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.

SEPTEMBER 2007

PENGUIN PREMIERE SHOW
National Aviary, North Side
ongoing
412-323-7235
Meet one of the Aviary’s four African Penguins! Daily at 1 p.m. Free with general admission. www.aviary.org

UPMC 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

RAPTOR ENCOUNTER
National Aviary, North Side
ongoing
412-323-7235
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 AM. Free with general admission.

GLASS: SHATTERING NOTIONS
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh
Regional History Center, North Side
ongoing
412-454-6000
Before it was known for steel, Pittsburgh was America’s Glass City. Pittsburgh-produced glass has been used in fine tableware for five U.S. presidents, as tiles for the walls of New York City’s great tunnels, and in searchlights at the Panama Canal.

HENRY BUHL, JR PLANETARIUM
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
ongoing
412-237-3400
Catapult into space in the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium and travel from the Solar System to the outer reaches of the galaxy and beyond.

LASER SHOWS IN THE HENRY BUHL JR PLANETARIUM
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
Ongoing
412-237-3400
Enjoy the sounds of The Doors, Pink Floyd, Celine Dion, and more with live laser shows choreographed with lasers and special effects all blended together on the cosmic backdrop of the Planetarium sky.

RAINBOW LORIKEETS LAND AT THE NATIONAL AVIARY
National Aviary, North Side
ongoing
412-323-7235
A new walk-through exhibit is being invaded by a flock of 20 Rainbow Lorikeets, fearless and flashy youngsters who consider humans to be an excellent source of entertainment, particularly when they come bearing nectar. www.aviary.org

14TH ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA ARTS & CRAFTS COLONIAL FESTIVAL
Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Greensburg
through September 3
724-863-4577
Over 200 exhibit booths of artists, craftsmen, and food vendors from 16 states and Germany with 500 participants. Voted one of the best “traditional” craft shows in America.

GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, North Side
through September 4
412-321-9281
From moussaka to baklava, all your favorite Greek specialties are served. www.holytrinitypgh.org

FALLINGWATER IN PERSPECTIVE
The Barn at Fallingwater, Mill Run
through September 10
724-329-8501
Through insight gained for more than a year on site at Fallingwater, Felix de la Concha’s paintings welcome us into the Kaufmann’s home. Fallingwater’s grace and artistry remains as fresh as the nature into which it fits.

WINGS OF THE WORLD
National Aviary, North Side
through September 13
412-323-7235
Free-Flight Bird Show. Imagine the excitement of feeling a rush of wind and feathers as a crane swoops just inches over your head. Thrill at the thought of meeting the powerful gaze of an eagle flying straight towards you. Brilliantly hued rare macaws landing on a branch and more. Call for more info.

ALLURE OF JAPANESE GLASS
Pittsburgh Glass Center, East End
through September 16
412-365-2145 ext. 201
Pittsburgh Glass Center’s first international exhibition featuring the work of 17 established and emerging Japanese artists that reflect their culture and times through a range of glass techniques, forms, and ideas.

GREATER PITTSBURGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
112 Renaissance Ln., West Newton
through September 30
(Weekends & Labor Day Monday)
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

CHIHULY AT PHIPPS
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Oakland
through November 11
412-622-6914
Phipps is proud to present the works of artist Dale Chihuly in a spectacular exhibit designed exclusively for their conservatory. A pioneer in the use of glass has joined with our horticulturalists and landscape designers to a dazzling fusion of art and nature. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings.

FLY FOR FUN
Allegheny Airport
through December 31
412-466-1008
You can be the pilot or bring your camera and enjoy the view. Get a great view of the city.

A FAIR IN THE PARK
Mellon Park, Fifth and Shady Avenues, Shadyside
September 7-9
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 & activities for children. www.craftsmensguild.org

LIGONIER HIGHLAND GAMES
Mountain View Inn, Idlewild Park
September 7-9
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

PITTSBURGH IRISH FESTIVAL
Riverplex at Sandcastle, West Homestead
September 7-9
412-232-1537
Traditional/contemporary Irish entertainment, extensive children’s activities, Irish dogs, authentic marketplace & food, and a Gaelic mass. www.pghirishfest.org

SHADYSIDE – THE ARTS FESTIVAL ON WALNUT STREET
Walnut Street, Shadyside
September 14-16
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. Novelties like recycled art and neon art complement thousands of two- and three-dimensional pieces. www.shadysideshops.com

BOYS OF THE LOUGH
Shady Side Academy, Fox Chapel
September 28
412-968-3045
The Boys of the Lough have established a reputation for recognized technical brilliance and integrity in their performance of Irish and Scottish music. A ready wit and sense of fun enliven their onstage performance. Call for more information. www.shadysideacademy.org

RICHARD S. CALIGUIRI,
CITY OF PITTSBURGH GREAT RACE
Frick Park to Point State Park
September 30
412-255-2493
About 11,000 runners from around the world, many donning hilarious costumes, compete in this annual race, one of the largest of its kind in the country. www.rungreatrace.com

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