interior Galleries, featuring more than 300 firms explaining the latest home trends that can be brought into your home.
• The Food & Wine Festival, including samples of foods, wine and whiskey. 
• The Pets at Home Aisle, with cats, dogs, fish and birds to meet or adopt, and pet accessories. 

Don’t be afraid to bring the kids to the event. In addition to The Children’s Village, the family-friendly activities at the convention include displays from the Train Collectors Association and a Lego display by Steel City LUG collector’s society. 

Rebuilding its presence since the pandemic, the show continues to grow with new vendors, among them JDM Structures, which is bringing the Sierra Cabin, one of its lake house-style modular homes, to the second floor of the convention center. Also new for 2024 is Allscapes Patio and Landscape, which specializes in custom patios, heavy-duty motorized pergolas, hidden motorized compartments and secret underground features, as well as Aquatic Edge, which is adding a natural water display to the mix.

Joining this year’s event as special guest speakers are Laura Dowling, a former White House chief floral designer, and Mark Bowe, host of Magnolia Network’s “Barnwood Builders.”

Dowling spent six years managing White House floral designs for official and private events such as the White House Christmas. Bowe and his group of craftsmen from West Virginia started a documentary series where they rebuild and repurpose old barns and structures to give them new life. Also the founder of Barnwood Living, Bowe will share his passion for reclaiming pioneer-era craftsmanship at the show on March 15 -17. 

Each day, The Farm to Table Stage also will host several different experts, including seminars on  edible flowers, composting or even saving money with local growers. 

In honor of the home and garden show’s late founder, John DeSantis, who died in early 2022, his son and current executive director, Mark Moore, is bringing back the John DeSantis River View Café, which combines more than a dozen dining options during the show. 

Tickets for the show are $12 for adults ($11 if purchased online), $4 for children ages 6-12 and free for children younger than 6. Show hours are Monday through Thursday from 4 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit here. 

PHOTO: BURGH BUS

If you’ve ever been to a show at The Pavilion at Star Lake in Burgettstown, you know that while the concerts are often great, the driving and parking situation is… not so.

But, the Burgh Bus has a solution for the upcoming 2024 season.

The Pittsburgh-based party bus has announced that it will be hosting shuttles to (and from) all of the concerts happening at the venue this year.

“Before we even launched the bus in 2022, this was on our list of things we really wanted to do,” says Burgh Bus owner Nick Walker. “This is the first year we have two buses, so that’s going to free up our availability, and we could make it happen.”

Last year, Burgh Bus did two trial runs to shows at Star Lake – one ticketed event, and one private one. “We got to try it out, and we know that it works. Going to shows there is so much fun, but it’s such a pain to get out there, park, all of that. We knew that we could do something to make it much better.”

PHOTO: BURGH BUS

There will be one full bus going to each show, with 44 seats available. The group will meet at the Duquesne Incline parking lot on West Carson Street, giving people the option to drive themselves, or Uber to-and-from the meetup location.

“It’s a good central location, easy to get to, and, most importantly, easy for the bus to get in to,” Walker says. “We’ll see how it goes, and if it looks like we’re having any issues with the location as the season goes on, we’ll adjust it.”

Tickets for the shuttle will cost $45 per person, and include bus service to and from The Pavilion at Star Lake. For now, the plan is for the shuttle to leave two hours before each show starts.

Walker says that one of the main attractions of the shuttle is that the tailgate can start while passengers are on the road. “People can BYOB if they’re over 21, and have alcohol on the bus – but no glass, that’s our big rule. If they want to bring food, coolers, anything, they can have it with them, and leave it on the bus until the end of the show.”

And, it’s definitely going to be a party.

“We have an amazing sound system, we have karaoke, and we love to see people get into it,” Walker says. “We want to see sing-alongs, and big pregame parties.”

The bus will also be able to pull up to the drop-off lane, avoiding the long lines to park. (Last year, hundreds of concert-goers complained about the traffic in-and-out of the Dead & Company show, where some people sat in more than five hours of traffic).

“There is about a 7-minute walk to the gate, but at the end, you’re going to be so glad to have that walk, because then you can just get back on the bus and we’ll be on our way,” Walker says.

While each show will definitely have one shuttle available, Walker says that if anyone wants to book their second bus privately, that can be arranged – just reach out to Burgh Bus directly.

