What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, July 9-12? Find out here. And don’t miss our Summer Concert Guide for details about this weekend’s fourth annual Northside Music Festival and the brand-new Pittsburgh Music Festival, two top Pittsburgh events in July. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Thursday, July 9
Equitable Dinners: A Meal, a Play, a Conversation at NavusHouse
7 p.m.
Pairing theatrical performance with community potluck, the newest RealTime Arts event invites you to the table to explore “food, health and American identity.” Held in private homes, gardens and gathering spaces, each unique event features a short, original play based on public listening sessions, a potluck-style meal and a facilitated group conversation. Produced in conjunction with the country’s 250th anniversary, the Equitable Dinners series aims to encourage connections between neighbors, friends and strangers through live theater, shared meals and thoughtful discussion.
The current play, “We Hold These Truths,” was written in response to listening sessions with citizens from across Pennsylvania. Throughout the experience, attendees will explore “shared stories about favorite family dishes (and fights about said dishes), standing in food bank lines, the difficult balance between keeping traditional cooking practices alive and eating a healthy diet, the rising costs of feeding ourselves and more.” Tickets. There is also a waiting list for events on July 11 and 12 in Troy Hill.
All photos courtesy of Puppeteers for Fears.
Thursday, July 9
“Robopocalyose: The Musical!” at City Winery
7:30 p.m.
What happens when you mix puppets, cyberpunk and science fiction? Find out when Puppeteers for Fears brings “Robopocalypse” to the Burgh for just one night. Dubbed “the world’s premiere all-puppet horror and science fiction musical comedy troupe,” the company is on a cross-country summer tour. Equal parts haunting and hilarious, the work examines “the impacts of the meteoric rise of artificial intelligence on a world still struggling to remember its email logins.” Audiences will follow the story of a teen hacker as it’s performed entirely with hand-and-rod, “Muppets”-style puppets and a live band.
Experience “appliances having rap battles” and cyberpunk scenarios as the show’s original electronic music score is performed using analog synthesizers. Written and composed by company director Josh Gross, the multimedia show features digital backdrops, virtual reality and complex puppets. Directed by the troupe’s lead puppeteer, Hunter Prutch, the ambitious show stars Alyssa Mathews, Forest Gilpin, Brianca Knight, Alex Giorgi and Raz Mostaghimi. Tickets.
Thursday, July 9-Sunday, July 12
“Mean Girls” at the Benedum Center
7:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 6 p.m. & 2 p.m.
If you loved the iconic movie starring Lindsay Lohan, Rachel McAdams, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, you can’t miss this chance to channel your inner Regina George and Cady Heron. Written by award-winning actress, comedian, writer and producer Tina Fey and performed by Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the hit musical brings the 2004 film to life on stage. Directed by Mara Newbery Greer, the musical underscores the important message of staying true to yourself. Sing along to catchy numbers like “World Burn” and “I’d Rather Be Me” via the show’s fresh score and biting humor.
Explore the musical beyond the stage with public programs, including a “Mean Girls” Dance Masterclass (ages 8-18) on July 9 taught by a cast member. On July 11, don your best Y2K attire for the Mean Girls Spring Fling (ages 18+) hosted by local drag queen Dixie Surewood following the show. Tickets.
Kids find entertainment at the Li’l Rebels area. Photo courtesy of Whiskey Rebellion Festival.
Friday, July 10, & Saturday, July 11
Whiskey Rebellion Festival in Washington
4:30-9:30 p.m. & 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
Wet your whistle when one of the region’s signature summer festivals sets up shop in downtown Washington. Explore the region’s legendary libation through historic reenactments, heritage displays, street theater performances, live music and local cuisine. Learn about 18th-century life and why the Whiskey Rebellion happened, and take the kiddos to the Lil’ Rebels Area for hands-on activities.
Join the Whiskey and Spirits Walk to visit local businesses while sampling libations. Swing by the mercantile area in Strawberry Alley featuring handmade, historical and festival-themed wares, such as items made with techniques and materials available during the late 1700s. Take a tour of the Bradford House, Whiskey Rebellion Education and Visitor Center and the Le Moyne House, where you can also find 18th-century inspired items, books and souvenirs. The festival’s main stage will feature music by Dan Baker, Appalachian Soul, Michael McKenzie, Snappin’ Bug, Rooster Blackspur and The Clarks. Information.
Friday, July 10, & Saturday, July 11
Summer Celebration Seven Springs
6-10 p.m. & 12-10 p.m.
Seven Springs Mountain Resort is not just for fun in the snow. Coming alive in the summer months, the Laurel Highlands destination is hosting this two-day festival packed with family fun. Participate in outdoor adventures like the alpine slide, rock wall and lake activities, and check out live music by The String Theory and Michael Linder. Don’t miss the mixology classes, craft vendors and the car show. Come hungry and thirsty, because there will also be food trucks and beer tastings. The weekend culminates with a Zambelli Fireworks show on Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. Tickets.
Photo courtesy of Texture Contemporary Ballet.
Friday, July 10-Sunday, July 12
Texture Contemporary Ballet’s “Divergence” at the New Hazlett Theater
7:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4 p.m.
