Welcome to our first monthly event guide of 2026! Whether you’re looking for ways to squash those postholiday blues, keep your resolution to try new things or escape winter’s gloom without depleting your travel budget, we have the recommendations.

In fact, there’s more going on in January already than we had predicted, so check out our Weekly Event Guides, subscribe to our free newsletter or forward this event guide to a friend.

1. Sad Karaoke at Bottlerocket Social Hall: Jan. 8

The first week back to reality after the holidays can be a downer, but why stew over it when you can sing about it?! It might be January, but thanks to the brilliant minds behind Sad Karaoke, the party is definitely not over. Pack up all your sad and confused feelings and bring them to the first Sad Karaoke of 2026 to join the event’s inaugural edition at the cozy Allentown venue. Sad Karaoke cofounders Andrea Laurion and Matthew Buchholz have passed the torch to new event organizers Patrick Bresnahan and Ellen Kiley, but the vibes are just as wistful. Some of the best music ever made makes people cry, so grab the mic and channel your inner Whitney. Singing for free and donating to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank is a fantastic way to give back and banish those New Year’s scaries. Sign-ups are at 7 p.m., and the singing starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets.

Photo by Paul g. Wiegman.

2. Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Blooming with Love at Phipps: Opens Jan. 10

Escape winter’s chill when two of Mother Nature’s most enchanting and ephemeral botanical creations fill the iconic glasshouse. Open through March 15, this year’s signature show is designed around the universal theme of love, making it the perfect precursor to Valentine’s Day next month. Warm your heart and your soul with new displays highlighting the collections of outstanding orchids and classically trained bonsai at Phipps. Strike a pose in front of a neon pink LOVE sign, be captivated by romantic arrangements and admire a tranquil white gazebo decorated with pink and white flora. Encounter 8-foot orchid towers bursting with pink, yellow and orange hues and slow down to appreciate the beauty found in each bloom, stem and petal. Step into a houseplant heaven to learn about pet-friendly plants and unusual leaves, wander through terrific tropical bonsai and vote for your favorite specimen. Tickets.

Pistachio-crusted salmon with cranberry chutney and parmesan-crusted chicken over pasta entrees at the LeMont, featured during Pittsburgh Restaurant Week in 2025. Photo by Roman Hladio.

3. Pittsburgh Restaurant Week: Jan. 12-18

Pittsburgh Restaurant Week arrives just in time for all the exhausted home chefs who are so ready to get out of the kitchen after the hectic holiday season. See what’s on the menus and plates of Pittsburgh’s top chefs while helping to boost local restaurants during a typically slow time of year. Highlighting new dishes for the New Year, these seven days offer prix fixe meals and special entrees at 40-plus eateries. And the list keeps growing. Experience the diverse array of dining options that Pittsburgh has to offer as you stroll the streets and explore new neighborhoods and suburbs. It’s the most delicious time of year to discover your favorite new eatery, return to the places you’ve been craving and pamper yourself with dinner from Pittsburgh’s rock star chefs.

There’s a flavor for all palates — from Khalil’s, Cafe Momentum, täkō, EYV, Revival On Lincoln and Golden Gai, to Monterey Bay Fish Grotto, The Commoner, Muddy Waters Oyster Bar and more. There are newbies like Palm Palm and Cucina Alfabeto, veteran staples like Grand Concourse, LeMont Pittsburgh and everything in between. Peruse the menus and play the “Restaurant Roulette” game online to plot out your culinary adventures.

The national tour of “Wicked.” Photo by Joan Marcus.

4. “Wicked” at the Benedum Center: Jan. 14-31

Start off 2026 on a wildly wicked note, when this Broadway sensation soars into the Benedum. Imagine the Land of Oz way before Dorothy’s momentous arrival. Discover what transpires when “another young woman, born with emerald-green skin — smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent — meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular.” Rivalry turns into friendship, but the rest of the world “decides to call one good and the other one wicked.”

