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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 include Monroeville Convention Visitors Bureau at 800-527-8941, www.visitmonroeville.com; Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau at 866-856-8444, www.visitButlerCounty.com; and Mercer County PA Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-637-2370, www.mercercountypa.org.
The event dates are subject to change. The phone numbers may be used to verify dates.
February
DINOSAURS IN THEIR TIME—T. REX RETURNS
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Oakland
ongoing
412-622-3131
Tyrannosaurus Rex returns to the museum, but it is not alone. In one of the most dramatic paleontological displays ever constructed, Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s original T. Rex is joined by a second T. Rex, and the two are frozen in a confrontation over the remains of an Edmontosaurus, a plant-eating dinosaur.
MYSTERIES OF THE GREAT LAKES
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
ongoing
412-237-3400
Mysteries of the Great Lakes is a timely film that highlights the need for the Great Lakes preservation and conservation, and showcases the amazing geography, ecology, science, and history of the lakes region.
BEAVERS
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
ongoing
412-237-3400
With breathtaking underwater photography, Beavers takes viewers into the aquatic habitat for a rare look at the lives of these charming and industrious creatures.
UNDER THE SEA
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
ongoing
412-237-3400
Under the Sea transports moviegoers to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth allowing them to experience face-to-face encounters with the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea.
PENGUIN PREMIERE SHOW
National Aviary, North Side
ongoing
412-323-7235
Meet one of the Aviary’s four African Penguins! Daily at 1:00 PM Free with general admission. www.aviary.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,
Downtown-Strip District
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.
MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER
Spaghetti Warehouse, Strip District
February 5, 14, 26
412-261-6511
“One Love to Lose” - 6:45 PM. Special Valentine’s Day Matinee at 4:00 PM. $27.25 per person inclusive. Reservations are required.
PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
David Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown
February 11-15
412-565-6000
A Pittsburgh tradition featuring automobiles from local dealerships as well as manufacturers’ prototypes of future models. www.pittsburghauto.org
March
PITTSBURGH HOME AND GARDEN SHOW
David Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown
March 5-14
412-565-6000
See what’s new at over 1,500 exhibits! The show features over nine acres with everything for your home. www.pghhome.com
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
Downtown
March 13
412-621-0600
Annual parade in downtown Pittsburgh sponsored by The Irish Society for Education and Charities Inc., this festive parade features lots of green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. www.pittsburghirish.org/parade
SPRING FLOWER SHOW
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Oakland
Mid March-Early April
412-622-6914
Phipps welcomes the arrival of spring with a colorful indoor flower display at the Schenley Park conservatory. Call for more information on this popular spring display. Visit during the annual Mother’s Day Flower Sale. www.phipps.conservatory.org
PITTSBURGH ARTS & CRAFTS SPRING FEVER FESTIVAL
Monroeville Convention Center, Monroeville
March 26-28
724-863-4577
The 11th annual Spring Fever Festival has over 150 booths of arts and crafts and food vendors. Face painting and balloon animals with clowns Glitter Dot & Dapper.
