What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Nov. 27-30? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

‘Thursday, Nov. 27: YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Turkey Trot on the North Shore
7:30 a.m.
The city’s favorite Thanksgiving Day “appetizer” is expected to welcome more than 8,000 participants from 38 states, Great Britain, France, Ireland, Australia and Canada — all coming together to help people in need. Before feasting, add purpose to your Thanksgiving by joining them to raise funds for YMCA food pantry programs and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. The 35th annual event offers four options, so there’s a pace for every flock. Try the 5-Mile or 5K routes or ease into the holiday with the 1-Mile Family Fun Run. Feeling extra motivated? Try the Double Gobble 5K + 5-Mile challenge. Donning festive Thanksgiving costumes, runners will take to the streets.

Races start on West General Robinson Street and finish on North Shore Drive near PNC Park. The 5K and 5-Mile courses cross the Andy Warhol and Roberto Clemente bridges, offering participants scenic views of Downtown. Afterward, celebrate at the Finish Line Festival along Mazeroski Way, packed with hands-on activities, treats and family-friendly entertainment, including Thanksgiving-themed games with the Kids of STEEL Kitchen, giveaways and warm beverages. Register.

Photo by Matthew Murphy.

Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30: “Les Misérables” at the Benedum Center
Various times
If you still haven’t experienced the sixth longest-running Broadway production of all time, this is the weekend to make up for it. Since its publication in 1862, Victor Hugo’s epic novel, “Les Misérables,” has spawned countless adaptations — from books, games and films, to TV programs and even Japanese comics. Les Mis mania will sweep the Burgh again when the Tony-winning phenomenon makes its triumphant return.

Set in 19th-century France, the timeless production weaves a captivating story exploring themes around broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, redemption and survival. Nick Cartell stars as the iconic protagonist Jean Valjean, with Nick Rehberger as Inspector Javert and Lindsay Heather Pearce as Fantine. Sing along to the magnificent score including classic songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream.” The production is directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor and designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. Costumes are by Andreane Neofitou. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of the Kamin Science Center.

Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30: Laser Holiday Magic at Buhl Planetarium
2 p.m.
Strings of twinkle lights are festive but pulsing lasers are a spectacle to behold. Treat your eyes to a visual feast in one of the most technologically advanced planetariums in North America. The whole family will want to sing along to this festive laser celebration featuring traditional and contemporary versions of beloved holiday tunes set to dazzling laser choreography. The show’s vibrant animations and abstractions dancing above your head will provide a welcome escape from the hectic holiday hustle. Tickets.

Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. Photo courtesy of The Memoir Agency.

Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30: Dazzling Nights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
5-9 p.m.
Looking for a new family tradition? While Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is one of our favorite places to visit throughout all four seasons, it’s quite a sight to behold in the winter. Back with more radiance to light up those gloomy Western Pennsylvania nights, the holiday attraction transforms 65 acres of gardens into a winter wonderland of immersive light and color. Follow a milelong path to visit 20 unique realms illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights, from a glittering tunnel of stars and a field of flickering flowers to a mesmerizing laser show. Don’t miss this year’s new features, like sipping hot cocoa in the aura of a 50-foot illuminated tree and seeing a kinetic installation fluttering above the lotus pond. Warm up inside the event center with delicious bites, wine and hot cocoa as you enjoy festive holiday music by the fire. Open through Jan. 3, 2026. Tickets. Read more about Dazzling Nights in NEXT.

Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30: “Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women” at City Theatre Company
Various times
If you missed this play’s opening weekend, you’re in luck because due to popular demand, City Theatre has extended its run of “Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women” with four additional performances added through Dec. 13. Set to become at least one of City Theatre’s the top five selling shows ever, the play was penned by Lauren Gunderson, recognized by American Theatre magazine as “America’s most produced living playwright.”

If you love Alcott’s classic late-19th-century novel — or were hooked on the 2019 film starring Saoirse Ronan, Emma Watson, Timothée Chalamet and Meryl Streep (plus countless other adaptations and tributes!) — you can’t miss this iteration directed by Kaja Dunn. Audiences of all ages will be captivated by the beloved characters, as the play explores the “parallel lives of the author’s family and the iconic March sisters in a heartwarming coming-of-age tale of empowerment, family and resilience.” The cast features Annalisa D’Aguilar, Zanny Laird, Alex Manalo, Nancy McNulty, Nell Murphy, Brenden Peifer and Juan Rivera Lebron. Tickets.

“Christmas with C.S. Lewis.” Presented by Emery Entertainment. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Friday, Nov. 28-Sunday, Nov. 30: “Christmas with C.S. Lewis” at the Greer Cabaret Theater
7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Be transported to Christmas Eve in Oxford, England, where prolific British writer C.S. Lewis — best-known for his series of fantasy novels, “The Chronicles of Narnia” — is hosting a group of Americans spending the holidays in the United Kingdom. Produced by Emery Entertainment, the show explores the bonds between Lewis and his dear friend and fellow author, J.R.R. Tolkien, author of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” Ultimately it was a meeting that “forever changed” Lewis’ Christmas celebrations. Like the traveling students visiting Lewis, audiences will “experience an unforgettable assortment of Yuletide recollections that stimulates a whole range of emotions — curiosity, laughter, gladness and even some tears.” The production also explores mythology and Lewis’ own “journey from atheism to Christianity.” Tickets.