Sing along to electrifying hits including “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” with iconic music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. Dubbed “the untold true story of the Witches of Oz,” the wildly inventive show is sure to transfix fans new and old. Winner of a staggering 100 international awards including a Grammy and three Tonys, “Wicked” is the fourth-longest-running show in Broadway history. Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, the show features a book by Winnie Holzman. Directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello, “Wicked” runs through Feb. 15. Tickets.

Featured poets (from left, top to bottom): Diarra Imani, Shockie G, Leslie Ezra Smith, Thembisile Gxuluwe, Mike Smalls and Devantae Butler.

5. Poetry Unplugged: Still Dreaming! at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center: Jan. 16

Join the August Wilson African American Cultural Center to celebrate the 10th anniversary of its Poetry Unplugged series and honor the trailblazing life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Experience a powerful evening fusing artistry, activism and storytelling curated and hosted by Orlando Watson, governor for the Recording Academy’s Philadelphia chapter. A remarkable lineup of Pennsylvania-based spoken word poets will “speak truth to power, illuminate today’s ever-shifting social climate and remind us of the collective resilience found in Dr. King’s dream.”

Celebrating a decade of “poetic expression, cultural truth-telling and community healing,” the event also features a special appearance by Grammy-nominated songwriter, Khemist Mayfield of Philadelphia. Joining Mayfield on stage will be a lineup of local literary luminaries, including Diarra Imani, Thembisile Gxuluwe, Devantae Butler, Leslie Ezra Smith, Shockie G and Mike Smalls. DJ Selecta will spin energetic sounds throughout the evening, including the postshow open mic session and after-party. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the program starts at 7 p.m. Tickets.

Cellist Leah Rankin. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Irish Festival.

6. Brigid at the New Hazlett Theater: Jan. 17

Why wait 72 days to celebrate the richness of Irish culture? March might revolve around St. Patrick, but January is all about Brigid. Women, whiskey and light will merge at this musical celebration of the Celtic goddess and Patron Saint of Ireland. The event takes place two weeks before St. Brigid’s Feast Day on Feb. 1 (also known as Imbolc), which signals the beginning of spring on the Emerald Isle. There’s a lot to celebrate because Brigid is also the patron saint of women, light, poetry, beer, newborns, blacksmiths, dairymaids, learning, healing, protection, sailors and more. Don’t miss bagpiping phenom Ally the Piper, acclaimed cellist Leah Rankin and Grammy winners Eileen Ivers & The Brigideens. Also featured will be The Ladies of Longford and Meadhbh Walsh, 23-year-old Irish folk singer-songwriter from Cork. Brigid also serves as the kickoff to a new two full weeks of activities presented by the Pittsburgh Irish Festival through Feb. 1, featuring poetry readings, craft nights, whiskey tastings and more. Revelers can choose the matinee show at 2 p.m. or evening production at 7 p.m. In the spirit of St. Brigid, a portion of the proceeds will support the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of The Frick Pittsburgh.

7. Winterfest at The Frick Pittsburgh: Jan. 17-18

Winter has decided to enter the party early this year, so why not get out there and embrace it. Bundle up and head to Point Breeze, where The Frick Pittsburgh transforms into a festive two-day winter wonderland. Banish the postholiday blues and experience the magic of the new year with uplifting music from the South Hills Children’s Choir and jazz pianist Royce Hearn. Heat up with Hot Wheels demonstrations led by Pittsburgh Glass Center, join the snowman scavenger hunt and visit the historic greenhouse. Contribute to a collaborative mural, make puppets and create winter landscapes. Test your deduction skills using different Gilded Age tools at the History Mystery Table, sip soothing treats at the hot chocolate bar and step into the Frick family’s Victorian mansion. Add your winter wish to an interactive ribbon sculpture, scan QR codes stationed throughout the campus, and listen to the immersive Duquesne Soundwalk. Enjoy picturesque views of the festive grounds while savoring a seasonal cafe menu, check out the latest exhibitions at The Frick Art Museum, and shop for books, accessories and home décor. Winterfest runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information.

For the first time, following Winterfest on Jan. 18, families are encouraged to stay and relax with an immersive indoor Winter Sound Bath Concert (tickets required) led by Brooke Smokelin.