Tickets for the Star Lake Party Shuttle are available online. Follow The Burgh Bus on social media for updates about the tour company’s latest events.

The full 2024 lineup of concerts at Star Lake includes:

• May 29: Noah Kahan
• June 15: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
• June 19: New Kids on the Block w/ Paula Abdul
• June 30: Tyler Childers
• July 2: Red Hot Chili Peppers
• July 9: Third Eye Blind
• July 12: Chris Stapleton
• July 13: Bret Michaels
• July 29: Hozier
• July 31: Styx & Foreinger
• August 2: Dan + Shay
• August 3: Creed
• August 10: Jason Aldean
• August 16: Kidz Bop Live 2024
• August 17: Tedeschi Trucks Band
• August 20: The Doobie Brothers
• August 29: Cage the Elephant
• September 3: Rob Zombie & Alice Cooper
• September 7: James Taylor
• September 14: Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan

This story was produced in partnership with GoodFoodPittsburgh.com.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

It may be winter in Pittsburgh, but without a Leap Day every four years, it could very well be summer right now.

According to NASA, the earth takes about 365.2422 days to fully revolve around the sun. Except there’s one problem; calendars measure a year as a whole number — 365 days. The remaining fraction of a day (NASA estimates it’s about 6 hours) adds up to an extra 24 hours every four years. That time is added to February every Leap Year as Feb. 29 to even things out.

Events like seasons, equinoxes and solstices would slowly lose their designated date if that extra time wasn’t accounted for. They would move later and later into the year, NASA explains.

So, what will you do with your extra day this year? Here are some ideas on how to spend it around town.

1. Take a Leap: Singles Mingle

The Woods House | 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Head to the Woods House Historic Pub for snacks, games and a complimentary beverage. Oh, and mingling. Who knows, you could just end up with the elusive Leap Day anniversary.

Admission: Free. RSVP is required on Eventbrite. This event is 21+.
4604 Monongahela St., Hazelwood, 15207

2. Sadie Hawkins Dance

Bottlerocket Social Hall | Doors open: 5 p.m., Start: 8 p.m.

DJs Easy Ed and Ron Mist are bringing an all-ages Leap Day party to Bottlerocket Social Hall. Dress in flannel, take cute pictures and be in bed early enough to make it to work the next day.

Admission: Free. RSVP on Opendate.
1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown, 15210

3. Leap Day Hike

Dead Man’s Hollow | 9-10:30 a.m.

Join an Allegheny Land Trust educator for a nature hike. The guide will point out wildlife and explain the history of Leap Day. Be prepared, this hike happens rain or shine (or snow!).

Admission: $5 paid to Allegheny Land Trust.
Meet at 527 Scene Ridge Road, McKeesport, 15133

4. Leap Year 2.29-Mile Race

Virtual | February-March

Why run a mile for charity when you can run 2.29? This Leap Year race benefits the National Organization for Rare Diseases. Plus, this is a “virtual race,” which means you can complete the distance on your own time throughout February or March.

Admission: $18. RSVP on Eventbrite. The price of admission also covers a medal and bib.

5. Leap Day at the Library

Robinson Township Library | 6-7 p.m.

Head over to the Robinson Township Library for an evening of crafts and snacks. This event is open to the public.

Admission: Free. Event information is here.
1000 Church Hill Road, Robinson, 15205

6. Create a Decorative Wood Sign

Board & Brush Pittsburgh North | 6-9 p.m.

Attend Board & Brush’s most popular DIY workshop with a discount — register for two and receive $29 off. Plus, you can bring snacks and drinks with you so you’re ready for the three-hour class. BYOB.

Admission: $73 per person, not including the discount. This event is 16+. Register here.
3802 Gibsonia Road, PA-910, Gibsonia, 15044

7. Leap “Frog” Day with Princess Tiana

Western Allegheny Community Library | 5-6 p.m.

Bring the kids to meet Princess Tiana at this princess-themed storytime. The event is recommended for children who can sit comfortably for a 30-minute storytime.

Admission: Registration is full, but you can join the waitlist here.
181 Bateman Road, Oakdale, 15071

8. Eat for Free

Eat’n Park, Hello Bistro, The Porch, City Works | All day

If you have the ultra-rare Leap Day birthday, you’ve just earned yourself a free meal (or a few, at that!). Leaplings will get a free entrée at Eat’n Park, a free meal at Hello Bistro — think burgers, wraps, grain bowls, etc. — and a scratch-made pizza at The Porch. Those offers are dine-in only. Meanwhile, Leaplings can also expect a free entrée at City Works.

