14+ things to do this weekend, from Picklesburgh to the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, July 16-19? Find out here. And don’t miss our Summer Concert Guide for music festivals and shows on the horizon, plus our NEXT in the Gallery series for more art happenings around the region.

Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, July 16-Sunday, July 19
Picklesburgh in Downtown Pittsburgh
Noon-10 p.m. & noon-6 p.m.
Whether you prefer them sour, sweet or spicy, there’s a flavor to please all palates at Picklesburgh. With more space and an extra day of fermented fun, there’s even more brine to savor when the four-time winner of USA Today’s “Best Specialty Food Festival” contest celebrates its 11th juicy edition. Unveiling its largest footprint yet, one of Pittsburgh’s premier foodie events spans two of the city’s Sister Bridges (Clemente and Warhol), the newly opened Arts Landing, Fort Duquesne Boulevard (westbound), PPG Plaza, Sixth Street, Market Square, Allegheny Landing, and Allegheny Riverfront Park. Returning to a four-day format, the pickle party kicks off Thursday, providing a perfect opportunity for locals to get a first taste before the massive crowds arrive. The free fest showcases international dishes, fermented delights and handcrafted specialties, along with exclusive items created just for Picklesburgh, such as pickle-flavored beer, iced tea, pepperoni rolls, swirl bread, grilled cheese sandwiches and wings.

Beyond the plate, there are canning and cooking demonstrations and stages hosting a diverse range of live music and entertainment. Cheer on brave participants competing in Pickle Juice Drinking, Pickle Eating and Bobbing for Pickles contests during the highly anticipated Dill-cathlon Games. Visit the Briny Bazaar to find a curated selection of exclusive festival merchandise and quirky pickle-themed goods and novelties from local makers. The youngest pickle fans will love the Li’l Gherkins KidsPlay Area in Arts Landing featuring pickle-themed carnival games.

Don’t just munch on pickles, play pickleball! The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership has teamed up with the Pickleball Warehouse to launch one of the festival’s newest attractions. Created specifically for Arts Landing, the new pickleball courts offer tournaments, beginner-friendly clinics and demonstrations. Artist Sharmistha Ray was commissioned to create “Geometry of Play,” a first-of-its-kind painted playing surface featuring patterns of circles, triangles and grids referencing kaleidoscopic mandalas and architectural ornamentation. Information, schedule and map. Read more about Picklesburgh in NEXT.

Thursday, July 16-Sunday, July 19
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix at multiple venues
Various times
The excitement surrounding the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix is supercharged this year because the city’s largest automotive celebration signals the long-awaited reopening of the Panther Hollow Bridge. With the return of the complete race circuit, vintage cars will once again cruise across the bridge through historic Schenley Park. Whether you’re a race rookie, an auto aficionado or a Jaguar junkie, there’s a speed that’s right for all spectators. Visitors can experience 3,000 vehicles displayed across 23 distinct car shows, the International Jaguar Festival featuring legendary automotive designer Ian Callum serving as grand marshal, and all the energy of America’s only vintage auto race run on city streets. One of summer’s most anticipated events kicks into high gear this week with the Countryside Tour through the Laurel Highlands and the Garden Party at Phipps on Thursday, along with the Evening of Speed Driver Reception at the Schenley Park Visitor’s Center on Friday.

Pro tip: If you have limited time, you can’t miss Schenley Park Race Weekend on July 18 and 19. Watch in awe as 100 retro race cars representing some of the world’s greatest manufacturers compete on one of North American’s most challenging courses. Find a spot to join 100,000 fans lining the park’s hillsides, stone walls and fairways for the heartbeat of the event. A favorite viewing spot is the Bob O’Connor Golf Course. Schedule, map and tickets. Read more about the PVGP in NEXT.

Inside Out. Photo courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art.

Thursday, July 16
Inside Out presents Osmosis at Carnegie Museum of Art
5-10 p.m.
Your summer playground is now open for after-hours fun in Oakland. Escape the July humidity in the museum’s shady Sculpture Court during this evening of music, dancing and mingling at magic hour. Running Thursdays and Saturdays through Aug. 8., the Inside Out series transforms the museum’s Sculpture Court into an open-air gathering space with a rotating lineup of programming augmenting the 59th Carnegie International. On tap for tonight’s Osmosis lineup are sounds and visuals by Pittsburgh artists Good Dude Lojack and Malzof and Philadelphia’s own DJ Papaya. Arrive with an appetite to get dinner from the Gari Shoyu Sando Co. food truck, plus bites and beverages from Café Carnegie. Museum admission not required for the free event. Information.

Photo courtesy of Arcade Comedy Theater.

