Whether it’s their heritage, the arts, or a holiday, Pittsburghers always have something to celebrate. The following is a list of upcoming festivals and/or events. For more information or additional events, call the Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-366-0093 for updates, or visit the website at www.visitpittsburgh.com.

For more information for Laurel Highlands, call Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau at 800-925-7669 or check out www.laurelhighlands.org.

Other bureaus in the region that may be helpful also include Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau at 866-856-8444, www.visitbutlercounty.com; Beaver County Tourism at 800-342-8192, www.co.beaver.pa.us; and Monroeville Convention Visitors Bureau at 800-527-8941, www.visitmonroeville.com.

The event dates are subject to change. The phone numbers may be used to verify dates.

AUGUST 2005

PENGUIN PREMIER SHOW
National Aviary, North Side
ongoing
412-323-7235
Get up-close-and-personal with our NEW baby African Penguin “Stanley,” indoors in our atrium. www.aviary.org

SPORTSWORKS
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
Permanent Exhibition
412-237-3400
36,000 square feet of scientific fun completely dedicated to sports! Come and find out for yourself how your family and friends can discover the science in sports, push their bodies to the limit, and embark on wild virtual journeys. www.carnegiesciencecenter.org

HARMONY MUSEUM
Harmony, Butler County
daily
724-452-7341
Exhibits on Native Americans, George Washington’s 1753 mission that precipitated French & Indian War, Harmony’s 1804 founding by German Separatists organized as the communal Harmony Society, 1815 Mennonite resettlement, fine 19th century Charles Flowers longrifles, and more. Guided tours 1-4 p.m. daily except Mondays.

RAPTOR ENCOUNTER
National Aviary, North Side
ongoing
412-232-7235
Meet one of the Aviary’s exciting raptors or owls, from the favorite Snowy Owl to a regal red-tailed hawk. Daily at 10:30 a.m. Free with general admission.

STARS OF THE PHARAOH
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
Henry Buhl Jr. Planetarium
Ongoing
412-237-3400
Journey back in time to explore the skies over Egypt and see how the stars guided the ancient Egyptians in the construction and alignment of the tombs and temples of their leaders.

MYSTERY OF THE NILE
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
Rangos Omnimax Theater
ongoing
412-237-3400
Mystery of the Nile is the story of the first expedition to navigate the entire Blue Nile and Nile river from its source in the heart of Ethiopia to the Egyptian coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

OVER THE TAVERN
South Park Theatre, South Park
July 22-August 7
412-859-3258
A nostalgic comedy about a Polish Catholic Family in Buffalo, New York during the 1950s. Call for more information on times and ticket prices.

EYE DIDN’T KNOW THAT!
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
through August 24
412-237-3400
Eye didn’t know that! An ‘eye-opening’ museum tour created by Transitions Optical, Inc. will be at the science center to promote healthy vision for children and adults by featuring an interactive museum exhibit.

SOUTH PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
South Park
through August 26 (Friday Evenings)
412-835-4810
Free outdoor concerts. Locally, nationally, and internationally acclaimed performers. www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks

HARTWOOD MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL
Hartwood Acres, Saxonburg
through August 28 (Sunday Evenings)
412-767-9200
Local, national, and international music, dance and theatre talents are presented by the Allegheny County Bureau of Cultural Programs on the grounds of Hartwood Mansion. All performances are free. www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE BIRD KIND
National Aviary, North Side
through September 5
412-323-7235
The Aviary’s free-flight summer show returns with amazing flights and exciting encounters. Daily shows at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays till Labor Day.

CANDY UNWRAPPED
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
through September 5
412-237-3400
Discover the qualities of sugar, explore the history of chocolate and see how candy companies continue to out-gross, out-gore, out-shock and out-sour each other to find the ultimate extreme candy!

LERNERVILLE SPEEDWAY RACING
Lernerville Speedway, Sarver
through October 4
724-353-2511
Sprint, late model, V-1 modified, pure stock races every Friday. Admission charged.

BUTTERFLY FOREST
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Oakland
through October 16
412-622-6914
Butterfly Forest features various species of butterflies including monarchs, zebras, julias and queens, all thriving in a natural habitat.

BREAKFAST WITH THE BIRDS
National Aviary, North Side
August 6
412-323-7235 ext. 249
Enjoy a continental breakfast with our zookeepers, then meet some of the Aviary’s most exciting birds! Call for reservations.

THE TRULY REMARKABLE PUSS ‘n BOOTS
Children’s Theatre, South Park
August 9,10,16,17
412-859-3258
Children’s performances take place Tuesdays and Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $2 for Ages 2 and older.

SHADYSIDE – THE ARTS FESTIVAL ON WALNUT STREET
Walnut Street, Shadyside
August 12-14
412-682-1298
With more than 100 designers of American collectibles exhibiting their wares, it’s no wonder this festival attracts more than 200,000 people annually. Noveltieslike recycled art and neon art complement thousands of two- and three-dimensional pieces. www.shadysideshops.com

TABLE MANNERS
South Park Theatre, South Park
August 12-28
412-859-3258
A dysfunctional comedy that is part of the Norman Conquests trilogy.

GREATER PITTSBURGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County
August 13-September 17 (Weekends)
724-872-1670
The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival is a recreation of a 16th century village that brings together craftspersons, acting troupes, combat jousting, musicians, and food purveyors to celebrate the arrival of the king and queen. www.pgh-renfest.com

NIGHT IN THE TROPICS
National Aviary, North Side
August 27
412-323-7235
Enjoy an evening of tropical fun at this young professional event. Must be 21 or over. Call for reservations.

JAZZ IN THE GARDEN
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Oakland
August 28
412-622-6914
Phipps is proud to bring the sweet sounds of jazz to Schenley Park. The concert will feature Mike Tomaro on jazz saxophone. Admission is free. 1pm-3pm.

