What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Nov. 13-16? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, Nov. 13: “Free Ourselves From Stone: Ukrainian Voices Reclaimed” at St. Peter & St. Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church
6-9 p.m.
For the final event in its Ukrainian Storytelling Series, RealTime Arts is hosting a gathering at Pittsburgh’s hub for the Ukrainian community in Carnegie. The live performance of Ukrainian folktales and music will be interspersed with commentary from Ukrainian war veterans. Developed in collaboration with Ukrainian and U.S. veterans, the event supports RealTime’s upcoming large-scale play, “there is a blue that only children see,” slated for production in 2026. Held just two days after Veterans Day in the U.S., the evening kicks off with a homemade Ukrainian dinner. The performance will be followed by a community discussion with Ukrainian veterans of the current war. Tickets.

Thursday, Nov. 13-Sunday, Nov. 16: Three Rivers Film Festival at Hollywood Theater, Harris Theater, The Lindsay Theater and Pittsburgh Playhouse
Various times
Courageous school librarians fighting book bans. A father and son on a desperate search through Morocco. The life and legacy of music icon Paul McCartney. These are just some of the transformative stories screening during the 44th annual Three Rivers Film Festival.

Now underway through Nov. 23, the Film Pittsburgh festival showcases 23 features and 113 shorts in-person and online, including East Coast premieres. The dynamic lineup is augmented by Q&As, panels, parties and the fifth annual Filmmaker Conference. There are many can’t-miss highlights this year, including “About Face: Disrupting Ballet,” a documentary about Asian dancers challenging racial stereotypes within the world’s leading ballet companies. Directed by Duquesne University graduate Jennifer R. Lin, the film features Altoona native Georgina Pazcoguin. Keep the spooky season going with the Chiller Theater event honoring Pittsburgh’s own broadcast legend Chilly Billy Cardille. Schedule and tickets. Read more about 3RFF in NEXT.

Thursday, Nov. 13: Let’s Laugh At Presents: A Tyler Ray Kendrick Comedy Special at the Glitterbox Theater
7:30 p.m.
Ever wanted to be in the audience for the filming of a live comedy special? Now’s your chance. Become “Pittsburgh famous” and LOL with comedian, actor and educator Tyler Ray Kendrick. Recently named one of the New Pittsburgh Courier’s 40 Under 40, Kendrick is filming his new comedy special live in Homestead, and the public is invited to be part of the experience. An instructor with the brand new Upright Citizens Brigade Training Center at Bottlerocket in Allentown, Kendrick has taught improv, standup and comedy-based courses to more than 300 students. The award-winning comedian is known for an approach that “blends humor with purpose.” Tickets.

Photo courtesy of Kennywood.

Friday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 16: Holiday Lights at Kennywood Park
5-9 p.m. & 3-9 p.m.
With more open dates and hours, Kennywood will shine brighter than ever during the upcoming holiday season. Rub noses with Rudolph and make new memories with classic Christmas characters as you meet his pals Clarice, Bumble and Sam the Snowman. Hop on 25 thrilling rides and explore the new Gingerbread Junction-themed area. Stroll amidst more than 3 million twinkling lights and bask in the glow of Pennsylvania’s tallest Christmas tree. Savor the flavors of new festive food offerings, join the Jingle Bell Jamboree and check out immersive holiday-themed entertainment. Tickets.

“Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Projects.” Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Friday, Nov. 14: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District
5-10 p.m.
Find everything that’s new Downtown when this multi-venue “open house” returns with five hours of free programming. The lively night spotlights Pittsburgh’s dynamic arts, cultural and entertainment offerings, along with local food purveyors and independent businesses.

Not to miss at 820 Gallery is “Frank Lloyd Wright’s Southwestern Pennsylvania: The Pittsburgh Projects.” From a monumental reimagining of the Point to a self-service garage for Kaufmann’s, the exhibit documents animated videos of unrealized residential, commercial and civic projects designed by the legendary architect. Additional highlights include a retrospective celebrating 45 years of Pittsburgh Creative and Performing Arts School alumni and faculty at SPACE Gallery. Information. Read more about the Gallery Crawl in NEXT.

Photo courtesy of Paul g. Wiegman.