Admission: Must show a valid ID with a birthday of Feb. 29.
Various locations

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHE RAYNAUD DE LAGE/PLEXUS POLAIRE

Best Bet

How do you turn a 650-page novel with a plot as big as the ocean into a convincing and captivating stage play? You start with 50 puppets and, vitally, a “whale-sized whale.” In the hands of French-Norwegian theater company Plexus Polaire, “Moby Dick” features seven actors and a three-piece orchestra manipulating puppets, stagecraft and special effects to create an almost cinematic experience. The puppets, performers and whale-size whale will turn the Byham Theater into the North Atlantic for two nights only, part of the Dentons Cohen & Grigsby Trust Presents series. “It’s completely engaging and transportive,” says Pamela Komar, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s director of programming. “It’s just a larger-than-life piece of stagecraft. It transports you, as an audience member, to the sea.” Komar reached out to the company after seeing a 2023 production of “Moby Dick” in New York; writing for the New York Times, critic Laura Collins-Hughes said of that production, “the wondrousness of this show lies in its spectacle and ambience.” “It’s theater at its finest,” Komar says. “The story takes you on such an emotional roller coaster.” — Sean Collier

“Moby Dick”
Byham Theater
Feb. 2-3
 trustarts.org

Feb. 2-4 • Resonance Works

No matter the language or land, we should all know what it means to love and be loved. The Resonance Chamber Orchestra and Chorus have created two concert performances, “This Love Between Us,” blending the worlds of Hindustani and Western classical music traditions. Music can be a beautiful way to bring communities together, especially in celebrating the universal act of love.

resonanceworks.org

PHOTO COURTESY BRIE RUAIS & ALBERTZ BENDA

Feb. 2-May 4
Contemporary Craft

What could you make with your own body weight in clay? New Mexico-based artist Brie Ruais took that thought and made movement-based artworks that address the experience of embodiment. Ruais’ thought-provoking sculptures (above) will be displayed in her exhibit titled “Oneness,” which explores the philosophy that humans are all connected in some sense.

contemporarycraft.org

PHOTO BY RANDY WONG-WESTBROOKE

Feb. 3 • Heinz Hall

Black music in America covers a diverse range of styles and genres. Led by The Lift Every Voice Unity Choir, conducted by Nikki Porter, the Lift Every Voice concert pays tribute to the legacy woven into the fabric of American history. As a special treat, Grammy Award-winning singer Oleta Adams will fill hearts with her “gospel-rooted” voice.

pittsburghsymphony.org

Feb. 7-25 • O’Reilly Theater

What do gangsters, murder and karaoke have in common? They are all part of the landscape Broadway star Sara Porkalob creates to tell the story of her Filipino gangster family. The cabaret-style musical “Dragon Lady” features songs such as “House of the Rising Sun,” sung from the point-of-view of her late grandmother, who Porkalob has referred to as: “a mercurial, glamorous, hilarious and sometimes violent woman.” Take note: this performance is suitable for a more mature audience.

ppt.org

Feb. 10 • Carnegie Library Lecture Hall

Following his most recent release, “Watch Your Language: Visual and Literary Reflections on a Century of American Poetry,” MacArthur Fellow Terrance Hayes comes to the Carnegie Library. This free event includes a conversation with Hayes about his works, which reflect on popular culture, race, music and masculinity.

carnegielibrary.org

Feb. 24 • David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Step right up and see a world of weird wonder! Sights that previously could only be seen at carnivals and museums will all be in one place — The World Oddities Expo. Experience all of the bizarre and befuddling while learning from professionals in the field during WOE Labs workshops, shopping in the Lost Curio Marketplace and enjoying live entertainment.

woetothee.com

PHOTOS BY SEAN COLLIER

On a clear December morning, two world-class ice skaters took to the ice in PPG Plaza.

While the popular rink is known for hosting families and joyful holiday visitors, it’s not usually the spot for stunning feats of athletic grace. On the morning of Dec. 4, however, a pair of performers from Cirque du Soleil’s ice spectacular “Crystal” put on a show for passersby, soaring and turning around the towering Christmas tree.

