What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, July 23-26? Find out here.
Don’t miss our Summer Concert Guide for details about the ongoing Allegheny County Summer Concert Series, plus music festivals and shows on the horizon. And check out our NEXT in the Gallery series for more art happenings around the region.
Friday, July 24
Adiós Agave Night at Phipps
5-10 p.m.
Perhaps you’ve caught a glimpse over it rising not just above but through the historic glasshouse at Phipps, resembling a towering stalk of asparagus? Currently growing so large that Phipps staff had to remove a glass pane from the Desert Room ceiling, this colossal Agave americana is making its final triumphant appearance before its inevitable decline. Phipps explains that the “big bloom signifies that this plant is about to reach the end of its life.”
Seems like the perfect occasion for a plant party! Join Phipps to celebrate this horticultural wonder and bid a fond adieu to the “gentle giant after more than 50 years of beauty.” Once the bloom reaches its peak, Phipps will remove the agave. It’s all part of the plant’s natural process to continue its legacy through the production of offshoots — aka “pups” — which visitors can observe growing around the plant. Celebrate this stunning succulent with a variety of activities as you explore the plant with Phipps horticulturists. Sip agave inspired cocktails and visit the eye-popping “Summer Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” The first 300 attendees to arrive will receive a free potted plant. Tickets.
Summer Fridays at The Frick. Photo courtesy of Randall Coleman.
Friday, July 24
Summer Fridays at The Frick
5 p.m.
Spread a blanket out on the Frick lawn for a night of summer fun surrounded by greenery, art and history. Animating to the Frick’s Point Breeze campus for its 12th season, the summer series presents a dynamic lineup of performers, art-making activities and food purveyors. Get set for a “plaidtastic polka party” under the stars when one of Pittsburgh’s most energetic groups takes the stage. Blending traditional polka with punk, rock and roots influences, The Polkamaniacs will share their spirited music showcasing accordion, guitars, banjo, trombone and more. Dance and laugh along to their Pittsburgh-centric songs, lively stage antics and interactive shows welcoming all ages. The Farina Foundation will be on site collecting instruments for their donation drive supporting children in need. Tickets.
Installation view of the Carnegie International 57th Edition, Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh (Oct.13, 2018-March 25, 2019), featuring works by Thaddeus Mosley.
Saturday, July 25
Thaddeus G. Mosley at 100: A Symposium at Carnegie Museum of Art
9 a.m.-4 p.m.
On March 6, the art world and all of Pittsburgh said farewell to groundbreaking sculptor and Western Pennsylvania native Thaddeus G. Mosley. Join Carnegie Museum of Art, the Mosley family and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center for this weekend of celebration honoring the artist’s legacy on what would have been Mosley’s milestone 100th birthday. Family, friends, scholars, students, collectors and fans will come together to explore “language and narratives about the contexts, influences and inspirations that informed the artist’s multifaceted life and work.”
Sessions will explore how Mosley’s artistic practice intersected with jazz and poetry, as well as his influence on creatives working in a wide range of disciplines. Discussions will center on intergenerational collecting and his legacy of nurturing family members within the community. The day culminates with a performance of “Sculptures at an Exhibition,” a four-movement jazz work composed collaboratively by Roger Humphries, Dwayne Dolphin, Howie Alexander and Flavio Chamis in response to Mosley’s prolific sculpture. Register.
Family Fest at Arts Landing. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Saturday, July 25
Family Fest at Arts Landing
10 a.m.
Downtown Pittsburgh’s newest civic space is now home to this first-ever Family Fest running on Saturdays throughout the summer. Located between Penn Avenue and Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Arts Landing features a 4-acre public space operated by the Pittsburgh Culture Trust. Designed by prominent landscape architecture firm Field Operations, the site encompasses a 1-acre great lawn, public art, an entertainment stage, a pedestrian-friendly garden walk, a courtyard, recreation areas and more.
Ideal for families with children ages 1-13, Family Fest offers a day of free activities and entertainment throughout Arts Landing. Wake up with a morning warmup routine led by Bodiography, make your own tote bags, die cut creatures and chalk art, and enjoy Brazilian kite flying. Check out performances by River City Brass and Gemini Children’s Theatre Co., and hop aboard the Arts Bus, CyberBus and Mobile Sensory Bus. Play pickleball, snap selfies with your favorite Pittsburgh mascots and join a family dance party. Build your own creations with the Steel City LEGO Users Group, join a Sticker Activity Hunt, visit the food trucks and more! Information.