Friday, Nov. 14: Holiday Magic at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Winter has officially delivered our first snowfall, which means it’s time to escape the gloom at Phipps. Be among the first to see this year’s highly anticipated Holiday Magic show and kick off the season of twinkle lights at the Oakland landmark. Step into a “Wild Winter,” to experience brand new displays, spirited scenes and radiant décor.

See floral installations bursting with vibrant amaryllis, orchids and poinsettias and watch perky penguins playing in the snow. Pose for picturesque holiday photos in front of a show-stopping orb tree and look up to see wondrous birdhouses. Relax beside a cozy fireplace with paw print stockings, explore an interactive clam shell and see a dazzling 11-foot tree decorated with cardinals. Step outside where the Winter Light Garden transforms the night with beaming blue lights and shimmering snowballs. Also on view is the new “Garden Railroad: The Age of Dinosaurs” display featuring mini dinosaurs from the Mesozoic Era. Tickets. Don’t miss Boaz Frankel’s Yinzer Backstage Pass tour at Phipps.

Pittsburgh Opera’s “Fellow Travelers.” Photo by Dave Pearson.

Friday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 16: “Fellow Travelers” at the Byham Theater
7 p.m. & 2 p.m.
You have only one weekend to experience this dramatic musical with a theme that’s as relevant as ever. Based on the acclaimed novel by Thomas Mallon, the engrossing work of historical fiction also inspired the Paramount+ TV series. Audiences will be transported to Washington, D.C., during the height of the McCarthy Era/Lavender Scare. Directed by Brian Staufenbiel, the fast-paced musical tells the story of two closeted gay government employees who are forced to keep their affair hidden because they fear losing their jobs. Set against the backdrop of the country’s “crusade against communism,” the love story explores themes of loyalty, politics, surveillance and more. Conducted by Antony Walker, the Pittsburgh Opera production features music by composer Gregory Spears and libretto by Greg Pierce. After the Nov. 15 performance, attendees are invited to join Pittsburgh Opera’s General Director Christopher Hahn for an interview with the cast. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of Texture Contemporary Ballet.

Friday, Nov. 14, & Saturday, Nov. 15: Texture Choreography Project at The Greer Cabaret Theater
7:30 p.m.
After last year’s sold-out performance, Texture Contemporary Ballet is unveiling 14 original dance works in the Cultural District. Bringing together choreographers from throughout Pittsburgh and beyond, the event is part of the Texture Choreography Project. A celebration of original artistic work, the project provides a platform for choreographers with a range of experiences to showcase their latest ideas, work with Texture dancers and “take risks.” The beautifully renovated Greer Cabaret Theater offers an intimate space for audiences to experience dance, along with comfortable seating, upscale bistro fare and craft cocktails. Tickets.

Saturday, Nov. 15: I Made It! for the Holidays at The Block Northway
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
One of Pittsburgh’s premier craft markets takes the stress — and the monotony — out of holiday shopping. With newly expanded offerings, including two dedicated retail locations, you’ll find all your seasonal needs, from gifts to decor to sweet treats. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping when 120 artists fill the mall’s South Corridor. The juried mix of handmade products includes everything from artwork, clothing, toys, wellness products and housewares, to ceramics, glass, jewelry, pet treats and food. Information. Read more about the market in NEXT.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Photographic Print Fair at the Wilkinsburg Train Station
12-5 p.m.
Wilkinsburg’s beautifully renovated train station is transforming into a photography marketplace, where more than 40 contemporary photographers will share and sell their work. Meet the artists, find a favorite piece to start your own photography collection, and visit the Community Table to explore curated pieces by local artists. Presented by Eastern Standard Photo, the free event also features food and drinks for sale from Kinder Being Cafe, Manduhandu and The Pittsburgh Pie Guy.

