8 Ways to Spend Your Extra Day in Pittsburgh This Leap Year
Take a leap of faith and attend a singles night or run a race for charity.
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