“I love the set, and the scenery,” says Hjordis Lee. “It’s perfect.”

Lee and Michael Helgren, her partner that morning, are part of the troupe of performers currently touring the world with “Crystal,” the first and thus far only on-ice show from the long-running circus. “Crystal” is set to return to Pittsburgh from Jan. 18-21 at PPG Paints Arena. The show follows a teenage girl, Crystal — played by Lee — as she explores her own imagination.

“With Crystal being a teenage girl who has a breakthrough experience and sees her life in a different way — and really grows up through that experience — I think that’ll speak to a lot of people,” says Crystal Manich, the artistic director of “Crystal.” (Yes, she’s named Crystal and is directing “Crystal,” a show about a character named Crystal.)

Manich is a Pittsburgh native with degrees in drama and arts management from Carnegie Mellon University; a director of opera and theatrical productions all over the world; now, she is bringing a Cirque du Soleil show to her hometown.

“Cirque du Soleil is known for innovation — and what’s perfect about this show is that you’re mixing two very different mediums, mixing acrobatics with skating. I think that the combination is really a culmination of what I’ve done in my career.”

Cirque du Soleil has gotten in the habit of making a January stop in Pittsburgh, including recent visits from the elegant touring show “Corteo” and the vibrant, boisterous “Ovo.” Even among the company’s cabinet of curiosities, “Crystal” is unique; in addition to its innovative blend of disciplines, it is one of the only Cirque du Soleil productions to incorporate popular music, with key moments choreographed to songs by Sia and Nina Simone.

“They’re different arrangements and different artists, but they really do add to the emotionality of Crystal’s story,” Manich says.

“It’s the one and only Cirque du Soleil show that figure skaters can be a part of,” says Helgren. “It’s kind of a dream come true, but also something that we never thought could happen, being a figure skater … Cirque du Soleil opened up a whole different door for us to explore.”

While the unique aspects of “Crystal” make it a tantalizing ticket for Cirque du Soleil devotees, Lee says it will also serve as a fine introduction to the company’s work for beginners.

“It’s a story that everybody can relate to … it’s a relatively simple story, but deep — and I think having that connection with every single audience member makes it very unique and special.”

Seven performances of “Crystal” are scheduled for the Pittsburgh stop, including two matinees on Saturday, Jan. 20, and another matinee on Sunday, Jan. 21.

PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

Pittsburgh will be holding several celebrations this week in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. Established in honor of the civil rights leader’s birthday on Jan. 15, the federal holiday encourages all Americans to volunteer and help serve their communities. Pittsburgh will be honoring the life and work of King with events aimed at fostering community through music and art. Here’s a sampling of events:

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Words and Action

This is a screening of a compilation of King’s speeches to be shown on repeat throughout the weekend during museum hours.
Saturday, Jan. 13 – Monday, Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Carnegie Museum of Art Theater, 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland

Music & Memories: Tribute to Homestead Trailblazers

Mary Cardwell Dawson, an opera soloist who helped found the National Negro Opera Company; her sister Catherine Cardwell Gardner, longtime Park Place AME Church chorale director; and their cousin Justin Hairston, a composer and chorale director, will be recognized during this MLK event featuring gospel, opera, jazz and chorale music, followed by brunch.
When: Saturday, Jan. 13, 10 a.m.
Where: Park Place AME Church
215 E. 10th Ave., Homestead

Let Freedom Sing! 

This is the 17th annual concert celebrating King, with performances from Anqwenique Kinsel, Alton Merrell, the Heritage Gospel Chorale of Pittsburgh and the MLK Festival Singers. KDKA reporter Mikey Hood will emcee. Guests are encouraged to pay what moves them as well as bring food items to donate to the East End Cooperative Ministry Food Pantry.
When: Monday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kelly Strayhorn Theater
5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty

Justice in Action

Also at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, a community event will be hosted in the lobby earlier in the day with family-friendly activities, plus performances from Hill Dance Academy Theatre, K-Theatre Dance Complex and Alumni Theater Company in the theater.
When: Monday, Jan 15 from noon – 3 p.m.
Where: Kelly Strayhorn Theater
5941 Penn Ave., East Liberty

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Open House

The museum will be open to celebrate King’s legacy with activities for both kids and adults, as well as performances and food. Registration is free.
When: Monday, Jan. 15 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
221 N. Main St., Greensburg