September

GREATER PITTSBURGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County
September 3-18 (Weekends)
724-872-1670
The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival is a recreation of a 16th century village that brings together craftspersons, acting troupes, combat jousting, musicians, and food purveyors to celebrate the arrival of the king and queen. www.pgh-renfest.com

GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, North Side
September 7-11
412-321-9281
From moussaka to baklava, all your favorite Greek specialties are served. www.holytrinitypgh.org

LIGONIER HIGHLAND GAMES
Mountain View Inn, Idlewild Park
September 9-11
412-851-9900
An exciting Scottish festival offering bagpipe bands, lively Highland dancers, brawny athletes, internationally famous entertainers, a Scottish fair, and more. www.ligoniergames.org

A FAIR IN THE PARK
Mellon Park, Fifth and Shady Avenues, Shadyside
September 9-11
412-431-6270
Sponsored by the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh, this contemporary craft show features more than 100 nationally known crafts artists, live entertainment, good food, glass-blowing demonstrations, hot air balloon rides, and hands-on crafts and activities for children. www.craftsmensguild.org

PITTSBURGH IRISH FESTIVAL
Chevrolet Amphitheatre, Station Square
September 9-11
412-422-5642
Traditional/contemporary Irish entertainment, extensive children’s activities, Irish dogs, authentic marketplace and food, and a Gaelic mass. www.pghirishfest.org

84 LUMBER CLASSIC
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Pa
September 12-18
724-329-9100
Watch defending champion Vijay Singh battle for a share of $4,400,000.

October

HEAD OF THE OHIO REGATTA
Allegheny River banks, Clemente Park, North Side
October 1
412-232-7506
Rowing teams from the local area as well as from throughout the United States and Canada race on Pittsburgh’s rivers to benefit Mercy Hospital’s Burn Center. www.headoftheohio.org

FRIGHT FESTIVAL
Chevrolet Amphitheatre, Station Square
October 1-31
412-232-6200
This festival features a Halloween amusement park of fright, thrills, and fun. www.stationsquare.com

FALL FLOWER SHOW
Phipps Conservatory, Oakland
Mid October-Early November
412-622-6914
Phipps celebrates the splendor of autumn with a colorful indoor flower display at the Schenley Park conservatory. Call for more information on this popular fall display. www.phippsconservatory.org

HOOTIN’ OWL-o-WEEN
National Aviary, North Side
October 23
412-323-7235
Spend Halloween at the National Aviary this season and learn about owls that come out at night, mighty birds of prey, and other hair-raising feathered friends.

November

WINGS AND WILDLIFE ART SHOW
National Aviary, North Side
November 5, 6
412-323-7235
Pittsburgh’s indoor bird zoo hosts this festival, where some of the country’s best nature artists sell their work. This festival also features many demonstrations, children’sactivities and educational programs. www.aviary.org

GREENBERG’S GREAT TRAIN & COLLECTIBLE TOY SHOW
Greater Pittsburgh ExpoMart, Monroeville
November 12, 13
412-795-7447 or 412-856-8100
“America’s Premier Toy Train & Miniature Event” with dramatic layout displays, a huge hobby marketplace offering competitive prices, ongoing how-to clinics, dollhouses, door prizes, and the newest hobby books. All aboard for a fun-filled family weekend. www.greenbergshows.com

LIGHT-UP NIGHT
Downtown
November 18
412-566-4190
Grab a spot atop Mount Washington to enjoy a spectacular light show, as every downtown building lights up to celebrate the start of the holiday season. www.downtownpittsburgh.com

DOWNTOWN PITTSBURGH, A HOLIDAY TRADITION WITH A NEW TWIST
Downtown
November 18-January 7, 2006
412-566-4190
Downtown holiday shopping and celebrations launched with Light-Up Night on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Entertainment by area attractions, performances, ice sculptures, and shopping. www.downtownpittsburgh.com

CHRISTMAS ARTS & CRAFTS SHOW
Greater Pittsburgh ExpoMart, Monroeville
November 18-20
412-856-8100
This show is an annual holiday event featuring more than 200 quality artisans. www.pghexpomart.com

WINTER FLOWER SHOW
Phipps Conservatory, Oakland
Late November-Early January 2006
412-622-6914
Phipps welcomes winter with an indoor flower display at the Schenley Park conservatory. Call for more information on this popular winter display. www.phippsconservatory.org

December

HOLIDAYS AT THE CARNEGIE
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Oakland
December 1-31
412-622-3131
See the annual Christmas tree exhibit illuminate The Carnegie’s elaborate interior while traditional Christmas carols echo throughout the great halls of this museum. A variety of concerts are performed. www.clpgh.org

HOLIDAYS AT THE NATIONALITY ROOMS
University of Pittsburgh, Oakland
December 1-31
412-624-6000
Start a new holiday tradition. Visit the Nationality Rooms and see them decorated for the season. The 26 rooms depict the city’s diverse ethnic heritage through authentic examples of architecture and decor from Eastern and Western Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. www.pitt.edu/natrooms

CANDLELIGHT EVENINGS AT PHIPPS CONSERVATORY
Oakland
December 15-31
412-622-6914
Phipps will be dressed for the season with lights and festive decorations. The conservatory will remain open later on these evenings and special tours can be arranged. www.phippsconservatory.org

FIRST NIGHT PITTSBURGH
Downtown
December 31
412-201-7380
First Night Pittsburgh is an annual New Year’s Eve Festival, which celebrates the arts, cultural, and entertainment vitality of Pittsburgh. Downtown Pittsburgh is your stage to participate in a magical celebration. www.firstnightpgh.com

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