What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Feb. 26-March 1? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, Feb. 26: Opening Reception: “Art of Pittsburgh’s South Side” at Brew House Arts
6-8:30 p.m.
On the South Side, the iconic Brew House building has long been a nexus for artistic activity. Now, the Brew House Arts gallery is gearing up to host it largest exhibition to date focused on work by artists living and working in Pittsburgh’s South Side communities. With more than featured 50 artists, the retrospective includes a wide range of media, from ceramics, textiles and jewelry to illustration, music, photography and video.

Don’t miss tonight’s free opening reception which also includes the final edition of “Order Now and Personalize,” an edible exhibit series featuring images by local photographers printed on grocery store sheet cakes. On view through March 28, the exhibition also coincides with the ongoing public art initiative, Art on Carson. Information.

Find more art exhibitions, openings and events in NEXT in the Gallery.

Harry Francis as Lefou and Stephen Mark Lukas as Gaston in “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.” Photo by Matthew Murphy (c) Disney.

Thursday, Feb. 26-Sunday, March 1: “Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” at the Benedum Center
7:30 p.m., 2 p.m., 1 p.m., 6:30 p.m.
Disney’s first North American production of the beloved musical in more than 25 years is underway right here in Pittsburgh, and you don’t want to miss all the magic. The limited one-week engagement is part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series. Based on the 1991 Academy Award-winning animated feature film, “Beauty and the Beast” endures as one of the longest-running musicals in history. Nominated for nine Tony Awards, it’s one of the highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time.

Under the direction of Andrew Flatt and Anne Quart, the timeless tale will continues to enchant audiences. Directed and choreographed by Matt West, the production features a book by Linda Woolverton. The captivating show features sets are by Stanley A. Meyer, costumes by Ann Hould-Ward and new dance music arrangements are by David Chase. Tickets.

Mourning [A] Blkstar headlines the Sweet Abyss three-year anniversary kickoff event at Wood Street Galleries during the Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District on Friday, Feb. 27.

Friday, Feb. 27: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District
5:30-9 p.m.
Wind down February with art when this quarterly open house returns. The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s newly expanded schedule cycle means that there is even more art to experience with crawls taking place on the final Friday of every month. Look for the sidewalk stop signs identifying the participating venues in the free, multi-venue “open house.” Experience the energy of a night in the city through visual art, performance, film, hands-on activities, entertainment, music, dance, spoken word and more.

Not to miss at SPACE is “Dream Sequence,” an exhibition showcasing work by first- and second-year MFA students from Carnegie Mellon’s School of Art. Head to Wood Street Galleries to join Sweet Abyss for their third anniversary celebration. Free for all ages, the exhibit features a new audio-visual installation by Davis Galvin and Jules Malice (Malzof). Then from 8 p.m. to midnight, the space transforms into a 21+ ticketed live music event, where gallery-goers can dance to everything from synth-wave and trip hop to dub and disco. Be sure to check out the billboards along Tito Way, which will feature NFL photography by Michael Zagaris just ahead of the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Information.

World Oddities Expo. Photo by Ryan Brandoff Photography.

Saturday, Feb. 28 & Sunday, March 1: World Oddities Expo at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Various times
Channel you inner eccentric when the World Oddities Expo brings its fourth annual edition to Downtown Pittsburgh. After recently expanding its offerings, the eccentric expo includes two days of programming and a showroom floor packed with “peculiar pleasures and treasures.” Equal parts experience and expo, the traveling oddities festival embraces a curious conference of art, fashion, science and pop culture. Wander into the Lost Curio Marketplace to peruse everything from taxidermy, insects, macabre art and home decor. Visit the Oddity Ink Parlour for sessions with tattoo artists from all over the country, or nurture a new hobby during hands-on workshops led by WOE Labs. The bizarre bazaar also features of burlesque performance, live painting, guest speakers and more. Tickets.

Friday, Feb. 27: TRUTHSayers Speaker Series at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
7 p.m.
Next up to take the stage and inspire attendees at the TRUTHSayers series is Pittsburgh’s own Nia Sioux. A dancer, actress, entrepreneur and social justice advocate, Sioux is the New York Times bestselling author of “Bottom of the Pyramid.” The newly released memoir “offers readers a powerful and relatable look into resilience, identity and self-empowerment.” During the intimate discussion, Sioux will share stories about her unique personal journey and creative growth. Best known for her breakout role on the hit TV series, “Dance Moms,” Sioux will also talk about “navigating childhood fame, finding her voice and redefining success on her own terms.” Following the discussion, Sioux will participate in an exclusive book signing. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of Horror Realm Con.