April
ANTIQUES SHOW AT THE CARNEGIE
Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, Oakland
Mid April
412-622-3131
Show and sale featuring fine quality glass, furniture, jewelry, porcelain, silver, and works of art. www.cmoa.org
PITTSBURGH WINE FESTIVAL
Heinz Field, North Side
Late April
412-281-2681
Considered “one of the top 10 wine festivals in the country,” the festival is host to some of the world’ finest wine makers, educators and chefs. www.pittsburghwinefestival.com
SMUCKER’S STARS ON ICE
Mellon Arena, Downtown
April 29
800-745-3000
The Smucker’s Stars on Ice tour, founded and produced by Olympic Gold Medalist Scott Hamilton, is one of the premier family entertainment events in the United States. Star’s such as Sasha Cohen and Todd Eldredge will be on hand. Tickets are $25 to $140. www.starsonice.com
May
PITTSBURGH MARATHON
Downtown, Pittsburgh
May 2
412-392-1021
The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon winds through the wonderfully historic neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. Community celebrations, cheering spectators and music throughout the course welcomes runners from all over the world. www.pittsburghmarathon.com
INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL
University of Pittsburgh campus, Schenley Plaza,
Oakland
May 12-16
412-321-5520
Oakland will sparkle with a showcase of dazzling professional theater from Russia, Spain, South Korea, Canada, the United States and more, presented by Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater and Citiparks. The theater shows will be complemented by fun hands-on cultural and educational activities. www.pgh.kids.org
PITTSBURGH FOLK FESTIVAL
Monroeville Convention Center, Monroeville
May 14-16
412-278-1267
Pittsburgh’s 20-plus nationalities celebrate their heritage with colorful costumes, authentic folk dancing, and mouth-watering delicacies. www.pgh.folkfest.org
GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cathedral, Oakland
Mid May
412-682-3866
More than 20,000 people stop in for an appetizing dose of Greek food and culture. The festival includes dancing and live entertainment each evening. www.stnickspgh.org/festival
June
THREE RIVERS ARTS FESTIVAL
Gateway Plaza and Point State Park, Downtown
June 4-13
412-281-8723
Arts, crafts, and food are part of this festival, where new exhibitors are introduced daily. Visitors can enjoy the free performances and the artists’ market at Gateway Plaza and Point State Park. www.artsfestival.net
SOUTH PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
South Park
June 4-August 27 (Friday Evenings)
412-835-4810
Free outdoor concerts. Local, national, and internationally acclaimed performers. www.county.allegheny.pa.us/parks
HARTWOOD MUSIC AND DANCE FESTIVAL
Hartwood Acres, Saxonburg
June 5-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
July
PITTSBURGH THREE RIVERS REGATTA AND FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION
North Shore
July 2-4
The Fourth of July Celebration combines with the annual Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta for a family-oriented festival featuring water sports, hot air balloons, musical entertainment, and fireworks. www.threeriversregatta.net
PITTSBURGH VINTAGE GRAND PRIX
Schenley Park, Oakland
July 17-18
412-471-7847
Considered the premier vintage grand prix event in the United States, this race attracts fans of all ages, who line the beautiful Schenley Park streets to cheer for their favorite antique autos. www.pittsburghvintagegrandprix.com
August
GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, North Side
August 25-29
412-321-9281
From moussaka to baklava, all your favorite Greek specialties are served. www.holytrinitypgh.org
PITTSBURGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
Late August-Late September (Weekends)
724-872-1670
The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival is a recreation of a 16th century village that brings together craftspeople, acting troupes, combat jousting, musicians, and food purveyors to celebrate the arrival of the king and queen. www.pgh-renfest.com
September
17TH ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA ART & CRAFTS COLONIAL FESTIVAL
Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Greensburg
September 3-6 (Labor Day weekend)
724-863-4577
Over 220 exhibit booths of artists, craftsmen, and food vendors from 17 states. Voted one of the best “traditional” craft shows in America.
PITTSBURGH IRISH FESTIVAL
Amphitheatre at Sandcastle
September 10-12
412-422-5642
Traditional/contemporary Irish entertainment, extensive children’s activities, Irish dogs, authentic marketplace & food, and a Gaelic mass. www.pghirishfest.org
A FAIR IN THE PARK
Mellon Park, Fifth and Shady Avenues, Shadyside
September 10-12
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
SHADYSIDE—THE ARTS FESTIVAL ON WALNUT STREET
Walnut Street, Shadyside
September 18-19
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
RICHARD S. CALIGUIRI, CITY OF PITTSBURGH GREAT RACE
Frick Park to Point State Park
September 26
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
October
HEAD OF THE OHIO REGATTA
Allegheny River banks, Clemente Park, North Side
October 2
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
16TH ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA ARTS & CRAFTS CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Washington County Fairgrounds
October 15-17, 23, 24
724-863-4577
More than 200 booths of arts and crafts and food vendors. All displays indoor in heated buildings. Call for more information.
FALL FLOWER SHOW
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 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
November
LIGHT UP NIGHT
Downtown, Pittsburgh
November 19
412-566-4190
The city’s dramatic skyline is the backdrop for an evening of holiday activities, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Light Up Night features live entertainment, strolling carolers, tree lighting ceremonies, and the unveiling of the holiday window displays.
WEST VIRGINIA ARTS & CRAFTS CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR
Mylan Park, Morgantown WV
November 12-14
724-863-4577
Over 200 booths of arts and crafts available. Call for more information.
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
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Oakland
Mid December-Dec. 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, Pittsburgh
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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