Friday, Nov. 28: Pittsburgh Honky-Tonk Jukebox at Spirit Hall
7 p.m.
After you finish feasting on all those delicious Thanksgiving leftovers, it will definitely be time to cut a rug at Pittsburgh’s homegrown honky-tonk series. Led by Pittsburgh musician Jon Bindley, the event suggests you “gobble up and groove on down … for a turkey-tonkin’ good time filled with dancing, country music hits and good vibes.” It’s billed as the Burgh’s “only place for regularly scheduled live and authentic country-western music,” so don’t miss the line dancing, live music and drink specials. Tickets.

“The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show.” Photo courtesy of BenDeLaCreme Presents.

Friday, Nov. 28: “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” at the Byham Theater
8 p.m.
Ready to add a dash of spunk to your holiday revelry? Award-winning comedy icons, writers, actors and drag queen powerhouses BenDeLaCreme and Jinkx Monsoon team up to deliver their trademark “brand spankin’ new wintertide wonder” to Burgh fans. Over the years, the internationally loved dynamic duo has “met sentient Christmas treats, twisted space-time with Dickensian ghosts, escaped the meta clutches of their own holiday traditions and led a harrowing rescue mission in the Nutcracker’s Land of Sweets.” In other words, buckle up for the “wild and unexpected sleigh ride these queens have in store.” Tickets.

Photos courtesy of The National Aviary. Eastern Screech-Owl photo by Emma Saunders.

Saturday, Nov. 29: Grinch-y Season’s Greetings Saturdays at The National Aviary
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Look out, Dr. Seuss fans and bird lovers, because the Grinch himself is heading to the North Side to take over Santa’s chair this holiday season at The National Aviary. Load up the whole family in the sleigh and enjoy a local Who-ville where you can snap festive photos and enjoy seasonal activities designed to inspire a holly jolly mood in everyone. Meet the iconic grumpy green character alongside his “stink, stank, skunk pal, Pepper Jack” — or opt for a photo with the original “WHO-OO-OO owl buddy!”

Season’s Greetings Saturdays activities are included with general admission. While there, for an extra $5, you can also check out the brand-new “Jingle Bell Flock Holiday Show.” The musical free-flight bird show runs daily at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. through Jan. 5. Tickets.

Saturday, Nov. 29: Forget Prime. Go Local: Pittsburgh’s Small Business Saturday Market at The Maverick Hotel, presented by Honeycomb Credit and Penn Cover Group
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Skip the big-box crowds and experience a holiday market celebrating “connection, creativity and the power of keeping dollars local.” Find handcrafted gifts, specialty foods and one-of-a-kind wares from more than 30 innovative small businesses based in the Burgh. While spreading holiday cheer with your neighbors you’ll see how your purchases are making a positive impact. The event aims to shine a light on the city’s creative, resilient and community-centered entrepreneurship. Information. More holiday markets.

Winter Warmer Beer Festival. Photo courtesy of Beers of the Burgh.

Saturday, Nov. 29: Winter Warmer Beer Festival at The Pennsylvanian
5-9 p.m. & 6-9 p.m.
Turning the Downtown jewel into a Burgh Beer Hall, the Winter Warmer showcases a mouth-watering variety of unique and innovative “cold-weather beers” freshly made for the season. There are more than 18 beer-makers to explore, from Strange Roots, Allusion Brewing, Cinderlands, Brew Gentlemen and Grist House, to Chimera Brewing, Four Seasons, Top Dog Cocktails and more.

No beer fest is complete without sustenance, which is why Cold Friends Kitchen and Pittsburgh Smokehouse are serving up hearty bites. DJ Hoagie Dreams will keep spirits high spinning sounds for a “Jammy Jam dance party” with hundreds of your newest besties. Your favorite pajamas are the official dress code, so get your hygge on as you sip and dance in comfort. Three ticket levels are available: Early Admission (5-9 p.m.), General Admission (6-9 p.m.) and Designated Driver. Read more about the festival in NEXT.

Suite Life welcomes back musical director Hugo Cruz to KST. Photo by Chad Isaiah, courtesy of Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

Saturday, Nov. 29: Suite Life at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater
7:30 p.m.
Add some music to your Thanksgiving weekend with this annual holiday tradition. It’s that joyous November night when the historic East Liberty venue honors its renowned namesakes with a “fresh take on beloved standards.” Groove to Cuban beats while celebrating visionary Pittsburgh artists Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly.

Musical maestro for the night is bandleader Hugo Cruz, who will reimagine their iconic works by incorporating Latin percussion. The festivities kick off with an exclusive VIP Soundcheck reception at 6 p.m., followed by the marquee event at 7:30 p.m. It’s one concert that won’t break the bank, because tickets are available on a “Pay What Moves You” basis. Read more about Suite Life in NEXT.

Sunday, Nov. 30: Holiday Market in Allegheny RiverTrail Park
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit along the Allegheny River in Aspinwall. Join Allegheny RiverTrail Park for this festive Holiday Market featuring a wide variety of local vendors. Snap selfies with Jolly Old St. Nick, participate in craft activities for all ages and support local creatives in one of the region’s newest green spaces. Information. More holiday markets.

Photo courtesy of the Queer Craft Market.

Sunday, Nov. 30: Queer Craft Market Winter Bazaar at the RE360 Warehouse
2-6 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s premier queer-led craft market heads up to the Hilltop for the next edition of its Winter Bazaar. The annual winter market showcases 55 LGBTQIA+ makers, artists and creators from around the region. Meet the makers, show your pride and support the city’s queer craft scene. Hop on the T to the temporary East Warrington Avenue stop to score something made with care for everyone on your list and see inventive crafts you won’t find anywhere else. Information. More holiday markets.

For more things to do with NEXT, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Holiday Markets, Pittsburgh Concert Guide and NEXT in the Gallery series.