Friday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 1: Horror Realm Con at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Greentree Hotel
5-1p p.m., 10 a.m.-7 p.m., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The city’s three scariest days are about to get even scarier. Moving the convention of creep to a new HQ, Horror Realm is setting up shop in Green Tree and expanding its footprint. With its largest guest list and venue to date, the one-stop scare shop is where horror fans can meet their favorite celebs, peruse 40 themed vendors and explore the spooky side of the region. And Pittsburghers love their horror film heritage: George Romero birthed the zombie genre here; Tom Savini’s Special Make-Up Effects Program is based in Monessen, and Buffalo Bill’s house from “The Silence of the Lambs” can be booked for overnight stays in Perryopolis. Featured celebs for 2026 include Pittsburgh’s own Greg Nicotero, makeup and special effects guru known for his trailblazing work with “The Walking Dead” TV series. Other special guests include Eduardo Sanchez, co-director and writer of “The Blair Witch Project,” plus cast members from “Carrie,” “Silent Night Deadly Night,” “Jaws,” “Child’s Play” and more. Oscar-winning sound designer and composer Alan Howarth, who has collaborated on soundtracks with horror icon John Carpenter, will performing at a special concert event. Try for luck with love during the Horror Match Game, sing and scream during Scaryoke and attend a Slasher Soiree after-party. The 17th annual edition also features films screenings, Q&A panels and a tattoo contest. Schedule and tickets.

One Day to Remember Pickleball for a Purpose. Photo by Dave Hochendoner.

Friday, Feb. 27: Pickleball for a Purpose at The Pickleball Warehouse
6-9 p.m.
Community, competition and fun come together on the court to support families facing advanced stage cancer. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a pickleball rookie who’s wondering what all the hype is about, this event is for you. It’s all about playing, laughing and bonding to support One Day to Remember. The event includes three hours of social pickleball play, along with a friendly tournament. All that action on the court directly benefits the nonprofit dedicated to serving families as they navigate a terminal cancer diagnosis. Take a break from the net to savor a delicious dinner, enjoy live music and connect with fellow pickleball fans. Pop into the photo booth to create keepsakes and enjoy exclusive giveaways. The night event kicks off with VIP access starting at 5 p.m. plus an exclusive clinic with professional pickleball players. Tickets.

Attack Theatre’s “Once in a While.” Photo by Joshua Sweeny.

Friday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 1: “Once in a While” at Attack Theatre Studios
7:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Fans of contemporary dance and the Grateful Dead can’t miss this world premiere created by the Pittsburgh company in collaboration with Owsley Stanley Foundation. Based in Occidental, Ca., the nonprofit is dedicated to preserving more than 1,300 live concert soundboard recordings from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s made by Stanley, aka Bear, who was the Grateful Dead’s legendary sound engineer. Bear recorded many of the band’s live performances, calling them Sound Journals, and helped develop the band’s iconic mobile sound system and skull logo.

Exploring the intersection of music, memory, movement and meaning, the performance is described as a “tapestry of explosive and evocative movement set to the Grateful Dead’s decades of songs.” Through the work, audiences will investigate “the extraordinary hidden in the everyday.” Tickets.

Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

Saturday, Feb. 28: Polar Plunge at Acrisure Stadium
9 a.m.
With mild temps and sun (finally!) in the forecast for Saturday you truly have no excuse not to take the plunge. Join thousands of courageous plungers for Special Olympics Pennsylvania‘s largest annual fundraiser. Your winter bravery helps to support free year-round sports training and competition opportunities for more than 15,000 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Pennsylvania. Not brave enough to jump in? Take a seat in the viewing areas to cheer on your people and try the Virtual Polar Pop at home. This signature splash-tacular also includes the Plungetown food and entertainment area, games, dancing and DJs. Registration opens at 9 a.m. followed by the Opening Ceremonies. Register.

Flamingo Fest at The National Aviary. Photo by Elliott Cramer.

Saturday, Feb. 28 & Sunday, March 1: Flamingo Fest at the National Aviary
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
What’s pink, omnivorous, loves to wade and is extremely social? If you guessed flamingo, your avian acumen is on point. Valentine’s Day is not the only time for lovebirds — and folks who love birds — in February. On the North Side, The National Aviary is thinking pink all month long, which means you can brighten up a gloomy February weekend with everyone’s favorite flame-hued, feathered friends. Don your finest pink looks to fla-mingle with your bestie, sweetheart or family throughout a lush tropical setting. Enjoy a pre-spring fling as you meet the outgoing flock in the Aviary’s coastal-inspired wetlands habitat. Make bird-themed crafts and learn flamingo facts galore from aviary experts. Tickets. Read more about the festival in NEXT.

Photo courtesy of the South Side Soup Contest.