Photos courtesy of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater.

Throughout the region, there are so many ways for families to honor the MLK Day holiday as civic, cultural and educational organizations host events, celebrations and volunteer opportunities. At the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, the community is invited to join a day of unity, reflection and creative expression. Artists, neighbors and changemakers come together to uplift Dr. King’s “dream of justice, compassion and shared humanity.” The day kicks off with engaging activities led by community partners in KST’s lobby. Check out “After the Dream,” a portrait exhibition celebrating past and future freedom fighters created by Morgan Overton. Next, take a seat in the theater to experience inspiring performances celebrating Dr. King’s enduring vision and imagining a more equitable future. Tickets offered on a “Pay What Moves You” scale.

More places to celebrate MLK Day: Allegheny County Bar Association Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast at Mount Ararat Baptist Church (7:30 a.m.); Day Off at the Museum for ages 6-10 at Carnegie Museum of Art (9 a.m.-3 p.m.); MLK Day of Service, Community and Connection at the University of Pittsburgh (10 a.m.-3 p.m.); MLK Free Community Day at Pittsburgh Glass Center (10 a.m.-4 p.m.); MLK Day at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh (10 a.m.-5 p.m.); Streaming Justice Youth Talk Show at SLB Radio (3-6 p.m.); and more.

Beth and Ross Myers, 1936 Ford Roadster, winner of the 2025 Legend Cup.

9. World of Wheels at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center: Jan. 23-25
Various times

Accelerate into 2026 when the convention center morphs into a four-day “Autorama.” World of Wheels rolls into Downtown Pittsburgh for its 65th annual showcase of the leading hot rods, classics, custom cars, boats, trucks, motorcycles and more. Watch before your very eyes as the full-size MegaMorph automobile transforms into a giant robot. Additional highlights this year include the Pedal Car Challenge, Steel City Competition and Student Career Day. Fans of “The Dukes of Hazard” should cruise over to the event’s special show reunion featuring TV cousins Daisy (Catherine Bach) and Bo (John Schneider), while music lovers can meet Foreigner cofounder Lou Gramm.

Feast your eyes on award-winning vehicles like a 1936 Ford Roadster and a 1955 Chevrolet Nomad Gray Madder. Get your speed fix as you explore special exhibits, meet celeb guests and see who wins The Ridler, one of the country’s most prestigious auto accolades. Whether you’re a competitor, a collector or a curious onlooker, it’s a chance to pay tribute to the innovative workmanship found in the vehicles of yesteryear and today. Produced by Championship Auto Shows, it’s the largest show of its kind. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of The National Aviary.

10. Penguin-Palooza at The National Aviary: Jan. 24 & 25

Waddle into 2026 with everyone’s favorite flightless feathered friends. Even if you dread winter’s gloom, you can’t help but perk up with a smile and feel warm all over when the penguins become your new besties. Fresh on the (webbed) heels of International Penguin Awareness Day, which celebrates this unique species on Jan. 20, the North Side will be penguin central. Meet the resident colony of African Penguins and hear insightful talks by avian experts. Pop into the Penguin Discovery Zone to explore what makes these aquatic avians unique, learn about penguin adaptations and nest burrows and play trivia. Make penguin-themed crafts, join a scavenger hunt and learn how you can protect our planet’s diverse marine life. Watch a penguin feeding, mingle with other bird nerds and experience a day in the life of a penguin with a park ranger. Penguin-Palooza runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. Information.

5 more things to do in January

The Original Pittsburgh RV Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Jan. 9-11 & Jan. 16-18


Kierra Darshell’s Birthday Drag Brunch at the Greer Cabaret Theater, Jan. 10

Locomotion Weekend at the Kamin Science Center, Jan. 17 & 18

BikePGH presents “Life After Cars” Book Talk & Discussion at Alloy 26, Jan. 29

Siesta Fiesta with special guest DJ pvkvsv at Spirit, Jan. 30

For more things to do in January with NEXT, don’t miss our Weekend Event Guides and NEXT in the Gallery series.