MLK Day of Reading

Heather Cunningham, an assistant professor of education at Chatham University, and Chatham students Kaitlin Marcus and Madison Stokes will be reading the book “A Place to Land,” by Barry Wittenstein. All children 12 and under in attendance will receive a new free children’s book after each reading (while supplies last).
When: Monday, Jan. 15 at 11 a.m.
Where: Coffee Tree Roasters
5524 Walnut St., Shadyside

Poetry Unplugged / Hooks & Phonics Festival

This three-day inaugural Hooks & Phonics Festival kicks off on Friday, Jan 19 with spoken word poetry promoting King’s beliefs of non-violence and unification. Poets include Kayden Hern, Love Ties, Jesicca Lanay, Ed Mabrey, Aja Monet and Sunni Patterson. Other festivities will continue throughout the weekend, closing at 7 p.m. Sunday with the Urban Art Orchestra paying tribute to the late hip-hop producer J Dilla.
When: Friday, Jan 19 at 8 p.m.
Where: August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown

PHOTO BY SEAN COLLIER

There’s been a shift in nightlife — or, perhaps, simply “going out” — in recent years. In Pittsburgh and nationwide, there has been a change away from the constant parade of new sports bars and breweries toward actual experiences: escape rooms, fancy miniature golf, virtual reality and so much duckpin bowling. These are, undoubtedly, a more encouraging use of the landscape than yet another place to eat buffalo-flavored whatever and watch the game.

Don’t worry: There are still plenty of places to eat buffalo-flavored whatever and watch the game.

There are also places such as the Museum of Illusions Pittsburgh, the latest branch of a nationwide chain of experience-forward destinations designed to dizzy your senses and liven up your Instagram feed. Found on the North Shore between Stage AE and PNC Park, the all-ages (yet very fun for grown-ups) museum opened last month to sold-out crowds.

Undoubtedly, you’ll leave with some photos for your socials; unlike some unabashedly selfie-forward locations in other cities, however, there’s more to this place than a series of photo ops. You’ll find a feast for the eyes inside the Museum of Illusions — and one that will thoroughly scramble the part of your brain tasked with making sense of things.

If, that is, you approach it right.

The more time you take and the more deliberately you plan, the more you’ll get out of the Museum of Illusions — and, while it’s far from the most expensive activity in town, with tickets costing up to $25, you definitely want to get your money’s worth. Here are four tips for best enjoying the attraction.

• Avoid the crowds — and the kids. Going with a group of friends or on a date? Try to time it after the kids are in bed, and when the crowds might be on the smaller side. Tickets are available for entry as late as 9 p.m. on weekends; you’ll probably get more out of your trip if you pick a prime-time arrival than if you’ve got a flock of little ones congregating around you. Alternately, if your schedule allows it, pick an afternoon trip on a weekday, then head to dinner afterward. Going with the kids? Warn them that they might occasionally have to wait their turn at certain exhibits.

• Stop and read the plaques; you might learn something. The most dazzling (and Instagrammable) exhibits at the Museum of Illusions sell themselves — optical illusions that will make you look like you’re hanging off the side of a building or are unexpectedly separated from your own head. The most informative and fascinating, however, line the walls. A series of optical illusions that will overload the perception centers of your brain fill nearly every wall; what’s more, careful descriptions get into the science of these deceptions, adding some education to your trip. Make sure you don’t skip these items, and allow time to read.

• Make sure everyone knows how to work their phone in advance. At some key points, Museum of Illusions staff will gladly take your phone and snap the perfect picture for you; at plenty of others, though, you’ll be expected to serve as your own cinematographer. With folks waiting and very specific angles necessary for the best photos, this is not the time to have your confused in-laws go into the “I don’t know how to work your phone” routine. Keep the queue moving, please.

• Don’t be afraid to be silly. This is not the place for dignified posing; save it for Olan Mills. You’re going to be doing some silly stuff in some silly ways, from strolling through a spinning tunnel that puts Kennywood’s to shame to considering infinity in a fully mirrored room straight out of a lesser ’80s sci-fi flick. Have fun. Act up. Pose outlandishly. You’re here for a good time, right? Embrace it.

PHOTOS BY HARMONY MUSEUM, NOAH GASCH AND JESSICA SINICHAK

Editor’s Note: This article was first published in December of 2022. The rundown of events remains the same for 2023.