Thursday, July 16-Saturday, July 18
“Whose Brine Is It Anyway?” at Arcade Comedy Theater
8 p.m. & 3 p.m.
All around town, Pittsburgh’s cultural organizations and unique destinations are getting in on the pickle action. Add some comedic crunch to your weekend with this production taking place near the festival grounds. Ready for some “Vlasic improv and fast-paced pickle-packed comedy?” Comedy fans are invited to “come for the pickles and stay for the punchlines.” Produced by Beth Geatches and Matty Frances, all four shows are shaped by audience input and completely unique. Enjoy a barrel of laughs as “quick-thinking performers serve up short-form, off-the-cuff scenes that’ll tickle your tastebuds and pickle your funny bone.” Audience members can even win prizes from local businesses throughout the show. Participate in games, shout out suggestions or just be there when your seat number is called. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of P3R.

Friday, July 17
America’s Mile on the North Shore
6:30 p.m.
The July 4th holiday might be over, but you can still experience classic Americana, nostalgia and hometown traditions thanks to Pittsburgh’s only nighttime road race. Whether you’re motivated to set a new personal record, walk your first mile, or cheer on the competitors, the one-of-a-kind event is a chance to enjoy Downtown Pittsburgh’s skyline and terrain on a summer evening. There’s even more to savor this year, because the unique race is being held during Picklesburgh. Participants can spend the evening racing and then explore the blockbuster food festival just steps from the finish line. With seven customized heats, there’s a way for everyone to get involved. After crossing the finish line, keep the revelry going at Mike’s Beer Bar, where the post-race party includes a tie-dye station and a Special Olympics pool plunge. Register. Read more about the race in NEXT.

Bali Mynah at the National Aviary. Photo by Lindsey Shuey.

Friday, July 17
Night in the Tropics: Sunset Riviera at The National Aviary
7-11 p.m.
One of summer’s steamiest soirees is back with a new nautical twist. Flock to the Mediterranean Riviera without leaving the Burgh when the Aviary reboots its flagship fundraiser. Experience a “celebratory style rivaling an extravagant yacht party” right on the North Shore. The luxe evening under the stars features a maritime paradise with live music, dancing, signature cocktails and animal experiences. Be greeted by tropical animal ambassador birds with feisty personalities that will “light the way” to the Garden Room. Snap selfies with a tuxedoed African penguin and savor a spread from local eateries. Step onto the al fresco “bridge deck” where No Bad Juju will keep the party vibes going. Escape to lush rainforest and wetlands habitats, where unique bird species like the Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise fly freely overhead and roost in trees. Bid on auction items and support the aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats. Tickets. Read more about the event in NEXT.

Saturday, July 18
AWCommunity Day: STEAM at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
12-3 p.m.
Families from across the region are invited to enjoy a STEAM-filled Saturday in Downtown Pittsburgh. At the free community celebration, attendees can engage in hands-on activities within an interactive learning environment exploring science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. A wide array of exhibits and activities will be presented by community partners, from the Mad Science Lab, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Moonshot Museum and Assembly, to Carnegie Science Center, the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center and Citizen Science Lab. Information.

Summer Artisan Market. Photo courtesy of The Westmoreland Museum of American Art.

Saturday, July 18
Summer Artisan Market at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
A Saturday in July is the perfect time for a day trip to Greensburg, where The Westmoreland Museum of American Art is hosting its annual Summer Artisan Market. A celebration of local artisans, the marketplace showcases a variety of handcrafted items, including jewelry, ceramics and home décor. In addition to a lineup of talented local artisans, the event will include food vendors and live music. As an added bonus, attendees can also visit the museum for free and participate in the event’s raffle. For $10 ($5 for children), market-goers can play a round of Putt-a-palooza: Art Inspired Mini Golf. View a complete list of vendors.

Saturday, July 18
Allegheny County Wine and Spirits Festival at Hartwood Acres Park
2-8:30 p.m.
Sipping drinks on the porch is relaxing, but why not imbibe surrounded by the county’s most breathtaking park? A great summer date night or group outing with friends, the elegant event sets up shop within the crown jewel of the county’s 12,000-acre, nine-park network. With the historic Hartwood Acres mansion as your backdrop, sample offerings from Western PA’s leading wineries and distilleries during the popular summer celebration. While relaxing amid the grandeur of the 1920s Tudor estate, attendees will also enjoy live music, games and giveaways, and local food. For the day drinkers, Session 1 runs from 2 to 5 p.m. For the happy hour crowd, Session 2 runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. View a complete list of wineries, distilleries and food trucks. Tickets.

Saturday, July 18, & Sunday, July 19
Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl throughout Southwestern PA
Various times
You’ve likely joined bar crawls and gallery crawls, but did you know the Burgh is also home to a book crawl? Spanning 30 shops, nine days and six counties, the Great Pittsburgh Book Crawl is back for its second chapter. From A(spinwall) to Z(elionople), the go-at-your-own-pace event highlights “books, coffee, dogs and amazing store discoveries across Southwestern PA.” Running July 18-26, the first-of-its-kind event represents a wide array of retailers, from new, used and children’s bookstores to shops specializing in comics, specific genres and more.

