It’s official: many of us in the western PA region can get back out and do things in public places, albeit with new restrictions and guidances. But if you’re not sure you’re ready to get out there and dive back into the socially-distanced mix, we’ve still got some ideas for you to do without leaving your own house and neighborhood.
Whether you are looking to entertain your children or blow of some steam and relax, we’ve got 11 things you can do this week without leaving your home!
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival Online
The August Wilson Center presents the 10th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival, this year streaming online. The virtual event will take place on Saturday at 12 p.m. and will feature legendary jazz musicians from around the world, including Dianne Reeves, Sean Jones, The Bad Plus, Orrin Evans, Jeff Tain Watts, Joe Locke, and more. To mark what would have been the 10th anniversary of the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PJIF) in June, the event will also include a jam session curated by and led by Sean Jones and Pittsburgh- based artists, special tributes, a look back at archival interviews and footage from the Festival’s first 10 years plus an interactive dance party featuring DJ Nate Da Barber and DJ Selecta. You can catch it on the AWC’s Facebook page.
2020 Quarantine Cat Film Festival
Posted by The Little Theatre on Thursday, 14 May 2020
Enjoy a compilation of excellent cat videos and support independently owned movie theaters with the first-ever Quarantine Cat Film Fest! Stream Quarantine Cat Film Fest, organized by Row House Cinema in Pittsburgh, starting June 19, 2020. 50-percent of your ticket goes back to The Little when you purchase your ticket through our online cinema portal. Tickets available here. This event is made to help save independent movie theaters closed during the COVID-19 crisis. Short cat clips will range from adorable to hilarious with every “aww” inducing cuddly emotion in between.
Dance for a Change
Posted by Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School on Friday, 12 June 2020
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theater is offering two classes for a good cause this week. You can join Virtual Beginning Ballet on Thursday from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and/or Virtual Barre Fitness on Saturday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. on Zoom. In support of the organizations that make an impact in black artists’ lives on a local and national level, PBT will be donating all of the proceeds from these classes to 1Hood Media and The International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD). PBT will be donating half of the total proceeds from these classes to both organizations. Make sure to sign up here at least an hour before the classes begin to receive a link to the webinar.
Wine & Food of Burgundy with Dave DeSimone
Dave DeSimone is Pittsburgh’s guru on the Burgundy Wine region of France - and now he’s offering an online class on the region. You know Dave from his wine column in the Trib. While Dave chats about wines from Burgundy you’ll also get a lesson on making food from the region. You can get more information on the wines that will be discussed (so that you can sip along) here. This class is on Thursday from 6-7:30 p.m. and costs $20.
Lunch And Learn: Plant Forward Pantry
Grocery shopping is understandably stressful during this time. A well-stocked (not overstocked) pantry is at the foundation of a happy and healthy kitchen. Learn about how to build a plant-forward pantry with Registered Dietitian and Let’s Move Pittsburgh Coordinator Maris Altieri. This Zoom webinar is on Wednesday from 12:30-1 p.m. The class is $8 for non-members and $5 for members, and you can register here!
Carnegie Science Center’s Daily Activities
We're here to help you get through these weeks of social distancing!👍Stave off the quarantine blues with CSC's Three...
Posted by Carnegie Science Center on Friday, 20 March 2020
Even though the Carnegie Science Center is closed right now, they are providing great resources to keep your family educated and entertained! Each day they list a daily roundup of science-y things to read, watch, and do on their Facebook and Twitter pages. You can also find simple science experiments you can do from home on their Instagram page every day!
Phipps Virtual Story Time
If you are looking for a fun story time experience for your children, look no further than Phipps! Every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. the Conservatory hosts a 15 minute story book reading. This week the kids will be practicing reading from left to right. There will be a reading of “I Wish My Father Wouldn’t Try to Fix Things Anymore” from Jack Prelutsky’s book Something BIG Has Been Here by special guest Lily of the Steel Valley and her father, puppeteered by Beth Ison. There will also be a reading of The Stray Dog by Marc Simont and a gardening lesson from special guest Sprout and his friend Pete Moss, also puppeteered by Beth Ison. After the reading there will be a group singing of “Old MacDonald.” Make sure to register for either reading before hand.
Aviary Education
The National Aviary knows it isn’t easy to keep your children entertained and educated at the same time, so they are providing a number of educational programs on their website. CyBIRD Learning is an online platform to help your family learn all about birds from the experts at the Aviary. Learn about topics ranging from birds and their habitats, the rain forest, and penguins. The 30-40 minute programs are available daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can find more information on how to sign up here.
The Frick Museum Virtual Experience
Did you know you can explore the entire Frick Museum online right now? Now you do! The museum has posted a number of kids’ activities for children from early childhood through high school, including at home art projects. There are also some virtual events you can attend, such as Maker & Muse Curator’s Lecture on Wednesday, April 22nd at 7 p.m. The events are free, but make sure to register in advance if you plan to attend.
Shubrew Virtual Trivia
Posted by ShuBrew on Saturday, 28 March 2020
Up in Butler County, fan-favorite brewery Shubrew in Zelienople hosts a virtual trivia night for those who are looking for a more traditional bar trivia night. Enjoy trivia, laughs, and beer talk every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on the brewery’s twitch page. The top two teams win gift cards.
Online Doggie Gym with Sterling Yoga
You read that right - a workout class for your dog! This therapeutic fitness class is important for all dogs, from puppies to seniors. You will learn how to safely lead your favorite four-legged friend through some dog conditioning exercises focusing on the hips and hind limbs. This class is on Thursday from 4:30-5:15 p.m. on Zoom and you must register online here. There is a suggested donation of $5 to join.
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