Can’t Miss Events in Pittsburgh in October
Save the dates for concerts, art exhibits, dance performances & more.
PHOTO BY RIEDER PHOTOGRAPHY
Best Bet
‘Hiding In The Spotlight’
Oct. 27-29 Byham Theater
In 1939, Florence Waren auditioned for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. However, the Paris-based ballroom dancer instead joined the French Resistance to smuggle guns and aid fellow Jews. Waren’s bravery during World War II powers Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Sounds of the Sun,” a 30-minute thematic contemporary opus commissioned from award-winning Canadian choreographer Jennifer Archibald. It premieres as the central work on PBT’s season opener. Archibald, director of Brooklyn-based Arch Dance Company, is known for bold fusion choreography and intense storytelling.
For “Sounds,” she chose string music by Jewish composers and multimedia elements to shape the work’s emotional arc. “I want the audience to leave really understanding that Florence Waren was an important person in our history,” she says, noting she can’t resist “stories of our world that need to be shared. We can’t live in the land of softness and beauty all the time.”
— Karen Dacko
Through Oct. 15 • City Theatre
When Brian Quijada’s mother told him of her journey from El Salvador to the U.S., he thought it sounded very much like the girl from Kansas. “Somewhere Over The Border,” created by the Emmy-nominated playwright, actor and composer, tells the immigration story of Quijada’s mother through the lens of “The Wizard of Oz.” Infused with Cumbia, Mexican Mariachi Boleros, American rock and hip-hop, this play will not only inspire you but also get your body grooving.
Oct. 7-Nov. 21 • Carnegie Mellon University
Arts, religion, education and music join forces in an exhibit to celebrate connection and diversity. Throughout a span of six weeks, Violins of Hope Greater Pittsburgh will feature educational and cultural programming designed to teach lessons about the strength of the human spirit, as well as a showcase of violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust.
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
Oct. 14 • Carnegie Homestead Music Hall
Spend an evening with the sardonic poster child of Generation X, John Cusack. Cusack is touring the country, screening some of his greatest hits as he shares stories from his decades-long career — a different film for each city. Pittsburgh’s Evening with John Cusack will include a viewing of the 2001 rom-com “Serendipity.”
PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK
Oct. 21 • Byham Theater
Get ready for self-proclaimed “Your Favorite Woman” Samantha Bee and her live and uncensored show. The “Full Frontal” comedic host will celebrate the resilience of women in a world continually trying to bring us down.
Oct. 21 • Rivers Casino
How would you like to spend a fall day all hopped up on coffee and chocolate? There’s a festival for that. The annual Pittsburgh Coffee and Chocolate Festival is designed to offer samples of various coffee styles and all types of chocolate-themed delights — come for the crepe station and stay for the chocolate fountain.
Oct. 27-29 • August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Celebrate classic and contemporary Black cinema at The Black Bottom Film Festival, featuring films rooted in Black life’s beauty and complexities with screenings and panel discussions. The three-day festival will examine Black filmmakers’ use of art to inspire and influence American culture.
Oct. 28 • Kelly Strayhorn Theater
Spooky season is upon us, and it’s never too early to organize your Halloween plans. Pumpkin Palooza is a family-friendly party that will fill your afternoon with yummy treats, crafts for the kiddos and entertainment hosted by KinselLand Radio. You are welcome to wear a costume, but it’s not necessary to participate in the fun.
Looking for more things to do? Check out our complete list of events in Pittsburgh for today, tomorrow and the weeks ahead.
