ANATSUI PHOTO COURTESY CARNEGIE MUSEUM OF ART. ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY CANDLEBOX (JAY WESTCOTT) AND THE EELS

Best Bet
During the 2018 Carnegie International, Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui took over the exterior wall of the Carnegie Museum of Art to great fanfare. Now, his work greets visitors on the museum’s interior wall in a new permanent installation that opened May 11. “Palettes of Ambition,” made from discarded materials, is being hailed as the museum’s most meaningful single art acquisition in the last 50 years — Anatsui is an internationally celebrated artist, and it’s the first transformation of the museum’s lobby in the last half-century. “‘Palettes of Ambition’ is one of the first works of art that visitors will encounter upon arriving in our front lobby, thereby welcoming them to the museum. It’s as important as any one of our masterpieces and positions El’s work among other celebrated artists of historic importance within our museum’s esteemed collection,” says Eric Crosby, the Henry J. Heinz II Director of the Carnegie Museum of Art and vice president of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh. “We’re eager for our visitors here in Pittsburgh, and beyond, to experience it.”  — Lauren Davidson
Carnegie Museum of Art, Oakland. carnegieart.org

June 2-11 • Cultural District
Unofficially marking the start of summer in Pittsburgh, the annual Dollar Bank Three Rivers Arts Festival is back for 2023. You know what to expect — 10 days of hundreds of musicians, artists, food and family activities. Immerse yourself in the arts while soaking in the sunshine and fresh air. trustarts.org/traf

June 2-3 • Pittsburgh Improv
Born into one of the largest comedic families in the business, Shawn Wayans has been making us laugh for decades. From “In Living Color” to “White Chicks,” Wayans has proven that he can hold his own among his hilarious siblings. Experience his off-the-wall stories of family, Hollywood and the state of the world when he takes his place in front of the iconic brick wall at the Pittsburgh Improv. improv.com/pittsburgh

June 3 • Carrie Furnaces
Attention beer lovers! The 9th Annual Beers of the Burgh Festival is coming to Carrie Furnaces to make your ale-soaked dreams come true. In addition to the wide varieties of beer, you will also find wine, cider and cocktails — along with several food trucks to help soak up all the spirits. Be prepared to sample a wide variety from more than 50 of the area’s best breweries. beersoftheburgh.com

June 9-11 • Monroeville Mall
One thing Pittsburgh is gonna do is celebrate director George A. Romero’s zombie films in a way that should raise the dead. Grab your apocalyptic gear and head out to Living Dead Weekend at Monroeville Mall. The weekend is packed with celebrity appearances, Living Dead Movie Museum exhibits, and other like-minded fans all in one place — the filming location of 1978’s “Dawn of the Dead,” of course. thelivingdeadweekend.com/monroeville

June 13 • Roxian Theater
First formed in the early 1990s, Candlebox is considered to be one of several bands that helped lay the groundwork for grunge. This year, as they celebrate their 30th anniversary, they also announce their Long Goodbye Farewell Tour. This may be the last chance you get to wail out “Far Behind” in a crowded venue with the actual band just feet away. The setlist will feature a career retrospective of the band’s seven studio albums. candleboxrocks.com

June 23 • Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
The Eels music can be described as a tad electronic, a bit experimental and all of founder Mark Oliver Everett, aka E. Since E is the sole constant throughout, he is Eels. For more than 10 studio albums, he has collaborated with a rotation of musicians to create a sound heavy with pop influences and kind of perfect for TV show intros (see “Sneaky Pete” and “The Jinx”). E comes off as an eclectic dude, fully prepared to put on a show that could very well be Novocaine for your soul. librarymusichall.com/event/eels

June 29-July 2 • David L. Lawrence Convention Center
I don’t know how they do it in the summer heat, but thousands of people donning full-bodied animal costumes will descend upon Pittsburgh for the annual Anthrocon furry convention. This celebration of anthropomorphics, human-like animal creatures, will include a collection of artists, animators, writers, puppeteers and everyday fans. The event primarily takes place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, but you should be on the lookout for other furry-themed fun throughout Downtown. anthrocon.org