Photo courtesy of SouthSide Works.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Holiday Glow at SouthSide Works
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Make SouthSide Works your holiday HQ at this inaugural celebration. The mixed-use complex is all decked out for the holiday season with something for revelers of all ages and humbugs too. Get cozy in The Nest, an outdoor pop-up bar hosted by The Speckled Egg, featuring a selection of creative cocktails and mocktails, like the Evergreen & Ember, Muleing About and Season of the Witch. Plus, there’s free hot cocoa for the kiddos. Pop into the Santa Photo Booth with friends, fam and Fido to snap a holiday keepsake to take home. Listen to strolling carolers, make festive crafts with PGH Party Creations and shop for permanent jewelry for sale with Tinked. The free event will also feature music by DJ Wade, a caricature artist and more seasonal fun. Grab your free light-up wand and help usher in the season as the Town Square tree is set aglow. Information.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Sad Karaoke at Golden Age Beer Co.
7-10 p.m.
As Elton John sings in his 1984 hit, “Sad songs say so much.” Before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season thrusts us all into panic mode, take a night to exhale and enjoy your favorite sad songs. Event co-founders Andrea Laurion and Matthew Buchholz are passing the baton to new event organizer Patrick Bresnahan, but the vibes will stay just as melancholy. Some of the best music ever made makes people sob, so why not grab the mic and and sing along? Head to Homestead, where the brewery is equipped with a cozy beer garden, a full menu and an outdoor performance stage. Signups starts at 6 p.m. Donations benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Information.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Weave-a-Thon at Contemporary Craft
Noon-midnight
Forget dance-a-thons and telethons; this is a fresh new “spin” on the age-old fundraiser. Contemporary Craft is bringing back its 12-hour Weave-a-Thon with an even hotter twist. New this year will be a group of local metalsmiths getting in on the action with the first-ever Torch-a-Thon. This means that for 12 hours straight, 49 weavers and 33 metalsmiths will work in one-hour shifts to weave dish towels and construct ornaments. All the wares will be available in the Contemporary Craft Store for the organization’s holiday shopping event on Nov. 21. Event proceeds will support upgrades to the center’s studios, while 50% of each dish towel and ornament sold goes directly to the artists. Cheer them on in person from 12 to 9 p.m. Equal parts fundraiser, production studio and community party, the one-of-a-kind craftacular is a great way to support the city’s local arts ecosystem and experience making up-close. Information.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Jellyfish at Sidequest
9 p.m.
For its November edition, Pittsburgh’s premier queer dance party “ventures into uncharted waters with a new underground and more intimate spot.” Resident Jellyfish DJs and co-founders Stephanie Tsong (Formosa) and Ricky Mawzlin team up with our neighbors to the north to welcome DJs Kai, Critter and moody.cn.man from Toronto’s queer music series, The Puckerup Party. Opening the night is Pittsburgh’s dark disco/techno diva LEFSE, while live visuals will be created by Pup Voltzy. Information.

Photo courtesy of The National Aviary.

Sunday, Nov. 16: Friendsgiving Brunch at The National Aviary
11 a.m.
The Garden Room
Need to spice up your brunch game or Thanksgiving plans? It’s the ultimate leaf peeping season in Allegheny Commons Park around Lake Elizabeth, and you’ll have a vibrant view of all the hues while being treated to brunch in the Aviary’s historic Rose Garden. Savor mouthwatering entrées handcrafted by Executive Chef Nathan Collins of Atria’s Specialty Catering (think: Autumnal Chicken and Waffles and Butternut Squash Ravioli), and sip Caramel Apple Sangria or boozy Pumpkin Spiced Lattes. After dining with your besties, join a scavenger hunt to find the resident “paired avian pals.” Tickets.

9 more things to do this weekend

Thursday, Nov. 13: Hidden History Trivia Night at the Heinz History Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 13: Sound Series: Amp’d Ensemble at the Andy Warhol Museum, 8 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 14: 5th Annual YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Equity Awards at The Westin Pittsburgh, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 14: Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation’s 21st Annual Aggie Brose Awards Luncheon at the Omni William Penn Hotel, 12-2 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 14: Pitt Stages presents “Iphigenia and Other Daughters” at the Charity Randall Theatre, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Trans Clothing Swap at Mr. Roboto Project, 1-4 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 15, & Sunday, Nov. 16: “Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women” by Lauren Gunderson at City Theatre Company, 5:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Rhinestone Steel: Queer Fashion Show at the The Glitterbox Theater, 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 16: Imagination Station: Game On! at Attack Theatre Studios, 2 p.m.

For more things to do in November with NEXT, check out our Fall Concert Guide, NEXT in the Gallery series and roundup of winter house tours.