Texture Contemporary Ballet opens its 2026-2027 season with a triple-header of world premieres on the North Side. Featuring dynamic company artists and special guests from across the country, the production explores contrast, conflict and connection, along with inner truths, hope, societal divisions, resilience and more. Resident Choreographer Madeline Kendall Schreiber presents her new work, “Abandonment of Division in the Pursuit of Hope,” set to acoustic, electric and atmospheric instrumentation. Guest choreographer Deanna Stanton shares “Inner Voices,” exploring ideas about self-perception. With “From Above,” the newest new work by Texture’s Artistic Director Alan Obuzor, audiences will experience “traditional orchestra and modern electronic elements moving through a striking range of sonic landscapes.” Friday and Saturday’s performances include post-show discussions with the dancers and choreographers. On July 11, Texture is presenting an interactive children’s performance from 4 to 5 p.m. Tickets.
Swissvale Edible Garden Tour. Photo courtesy of Swissvale Area Gardening Enthusiasts.
Saturday, July 11
Swissvale Edible Garden Tour
9 a.m.-3 p.m.
The season of bountiful urban gardens, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and farmers markets is here, and this weekend, the green thumb gurus of Swissvale invite you to explore their fruitful and verdant spaces. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Open Gardens session highlights private gardens throughout the borough. See how and where food is grown locally and meet the gardeners. Stop by the information table near the Swissvale Library to pick up event guides, ask questions and refill your water bottle.
After touring the gardens, head to the Community Picnic in Les Getz Memorial Park to enjoy food, activities and entertainment from 1 to 3 p.m. Now in its eighth year, the event has established a network of gardeners throughout Swissvale and the region. Spend some time outside connecting with the community and getting inspired by new ideas for your own garden. Information and map. Find more summer house and garden tours in NEXT.
Saturday, July 11
“P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance” at The Clemente Museum
5-7 p.m.
What do Roberto Clemente and Bad Bunny have in common? Join one of Pittsburgh’s unique museums for this special book talk and discussion exploring the importance of cultural figures “who have used their voices and platforms to proudly honor, uplift and defend their Puerto Rican heritage.”
The moderated conversation features professors Vanessa Díaz and Petra R. Rivera-Rideau, co-authors of “P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance.” Together, Díaz and Rivera-Rideau also created the Bad Bunny Syllabus Project. Associate professor of Chicana/o and Latina/o studies at Loyola Marymount University, Díaz is a multimedia ethnographer and journalist whose work focuses on race, gender and labor in popular culture across the Americas. Associate professor and chair of American studies at Wellesley College, Rivera-Rideau is known for her research examining race, popular music, Puerto Rico and Latinx identities. Advance tickets are required.
Saturday, July 11
Black Arts Gala at Hill & Co. Events Center
6-9 p.m.
Head to Homestead for this celebration of Pittsburgh’s Black creative community. The vibrant artistic practice and culture of Black artists will be showcased as local painters, poets, musicians and fashion designers come together to display and share their work all under one roof. A premier cultural experience celebrating Black arts, the event was created to serve as a “platform built by the community, for the community.” The evening features original art for sale, complimentary food and wine, live music and more. Tickets.
Allegheny Ludlum stainless steel car at the 2025 Black Tie & Tailpipes Gala. Photo by Matt Little.
1939 Ford Deluxe Hot Rod at the Kick-Off Rallye. Photo by Matthew Little.
Justin Searle’s 2018 Porsche 911 at the 2025 Kick-Off Rallye. Photo by Matthew Little.
Jaguar E-Type at the 2025 Kick-Off Rallye. Photo by Matthew Little.
Saturday, July 11, & Sunday, July 12
Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Events at Kamin Science Center and Dual Devils Garage
6-11 p.m. & 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Did you know that the country’s only vintage street race takes place right here in Pittsburgh? Whether you’re a race rookie, an auto aficionado or a Jaguar junkie, there are so many exhilarating ways to experience one of summer’s most beloved events when the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix roars back across the Panther Hollow Bridge. Race into all the auto action with Saturday night’s Black Tie & Tailpipes Gala at Kamin Science Center. This year, the marquee summer soiree shifts into high gear as the kickoff to Science of Speed on the North Shore. Be the first to experience the 21,000-square-foot destination before it opens to the public on Aug. 1. The groundbreaking new attraction combining science, technology and entertainment features a multilevel, all-electric kart track, immersive racing simulators, interactive STEM exhibits and the Pit Stop Lounge.
On Sunday, cruise into into Race Week at the Kick-Off Rallye offering an idyllic summer outing for car lovers to explore scenic country roads. Equal parts driving tour and scavenger hunt, the informal event starts and ends at Dual Devils Garage in Houston, Pa., where attendees can enjoy awards, a deluxe cookout, rotating Helltown Taproom craft brews and access to a show-stopping car collection. Schedule and tickets. Read more about the PVGP in NEXT.
(L-R, top to bottom): Contestant April Arsenic, host and performer Glampagne, judge Alayna Gallagher of Vintage 416, judge Amber Atomic, contestant Tiffany Flamingo, contestant April Arsenic. All photos courtesy of Lipstick Riot Radio.