Let’s be honest: Ringing in the new year just isn’t the same once you have small children. 

Staying up until midnight? As if. And I’m not talking about the kids here (I know mine will happily be wide eyed until 12:01 a.m. while blowing on extremely loud noisemakers), I’m talking about us — the sleepy parents. 

The late hour — and the desire to be off the road as New Year celebrations let out — are just two of the reasons why the annual Silvester Celebration on Dec. 31 in Harmony is such a boon to parents (and nonparents) everywhere. Taking place throughout the charming, historic town — which was settled in the early 19th century by the Harmony Society, a group of mostly German immigrants  — Silvester is celebrated in German time. 

That means a lighted ball drop, fireworks and a rousing group rendition of “Auld Lang Syne” take place at 6 p.m., which is midnight in Germany.

Although wandering around Harmony’s eclectic National Historic District is lovely anytime (I highly recommend stopping at Wunderbar Coffee & Crepes for a hot chocolate, then picking up a treat from The Two Fraus or Lagerhaus bakeries), the festivities officially kick off around 3 p.m. 

Near the driveway of the Harmony Museum is a Christmas tree tossing contest for adults and older kiddos. For those younger than 10, there’s wreath tossing. As you hurl your tree (or wreath) in the air, a barker calls out the distance to be put on the record as the crowd cheers or, in some cases, laughs. Winners this year receive a $20.23 gift certificate to local businesses.  

For those who want to run out the last hours of 2022, the Silvester 5K and accompanying 1-Mile Fun Run take place though the center of town at 3:30 and 4:15 p.m. respectively.

And for those who want to spend the end of the year eating, a traditional German-style pork and sauerkraut dinner is offered inside the museum, where you can also check out a mix of Harmonist and Mennonite artifacts. Volunteers will also be serving tasty Gluhwein, a traditional hot mulled cider, inside souvenir mugs. 

From there, wander over to the Harmony Fire District 22 station, where you’ll find more food and beverages — as well as the opportunity to climb aboard some of the engines.

Of course, no visit to Harmony would be complete without a stop at The Harmony Inn. Built in 1856, the distinctive building — which features a mustache on its front facade underneath two round, eye-like windows — has been owned since 2013 by the purveyors of North Country Brewing Company. The Italianate-style former hotel also was one of the first licensed saloons in Butler County.  

While the old-fashioned, warm wood bar and tin ceiling of the building’s interior is not to be missed, the spot to be on New Year’s Eve is the popular outdoor patio and covered bar, which is warmed up by a towering brick fireplace and accompanying heating lamps. 

As the clock ticks closer to 6 p.m., make your way up to the town square, where a lighted ball dangles overhead from a crane. As a deejay spins tunes, join the people already dancing in the streets. 

Once the ball drops and fireworks explode in the darkened air, and as the crowd around you shouts “Happy New Year!” and shares hugs and kisses, Harmony truly is a magical place to be on New Year’s Eve — and (best of all) it feels just like midnight.

Insider Tip: Impress your friends with the history behind Silvester, which was named by the Germans for the ancient feast day commemorating the 4th century-era Pope Sylvester I, who died on the last day of 335.

While You’re Here: The nine-site Harmony Museum presents the community’s extraordinary history with guided tours of three buildings from 1-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations are recommended. Harmony is at I-79 exits 87-88, about 10 miles north of the Pennsylvania Turnpike and 30 miles south of I-80.

PHOTOS BY KGTUNNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

For longer than any of us can remember, Pittsburghers have been going Downtown each December for a holiday outing.

Gifts are purchased, seasonal treats are devoured and festive entertainment fills even the most Humbug-infested minds — mine is a prime example — with visions of sugarplums. And while the towering Downtown department stores may be a thing of the past, the tradition is in full swing in the Golden Triangle.

If you’re willing to arm yourself with a credit card and several overstuffed bags (reusable, please) and head to the quaint Peoples Gas Holiday Market, you’ll likely cross a few names off of your list. This is not the place to grab the specific toy or video game that a particular niece or nephew requested; you’ll be easily able to handle that task at any well-stocked Target location. Rather, this is where you go to get gifts that will actually impress: Bespoke crafts and holiday trinkets that will become tradition.