Saturday, July 25
Wildflower Festival at Simmons Farm
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Hayrides are not just for pumpkins anymore. Head south to Simmons family farm in McMurray for their summer Wildflower Festival. Pick up a bucket, hop on a hayride to the flower field and pick your own locally grown blooms to add warmth to your home or give as gifts to friends and family. The flower fields will provide a beautiful backdrop for all your Instagram-worthy snaps. Fun farm activities planned for the day include the mega, combine and fire truck slides, human hamster wheel, corn bus, flower maze, apple labyrinth. The festival also includes local food trucks and vendors. For an additional cost, sign up for the flower-making class. Tickets.
Schenley Plaza. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
Free rides on the PNC Carousel are part of Kids Day at Schenley Plaza. Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
Saturday, July 25
20th Anniversary Jubilee at Schenley Plaza
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
It’s difficult to fathom that 20 years ago Schenley Plaza was an asphalt parking lot (cue the Joni Mitchell song). Fast forward two decades, and the beloved green space draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Located near the Carnegie and Hillman libraries, Cathedral of Learning and Frick Fine Arts Building, the plaza provides popular gathering spaces on the iconic Arthur D. Hellman Lawn, along with year-round entertainment and events. This weekend, the public is invited to join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy to celebrate two decades of Schenley Plaza with a free festival in the heart of Oakland. Hop on the PNC Carousel for free rides and enjoy live big band music. Check out special performances presented by Azure Family Concerts, explore local vendors and pose for a caricature artist. See the city through new eyes during horse-and-carriage rides, and snap selfies with your favorite fairytale characters. Register. Read more about the jubilee in NEXT.
Photo courtesy of Friends of South Side Park.
Photo courtesy of Friends of South Side Park.
Saturday, July 25
Goat Fest PGH at South Side Park
12-4 p.m.
Who wants a noisy weed whacker and toxic chemicals when we have industrious, intelligent and irresistibly cute goats? One of Pittsburgh’s most unusual festivals returns for its ninth edition to spread an eco mission and captivate Pittsburghers. Watch the Allegheny GoatScape herd up-close as they transform the urban green space by making a meal out of destructive, invasive plants. The animal kingdom’s natural gardeners have aided volunteer efforts to plant 5,000 native trees, shrubs and perennials throughout the park, helping to mitigate landslide risks, reduce erosion, improve air quality and expand wildlife habitats. The addition of a fruit orchard has further highlighted the park’s value as a neighborhood green space.
Hike the trails, visit the petting zoo and don’t miss the Build Your Own Garden plant sale. Hosted by Friends of South Side Park, the free event also includes an artisan market, live music and food trucks. Park in the UPMC lot at Sarah Street and Steve Seventy Way (near 29th Street) and hop on the free shuttle to the event entrance at 2000 Julia St. The day begins with a special ticketed Goat Yoga class at 9 a.m., followed by “goat cuddle time.” Are you kidding me? Information. Read more about Goat Fest in NEXT.
Saturday, July 25
Neighborhood Flea Night Market at SouthSide Works
6-10 p.m.
Who says you need to get all your shopping done by 5 p.m.? Shop your way through magic hour when The Neighborhood Flea hosts the nighttime edition of its pop-up marketplace. A must-do for any flea market fanatic, the event extends the local shopping into the evening hours with 70 vendors selling treasures both new and old. A great place to chat with local makers, creatives and business owners, the curated markets boasts everything from vintage collectibles and antiques to handmade wares, original artwork, home decor, fashions and small-batch foods. Shopping here means you’re keeping dollars within the local community. The event also includes a rotating lineup of local DJs and food trucks. Make a night of it by enjoying dinner and drinks at SouthSide Works. Bonus: Use the market’s QR code for discounted rates at the SouthSide Works parking garages. Information.
All photos courtesy of Blank Space.
Saturday, July 25
Blank Space at The Plaza at North Shore
7:30-10:30 p.m.
Now that the Taylor-Travis nuptial hype is behind us, we can focus our Swiftie energy on the music. Be there when California’s premier Taylor Swift tribute band Blank Space rocks the Burgh. Bringing their take on Tay Tay to The Plaza at North Shore for just one night, the group is billed as “a full-scale re-creation of Taylor Swift’s record-breaking musicians and dancers, dazzling visuals and intricate choreography.” Fronted by Olivia Mojica, the band is named for the second single from Swift’s fifth studio album, “1989.” Sing and dance along to the group’s song-by-song homage to Taylor’s hits — from her “heartfelt country ballads to the electrifying pop anthems that shook the world.” Join legions of local fans for an immersive experience that goes beyond a concert to highlight the power of music. Tickets.
