Can’t Miss Events in August in Pittsburgh
Save the dates for concerts, art exhibits, dance performances & more.
PHOTO BY JASON SNYDER
Best Bet
Having conquered the towering Carrie Furnaces site in 2019 with an acclaimed production of “King Lear,” Quantum Theatre returns to the landmark this month to open its 2023-24 season with Shakespeare’s immortal “Hamlet.” Unlike the previous production, however, the action will move inside, as the iconic show haunts a towering building on the site. “It’s a ghost story, after all,” says Jeffrey Carpenter, who will direct the production (and who played Lear in 2019). “The ghosts that live in that space, whether you believe in them or not … all of those resonances play into this piece.” Multidisciplinary performer Treasure Treasure stars as the ill-fated Dane; Carpenter calls her “talented in so many different ways.” The director adds that performing “Hamlet” at the site, as a spiritual sequel to “King Lear,” makes sense. “These plays were written very close to each other — one right after another. It’s been really interesting to see the similarities between the two of them, especially as it relates to madness.” — Sean Collier
Aug. 4-27
Carrie Furnaces National Historic Landmark
quantumtheatre.com
PHOTO COURTESY PULPFEST
Aug. 3-6
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel
Cranberry
It was a dark and stormy night. Well, maybe not, but either way the vibe will be set for fans of the gritty and dark pulp literary genre. PulpFest 2023 gives space for fellowship, panel discussions by well known pulp icons and searching for hard-to find memorabilia.
PHOTO COURTESY MOMENTOCON.COM
Aug. 5-6
David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Dean and Sam Winchester captivated audiences for 15 seasons with tales of demon hunting and trips in and out of hell on the hit TV show “Supernatural.” The show has been off the air for three years now, but it still has the superfans in a chokehold. The road so far leads to Momento Con, a pop culture convention dedicated to “Supernatural” fans. You’ll get to meet some of your favorite actors from the show and take a photo with “Baby,” as well as shop through hundreds of vendors.
Aug. 6
Mattress Factory
This free, all-ages event will be the only place you can say “That’s trash!” without offending anyone. This year’s Mattress Factory Community Festival, Trash Bash Community Fest, is all about celebrating the creative potential of reusable and recycled goods. Local and regional artists, musicians, designers and vendors will be on hand, and the “Trashion Show” is just one highlight that piques curiosity — because one person’s trash and all.
PHOTO COURTESY EPICAST
Aug. 12
The Stacks at 3 Crossings
Barrel & Flow Fest, America’s first Black beer festival, is back to offer up selections from some of the finest Black breweries in the nation. Along with the suds, there will be ample opportunity to learn more about the business and craft of brewing from experienced speakers, and live art, music and DJs will provide the vibe while you imbibe.
Aug. 22
Roxian Theatre
When you think of George Clinton and his collective Parliament-Funkadelic, psychedelic attire, sci-fi themes and a sick funky bass line probably come to mind. What an experience that must all be live, on stage. Grab your sequined, platform boots! The mothership is coming for a trip back to the 1970s. We want the funk!
PHOTO COURTESY PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
Aug. 24
First Unitarian Church
Celeste Ng, New York Times bestselling author of novel-turned-Hulu-limited-series, “Little Fires Everywhere,” is ready to talk all things storytelling and the unbreakable bonds of family. She will be in conversation with “Eighty Days of Sunlight” author Robert Yune for the paperback release of “Our Missing Hearts.”