Saturday, July 11
Santa’s Summer Sweethearts at Conjure Bar & Stage
7:30-9:30 p.m.
Escape the blistering heat inside one of the Burgh’s most unusual hidden spaces. Presented by Lipstick Riot Radio, this ultimate Christmas-in-July-themed party boasts a pinup pageant and pop-up burlesque performances by Brute Scandal and Pixie Palooza. Slip into your breeziest 1940s-era duds and put on “enough red lipstick to make Rudolph blush,” because Christmas is arriving early in Allentown. Setting up shop inside sultry Dr. Tumblety’s, the night will blend vintage glamour, tropical Christmas vibes and rockabilly charm. Watch as “dazzling dames, retro rebels and bombshell beauties compete for seasonal sparkle and midsummer glory,” and be there for the crowning of the Santa Summer Sweetheart Queen. Whether you strut your stuff on stage or cheer from the adoring crowd, it’s totally OK to be naughty here, because Santa’s on vacay. Tickets.
Saturday, July 11
House Party: Mic Drop! at Kelly Strayhorn Theater
7 p.m.-midnight
Karaoke inside the lobby of a historic theater? Where do we sign up? Reinventing its annual benefit bash as a karaoke-themed house party, KST gets the evening gets going with an Immersive VIP Reception from 7-9 p.m. spotlighting powerhouse vocals by Treasure Treasure, DS and Anqwenique Kinsel and Bridgette Perdue. You’ll want a front-row view during the “Donate to Vote” fundraising campaign, when four local celebrities rock the mic. The energy kicks up a notch at 9 p.m. as DJ Selecta spins sounds for the shimmering karaoke and dance party in the lobby. Funds raised support KST’s fall season featuring national artists, a visual art exhibition, youth and family programming and new performance work. Adding to the vibrant festivities will be an interactive, commemorative zine created with Freshworks alumna Lucy Chen, a free photo booth and late-night pizza. Tickets are offered at a variety of “pay what moves you” levels. Read more about House Party in NEXT.
Lee Terbosic. Photos courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Friday, July 10-Sunday, July 12
Lee Terbosic’s “In Plain Sleight” at Liberty Magic
7:30 p.m., 5 p.m., 8 p.m.
His celebrity fanbase includes Aaron Paul, Jack Black, Wiz Khalifa and Michael J. Fox. Beyond the stage, he’s appeared on television shows such as “America’s Got Talent,” “Houdini’s Last Secrets” and “History’s Greatest Mysteries.” But if you still haven’t experienced the spellbinding magic of Lee Terbosic, you’re in luck, because the hometown sensation is reappearing on the very Cultural District block where Houdini mesmerized crowds way back in 1916. Watch from the edge of your seat as Terbosic melds comedy, magic and mind reading to explore the art of deception. Known for his “dynamic stage presence and sharp humor,” Terbosic also weaves personal stories and dazzling illusions into his inimitable stage shows. With his “uncanny ability to pull thoughts from spectators’ minds,” you never can tell what might happen next. Tickets.
Neighborhood Flea. All photos by Nathan J Shaulis / Porter Loves.
Sunday, July 12
Neighborhood Flea at SouthSide Works
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
The season of al fresco bargain hunting is underway, and this Sunday flea market should be a stop on your shopping itinerary. Wander amongst the booths to hunt for treasures new and old, from vintage collectibles to handmade wares, original artwork, eclectic home decor, clothing and small-batch foods. With 120-plus vendors, the curated marketplace is also a great place to chat with local makers and business owners. The July edition will feature approximately 15 sellers who are brand new to the event. The vibrant event also includes a rotating lineup of local DJs and food trucks. Beyond the deals, we love how dog-friendly the flea is. Bonus: Use the market’s QR code for discounted rates at the SouthSide Works parking garages. Information. Read more about the Neighborhood Flea in NEXT.
11 more things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh
Thursday, July 9: Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone at Acrisure Stadium, 2 p.m.
Thursday, July 9: The Music of Arcane featuring Andrew Kierszenbaum with the Pittsburgh Symphony at Heinz Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 10: Bodega Film Lab Opening Night in Bloomfield, 5-9 p.m.
Friday, July 10-Sunday, July 12: Northside Music Festival, various times
Friday, July 10: Nikola Tesla’s Birthday Party at HackPGH, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 11: Pittsburgh Vegan Expo & Kimmy Addison present the Spooky Summer Spelling Bee Brunch and Vendor Market at Trace Brewing, 9 a.m.-1p.m.
Saturday, July 11: Jeff Goldblum Drag Bingo at Creative Chem Co., 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday, July 11 : Hugo Cruz and Caminos: Cuban Jazz Party Brunch in partnership with MCG Jazz at City Winery, 12 p.m.
Saturday, July 11, & Sunday, July 12: Pittsburgh Music Festival, various times, Pittsburgh Brewing Co., Creighton
Saturday, July 11: Keylight presents the 20th anniversary screening of “The Guatemalan Handshake” with writer and director Todd Rohal at the Harris Theater, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 12: Aria412’s “Odyssey-Mera” at Hop Farm Brewing from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.