Saturday, Feb. 28: South Side Soup Contest on the South Side
12-3 p.m.
What pairs better with a February afternoon than a bowl of homemade soup? Get those spoons ready for this tasty three-hour adventure packed with flavorful soup samples and neighborhood exploration. For 21 years, this homegrown foodie fest has been nourishing bellies and “stirring things up” on the South Side.

Sample soups from 24 South Side restaurants showcasing their favorite recipes, from hearty chowders and rich bisques to creative vegetarian options. Highlighting the neighborhood’s vibrant business district, each restaurant is paired with a distinctive South Side shop or retailer. After tasting the town, vote for your favorites via text in the Best Soup, Best Veggie, Most Unique and Best Host Location categories. Don’t forget to bring a food item to donate to the Soup Contest Food Drive, which will be delivered to a South Pittsburgh food pantry. Proceeds from the beloved event support the South Side Chamber of Commerce’s programs and community service organizations serving South Pittsburgh. Tickets.

Saturday, Feb. 28: Bethlehem Haven Coldest Night of the Year Walk on the North Shore
4-7 p.m.
Bundle up to help Pittsburgh’s unhoused community. Join this year’s special guests AMO, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC mascot, and Steely McBeam, the Pittsburgh Steelers mascot, as you enjoy beautiful sunset views of the city skyline, get in those steps and raise money for a worthy cause alongside fellow Bethlehem Haven supporters. Starting and ending at Pittsburgh Mercy’s administrative offices (1200 Reedsdale Ave.), the walk traverses 1-3 miles along the North Shore Riverfront Trail. The critical funds raised will support Bethlehem Haven’s continuum of care for people experiencing homelessness and seeking self-sufficiency. Register.

Photo courtesy of The Spirits of the Burgh Festival.

Saturday, Feb. 28: Spirits of the Burgh Festival at The Pennsylvanian
6-9 p.m.
Dry January is over, which means it’s time to sip drinks created by the region’s leading craft beverage producers. The thirsty minds behind the Beers of the Burgh Festival are hosting their first event of 2026, and it’s here to warm us up inside. Transforming the Beaux Arts hall into a libations landmark, the festival showcases 20 distillers and spirit-makers serving up their latest creations — all handcrafted in Western Pennsylvania. New purveyors making their debut this year are: Grumpy Goat Distillery, 7th Ward Spirits, Chimera Brewing, Excise Distillery, Strange Roots Experimental Ales and 2 JAS Distilling. There’s a beverage for every palate, with local beer, wine, cider and nonalcoholic options available as well. Defrost as you sip local, nosh on nourishing bites from Cold Friends Kitchen and groove the night away with DJ Zano in the grand ballroom. Tickets. Read more about the festival in NEXT.

Pittsburgh Opera’s “Time to Act.” Photo courtesy of David Bachman Photography.

Saturday, Feb. 28: “Time to Act” at the Bitz Opera Factory
7 p.m.
Pittsburgh Opera’s latest world premiere runs for just five nights and it carries a highly impactful message within its artistry. Directed by Crystal Manich, the gripping production revolves around high school students preparing for a production of Sophocles’ “Antigone,” and what unfolds when they are “joined by a new student who comes with a formidable secret.” Conducted by Michael Sakir, the opera “demonstrates how the arts can uplift and unify victims of trauma, empowering them to act, while giving voice to the young citizens who have been most impacted by an ongoing cycle of devastating school violence.”

The not-to-miss world premiere is composed by Laura Kaminsky, whose renowned opera “As One” is among the most-produced modern operas in the country. “Time to Act” was written by Emmy-nominated librettist Crystal Manich, a Pittsburgh Opera veteran whose works have been staged across the world for the screen, stage and circus. A co-commission by Pittsburgh Opera, Opera Montana and Boston Conservatory at Berklee, with additional funding by Opera Santa Barbara, “Time to Act” also runs March 3, 6, 7 and 8. Tickets.

6 more things to do this weekend

Thursday, Feb. 26: Surrealism as Tactic: A Black Women’s Film Festival and Community Workshop Screenings at Carnegie Museum of Art Theater, 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 27: Band Together Autism Open Mic at The Warhol Museum, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 1: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s “American Soundscapes: Music from Gershwin, Ellington, and Sousa, to The Mississippi Delta and the Great American West” at Heinz Hall, 7:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 28: Winter Vegan Brunch Brewtique & Trivia at Trace Brewing, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sunday, March 1: World Literature: Namwali Serpell’s “On Morrison” at Alphabet City, 3-4 p.m.

Sunday, March 2: Music on the Edge presents the Bergamot Quartet and Ji Hye Jung at the New Hazlett Theater, 7 p.m.