Start your literary adventure by picking up a free Book Crawl Passport Book at any of the 30 participating locations. Get a stamp for every bookshop you visit between July 18-26 and be entered to win some awesome raffle prizes. Pop in to see your local favorites, visit new bookstores in the area and connect with fellow readers — all while giving a much-needed boost to the local economy. The first-of-its-kind event encourages local bookworms to support the independent bookstores that exist in their own neighborhoods while also exploring shops in surrounding areas. Passport books also contain information on each participating location so it’s a great chance to get out and explore new corners of the region. View a complete list of participating bookstores.

Saturday, July 18
Brighton Heights Book Fair at Legion Park
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Book lovers have more to explore this weekend on and off the shelves. Setting up shop at Legion Park on the North Side, the first-ever Brighton Heights Book Fair celebrates “reading, literacy and neighborhood connections for book lovers of all ages.” The inaugural event will feature a large community book swap with separate swap tables for both children’s and adult books. Readers can explore 20-plus community resource tables, local vendors, and literary organizations. Be sure to visit Raven’s Quill, a “romantasy-themed” mobile bookstore, and find hands-on activities in the dedicated Kids Zone. Presented by the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation, the free event will also showcase local authors, raffle prizes and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow readers throughout the day. At 1 p.m., attendees are invited to participate in the One Book Brighton Heights Greater Book Club Discussion. Information.

Pickle! At the Silent Disco. Photo courtesy of Rose Colored Creative.Pickle! At the Silent Disco. Photo courtesy of Rose Colored Creative.Pickle! At the Silent Disco. Photo courtesy of Rose Colored Creative.

Saturday, July 18
Pickle at the Disco! The Plaza at North Shore
7:30-9:30 p.m. & 10 p.m.-midnight
Pittsburgh loves its firsts — and its pickles. Now, the city’s first-ever pickle-themed silent disco will rock the North Side. Transforming The Plaza at North Shore in an al fresco dance party filled with good vibes, the salty soiree will feature multiple live DJ channels, glowing headphones, sparkly decor, and food and drink specials from SugarBird. Switch between genres and dance to your fave beats all night long while staying cool with refreshing pickled libations. Tickets.

Quantum Theatre’s “The Tempest.” Photo by Heather Mull.Quantum Theatre’s “The Tempest.” Photo by Heather Mull.Quantum Theatre’s “The Tempest.” Photo by Heather Mull.

Starring Jeffrey Carpenter as Prospero, the tragicomedy is set against the former steel mill’s dramatic visual backdrop, including collosal concrete and massive metal. Joining Carpenter in the cast are Tomé Cousin, Jerreme Rodriguez, Carolina Ignacia Vargas Romero, Joshua Brelsford, Julia Silverman, Mark Staley, Joe McGranaghan, Corey Rieger, Dave Mansueto, Sandy York, Adrienne Wehr and Jennifer Tober. Running through Aug. 23, “The Tempest” features design by Stephanie Mayer-Staley, Susan Tsu, C. Todd Brown, Joe Pino and Daniel Nesta Curtis. On Saturday, July 18, join Quantum before the show at 6:30 p.m. for a rare peek behind the curtain. Learn why the industrial site was chosen to bring the play to life during an intimate tour exploring “architecture, inspiration and story.” On Sunday, July 19, stay after the performance for a Q&A with the design team and crew. Opening night is already sold out so get your tickets now.

Sunday, July 19
Shinrin-yoku Walk at the Frick Environmental Center
1-3 p.m.
Wind down on Sunday with the Pittsburgh-based wellness initiative Forest Awakenings and Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. Experience a relaxing nature retreat shaped by the Japanese practice of Shinrin yoku, or “forest bathing.” A shortened version of the group’s popular forest therapy walk, the program encourages attendees to “slow down and connect with “the more-than-human world in a deeper, more intimate way.” Following a research-based process, the program will guide participants to get in touch with their bodies and their “place in the living fabric of life.” Instructor Martha O’Grady, a certified forest therapy guide, aims to “inspire conservation while easing stress and anxiety.” Learn about the benefits of a forest bathing practice as O’Grady shares “her deep connection to our living, breathing planet.” Tickets.

9 more things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh

Thursday, July 16: Neighborhood Night: Lawrenceville at the Frick Pittsburgh, 6-8 p.m.

Friday, July 17-Sunday, July 19: Voting is Power Regional Coalition hosts the Good Trouble Lives on Weekend of Action honoring the late Congressman John Lewis, multiple locations and times

Saturday, July 18: “Mystery on the Mon Festival” at the Glitterbox Theater, 1-9 p.m.

Saturday, July 18: Dance for the Dogs hosted by Harmony Dog Rescue and The Pittsburgh Equality Center at First United Methodist Church, 7-10 p.m.

Saturday, July 18, & Sunday, July 19: Danny Elfman with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall, 7:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 18: Marion Meadows & Alex Bugnon at MCG Jazz Music Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 18: “SUMMER Drift Terrain” at PearlArts Movement and Sound, 8-11 p.m.

Sunday, July 19: Acute Inflections at Pittsburgh Opera, 6 p.m.

Sunday, July 19: Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone at Acrisure Stadium, 6:30 p.m.