And if you run out of steam there, there’s the Downtown location of love, Pittsburgh, the always overflowing Amazing Books and Records location and plenty besides.

For your post-shopping entertainment, the live version of the Hollywood classic “A Christmas Story” is about to open at the O’Reilly Theater. “A Musical Christmas Carol,” Pittsburgh CLO’s annual retelling of the Scrooge saga, will follow next week — and, for those willing to skip over to the West End, Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s “A Lyrical Christmas Carol” offers an alternative take. The granddaddy of all Downtown yuletide fetes, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “The Nutcracker,” also opens this weekend.

For my own red-and-green revels, I opted for “Who’s Holiday,” a decidedly adult entertainment option at the new Greer Cabaret Theater. The show, which for many will serve as an introduction to the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s luxuriously rehabilitated venue, is already open and playing to packed houses; only a handful of tickets remain for most performances (which continue through New Year’s Eve).

It was, to me, the perfect kind of Christmas show, perfectly striking the tone between too cynical or too earnest, too adult or too all-ages; despite the absolute glut of Hallmark-style holiday messages we get each year, few get it quite right. “Who’s Holiday” nails it: There are a lot of emotions, good and bad, that come up around the tree. The thing is to celebrate all of them.

Lara Hayhurst stars as an embattled but never embittered Cindy-Lou Who, offering a rhyming postscript to her youthful encounter with the Grinch. Love, lust, anger and violence shake off the Whovian calm; Cindy-Lou Who is fresh out of jail and living in a tinsel-soaked trailer, hoping that some Seussian friends will drop by on Christmas Eve.

The unflinchingly uproarious show is a madcap, R-rated sledgehammer. As audiences and Cindy pound drinks (opt for one of the signature cocktails but be forewarned — they pack a wallop), the disappointments and compromises of a holiday at home are explored, with the help of some brave audience volunteers.

Hayhurst is an absolute master; I can’t imagine anyone else commanding the audience as well as she does. (In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve known her for 25 years and performed alongside her in my youth — but I defy anyone to disagree with my assessment. She’s a powerhouse.) And the venue is perfectly suited for a slightly naughty night out.

In an era where skeptics and Scrooges scoff at the idea of a fun, carefree outing in the heart of Pittsburgh, a trip that includes stops at the Holiday Market and “Who’s Holiday” is a defiant statement of protest: We’re here, and we’re having more fun than your parents ever did. Get off the couch and cross a tunnel; there’s a party going on.

PHOTOS COURTESY PITTSBURGH CULTURAL TRUST

There are plenty of holiday trees Downtown, including a particularly large one that made a welcome return this year. On First Night, however, a new holiday iconic will rise — and it’ll be unlike all the other decorated trees in the neighborhood.

The Firetree Project is among the highlights promised for this year’s Highmark First Night Pittsburgh. The annual celebration, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust that this year celebrates its 30th anniversary, always offers music, entertainment and interactive fun as midnight approaches.

This year, however, the Firetree Project — a massive, 24-foot-tall steel sculpture wreathed in flame — will likely pull some eyes away from even the fireworks. Designed by artist Dunan MacDiarmid and presented by Dollar Bank, the tree was developed over a six-year period and contains interactive elements (far from the flames, of course).

On the Highmark Stage, Pittsburgh native and New Orleans soul standout Lyndsey Smith headlines an evening of music; her performance begins at 10:45 p.m. and continues until the “Countdown to Midnight and Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale” counts down the seconds until midnight.

First Night features plenty of other music throughout the Cultural District — including an evening of jazz at the newly redesigned Greer Cabaret Theater and Lounge. Dwayne Dolphin will perform at the Greer, which will be open to all First Night guests (with or without food or drink purchase).

The evening begins with the New Year’s Eve Parade, an arts-focused stroll through the Golden Triangle featuring performance groups and larger-than-life surprises. The parade, which is presented by Giant Eagle, kicks off at 8 p.m. and will also feature giant puppets from Studio Capezzuti.

As always, the list of family activities, arts exhibits, performances and vendors is a long one. First Night visitors can plan out a point-to-point schedule of sites to see with help from the event’s official website — or simply head Downtown and see what wonders catch the eye.

All events are free and open to the public. The “First Night Friends VIP Experience,” which starts at $50 for adults, offers access to a lounge with complimentary food, beverages and entertainment, a parking pass and more.