PITTSBURGH — It’s already the third weekend of 2020, and the events just keep on coming, Here’s a look at 11 things to do this weekend!
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week: Winter Edition
All weekend - Various locations
Make it a date night this weekend and get in on the winter edition of Pittsburgh Restaurant Week! This event is just like the summer one, but if you’re not familiar, dozens of restaurants around the Steel City are offering discounts to showcase their best meals. If you’re not sure where to go (or if someone can’t make up their mind), head over to the event’s website to spin the wheel and let that pick for you!
Somerset Fire & Ice Festival
All weekend - Uptown Somerset
Snow hasn’t really made an appearance in the Pittsburgh area yet, but you can still celebrate the winter season -- outdoors! It’s the 25th anniversary of the Somerset Fire & Ice Festival in Uptown. First, the ice: There will be more than 50 ice sculptures, an ice skating rink and even an ice slide. You can also enjoy carriage rides or check out the Winter Wares Market. Next, the fire. This comes in the form of fireworks! The festival will open with their biggest fireworks display to date on Friday at 6:30 p.m. on the historic diamond in Uptown.
Greensky Bluegrass
Sunday, 8 p.m. - Roxian Theatre (McKees Rocks)
Music-filled events are also big in Pittsburgh this weekend, including one show that takes you out of the hustle and bustle of the city. Greensky Bluegrass will take the stage at the Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks on Sunday night. The band has been together for 18 years and have released six studio albums, plus a catalog of live recordings. They’re famous for mixing other genres in with their bluegrass sound: a little acoustic string band here, a little electric rock there...it all makes for a foot stomping-good time.
Poetry Unplugged
Friday, 8 p.m. - August Wilson Cultural Center
At the August Wilson Center downtown, there’s a cultural performance you might want to check out. As you know, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is next Monday. To celebrate the holiday, the center is hosting its fourth annual “Poetry Unplugged” on Friday. This is a night of spoken word and music featuring artists from around the country using the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King as inspiration. Featured poets include Jessica Care Moore, Ursula Rucker, Mahogany Browne and more. All spoken word artists known for their fierce delivery and ability to move you. Tickets are $24, and just a note, this event is recommended for children 16 and older.
“Boléro!”
Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2:30 p.m. - Heinz Hall
If you’re craving some classical music, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra is performing one of the finest orchestra pieces you could ever hope to hear. It’s called “Boléro!” and it’s a one-movement symphony composed by Mauriece Ravel. It’s inspired by the Spanish dance of the same name, and originally premiered in 1928. Conductor Manfred Honeck and the orchestra will be bringing it to you Friday through Sunday at Heinz Hall. After “Boléro”stick around to enjoy Liszt’s “Piano Concerto Number Two” and Bartok’s “Concerto for Orchestra”. Tickets start at just $20 and can be found by clicking this link.
Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music
All weekend - Benedum Center
How about one for the kids? Get ready to sing, cheer and move to the music at the Benedum! “Bubble guppies,” “Paw Patrol,” “Dora the Explorer,” “Simmer and Shine,” “Blue’s Clues,” “Blaze and the Monster Machines” and “Top Wing” will all be there! It runs Friday through Sunday and tickets start at $25.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - Westmoreland Museum of American Art
Are you looking for another unique way to celebrate MLK weekend? Then consider stopping by the Westmoreland Museum for a weekend of music and art making. On Saturday from 2 to 3:30 p.m., audio archives will present a jazz concert focusing on the zeitgeist of the civil rights era in Pittsburgh. And on Sunday starting at 1 p.m., you can join a roster of talented artists, performers, and a live DJ as they continue to celebrate King’s legacy. Performances continue until three and its all free!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration
Monday, 1 p.m. - The Mattress Factory
This MLK celebration features hands-on art activities for all ages, including “I have a Dream-scape” collaborative mixed-media mural. You can also write a letter to someone who has inspired you at the appreciation station. Local DJ group Wavy Bunch will also be there to set the mood with some music.
Pittsburgh Boat Show
All weekend - Monroeville Convention Center
If you’re even considering buying a new boat, the 60th annual Pittsburgh Boat Show is the place to do it! It’s going on now through Sunday at the Monroeville Convention Center! This is a dealer-hosted show -- which means you can find incentives and rebates that might only be available at this event. You can look forward to a great selection and great prices to get you out to sea in a jiffy.
Pittsburgh RV Show
All weekend - David L. Lawrence Convention Center
If you’re more interested in land-boats, then the Pittsburgh RV Show is still going strong this weekend. We told you about this one last week and we thought it was worth a second mention! It’s nine acres of RV paradise at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. It’s the final weekend for it and it’s open every day through Sunday. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and active military.
Penguins vs. Bruins
Sunday, 12:30 p.m. - PPG Paints Arena
The Penguins are in town taking on the Boston Bruins and of course, the big news of the week -- Sid the Kid is back! The Bruins are always a formidable opponent, so head down to PPG Paints to cheer them on to victory! The game is at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday.
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Saturday:
- 5 a.m. - 7 a.m.
- 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- 11 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sunday:
- 5 a.m. – 9 a.m.
- 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- 11 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.