Dance Africa. Photo courtesy of John Ford, Still Life Journal Beaute.
Saturday, July 25
Dance Africa Pittsburgh in Allegheny Square
12-6 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s premier presenter of African and African Diaspora performing arts is bringing an immersive, outdoor festival experience to the North Side. Transforming Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square into a “vibrant celebration of culture, movement and joy,” the Legacy Arts Project will host its 14th annual Dance Africa festival directly across from the Children’s Museum. Titled “Now That We Are Here: Let the World Be Moved,” the organization’s flagship event presents world-class African and Diaspora dance and drumming ensembles performing on the festival’s main stage. Festival-goers will experience an “electrifying program of movement that honors tradition while inspiring new generations.”
Beyond the stage, attendees can pop into the African Marketplace to shop from regional vendors showcasing traditional prints, handcrafted goods, natural body products and locally made visual art. Don’t miss the Culinary Village where you can savor the rich culinary traditions of the African Diaspora and beyond. Free to all ages, the Dance Africa also features a children’s play area with hands-on activities and youth performances. Information.
Saturday, July 25
“The Magic of Motown” at the Byham Theater
7:30 p.m.
Where can you experience the iconic music of The Temptations, The Jackson Five, Diana Ross & the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Smokey Robinson all on the same night under one roof? The beloved Motor City songbook comes to life on stage for just one shimmering night in what has been called “the No. 1 Motown show in the country.” From the opening note to the final encore, the dynamic show blends blissful harmonies, dynamic choreography and glistening costumes. Sing along or sway in the aisles as you celebrate the timeless sights, sounds and spirit of Motown. Tickets.
Photo by Murphy Moschetta.
Photo courtesy of BikePGH.
Sunday, July 26
OpenStreetsPGH in the Strip District and Lawrenceville
10 am.-2 p.m.
Stroll, bike, skate or dance through the middle of the city’s streets with nary a car in sight, when OpenStreetsPGH hosts its final summer event. Transforming Pittsburgh roadways into vibrant, car-free spaces, the unique event takes urban adventurers on a 3-mile route through the Strip District and Lawrenceville. Cruise along Smallman Street to experience local heritage, iconic vendors and neighborhood vitality. Next, roll up Butler Street to take in all that the eclectic community has to offer, from murals and indie boutiques to coffeehouses and galleries.
Hosted by BikePGH, the free event celebrates active transportation and community connection while highlighting the city’s neighborhoods. Open to all, the family-friendly summer event series temporarily closes select roads to cars and celebrates community life on city streets. Join BikePGH’s interactive “Side Quest” for a chance to earn a prize while exploring the route. Pop into The Strip District Terminal Community Wellness Hub, the Duquesne Light Co. Kids Hub in Lawrenceville and the UPMC Health Plan cooling station. Information. Read more about OpenStreetsPGH in NEXT.
Sunday, July 26
National Disability Independence Day at the Andy Warhol Museum
10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join The Warhol Museum to celebrate National Disability Independence Day. Observed annually on July 26, the event commemorates the historic 1990 signing of the Americans With Disabilities Act. The event will highlight the museum’s accessibility initiatives, including the EnChroma Color Accessibility Program, tactile art reproductions, large-print copies of wall labels and Bloomberg Connects app. An American Sign Language interpreter will attend the museum’s gallery talks at 11:15 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Marking the 36th anniversary of ADA, the event will also feature sighted-guide museum tours. Sensory-friendly guidelines will be followed in the museum’s Factory art studio. The event is free with museum admission. For additional accessibility questions or requests, contact access@warhol.org. Information.
9 more things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh
Thursday, July 23: Jazz in the Garden featuring Roger Humphries at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 6:30-9 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: Pittsburgh Caribbean Carnival in Allegheny Commons Park, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: Inside Out Day: Launching Peace presented by Assemble, Black NASA and Daid Roy at Carnegie Museum of Art, 12 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: Mango-Rita in Paradise, a Jimmy Buffett Tribute Concert and Summer Celebration at Pittsburgh Brewing Co., 1-10 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: Siesta Fiesta Latin + Global Music Party at Round Corner Cantina, 5-9 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: Pressley Ridge Ice Cream Fundae at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 6-9 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: Allegheny County Summer Concert Series presents Arrested Development with Cam Chambers at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: CitiParks Cinema in the Park, Film Pittsburgh and ReelAbilities present Summer Shorts in Schenley Plaza, 8:15 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: Disco Sunday Disco at Trace Brewing, 3-9 p.m.