What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Jan. 8-11? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, Jan. 8: Sad Karaoke at Bottlerocket Social Hall
7 p.m.
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. 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. Tickets. Read more about Sad Karaoke in NEXT.

Thursday, Jan. 8: The Q Jam at Hellbender Vinyl
7 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s only vinyl manufacturing plant is not just for pressing wax, it’s also providing a platform for supporting emerging voices. It’s now the setting for this monthly jam session for women, trans and queer musicians and friends. Hosted by Julia Mahncke, The Q Jam takes place the second Thursday of the month in Lawrenceville. Featured performer for the first jam session of 2026 is Big Ruth. Connect with other women, trans and queer musicians in this welcoming open jam while making new friends and exploring musical collaborations. Bring any instrument of your own to sit in and perform with the house band, take the mic and sing a song, or listen along with fellow musicians. Sign-ups start at 6:45 p.m. Information.

Friday, Jan. 9, & Saturday, Jan. 10: Winter Snow Festival at 3 Rivers Outdoor Co.
5:30-9 p.m. & 7:30-9 p.m.
Just in time to welcome the season of winter sports, 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. hosts this cozy two-day festival. On Friday night, 3ROC hosts professional skier Noah Dines for an exclusive film screening of “Still Excited To Ski.” Following Dines’ world record quest to ski 3.5 million vertical feet in one year, the exhilarating film documents the athlete’s astounding achievements, epic experiences and scenic destinations. Watch intimate moments as Dines ascends uphill “against fatigue, harsh weather and moments of doubt across North America, Europe and South America.” The festivities kick off with local food vendors and a course on how to wax and maintain your skis and snowboards. Attendees can also check out live music, shop for gear and participate in a Q&A with Dines.

On Saturday, the Pennsylvania Cross Country Ski Association shares a short presentation followed by the film, “A White Grass Story.” Directed by Justin Harris of Mountain River Media, the documentary “explores the ephemeral nature of the sport of Nordic skiing and whitewater creek boating in West Virginia.” Any lover of the great outdoors can’t miss this winter weekend celebration. Tickets.

The Fab Four Tribute to the Beatles. Photo courtesy of the artists.

Friday, Jan. 9: The Fab Four: Tribute to the Beatles’ “Help!” and the Hits at the Byham Theater
7:30 p.m.
Fab Four fans will flock to the Cultural District for this ultimate tribute show. You have only one electrifying night to experience this all-new stage show, which celebrates The Beatles’ second film, “Help!,” with performances from the movie soundtrack along with the quartet’s smash hits from every era. Sing along to note-for-note live renditions of classics like “Help!,” “Yesterday,” “A Day In The Life,” “Here Comes The Sun” and “Hey Jude.” The Emmy Award-winning production is acclaimed for its “precise attention to detail,” so get ready to feel as if you’re watching the real thing. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of the Original Pittsburgh RV Show.

Friday, Jan. 9-Sunday, Jan. 11: The Original Pittsburgh RV Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Various times
Daydreaming about your next cross-country adventure but don’t have sufficient wheels yet? The country’s longest-running indoor RV show is here to send you on your way. Rolling into the convention center over two weekends in January, the RV Show is your go-to hub for this year’s biggest selection, lowest prices and best manufacturer incentives. Pittsburghers with wanderlust can explore 9 acres of RVs ranging from folding camping trailers to high-end motor homes.

Meet with more than a dozen on-site dealers and get pro tips from the industry’s top reps. Compare the latest models and try out every accessory to enhance your trip. Be prepared to expand your definition of recreational vehicle, because this show boasts everything from motor homes, boats, lightweight trailers and toy haulers, to scooters, diesel pushers and golf carts. The show is open Fridays from noon to 8 pm, Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Schedule and tickets.


Fri., Jan. 9: “Back to the Future” at the Rangos Giant Cinema
7 p.m.
The first week of the New Year seems like the perfect time to go for a ride to the past and back again with this iconic 1980s film. Directed by Robert Zemeckis, the award-winning flick starring Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd went on to launch a popular trilogy. The film’s fusion of science fiction, comedy and adventure will make seeing “Back to the Future” in the most technically advanced theater in Pittsburgh even more memorable and immersive. Will history repeat itself or be altered forever when teenager Marty McFly is “accidentally sent from 1985 to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean built by his eccentric friend Doc Brown?!” See what your future holds by getting tickets now.

Photo by Paul Vladuchick.

Saturday, Jan. 10: “Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Blooming with Love” at Phipps
9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.
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 Conservatory. 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. Tickets. Read more about the exhibit in NEXT.

Photo courtesy of Kierra Darshell.

Saturday, Jan. 10: Kierra Darshell’s Birthday Drag Brunch at the Greer Cabaret Theater
12 p.m.
Who says January has to be a drag? Channel your inner superstar with a show-stopping scrumptious brunch. Pittsburgh’s first lady of drag, Kierra Darshell, invites you and your besties to help “ring in her birthday in true glamorous style.” Sip mimosas while enjoying magnetic performances by Calipso, Indica and Miss Tri-State All-Star Newcomer Kaydence McQueen. Who better to help us escape the winter blues and drag us all into 2026 smiling? Dress to impress for a “high-energy, interactive brunch experience — complete with fierce entertainment and a fabulous meet-and-greet with the queens.” Brunch must be purchased separately. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of comedian Nate Jackson.

Saturday, Jan. 10: Nate Jackson at the Byham Theater
7:30 p.m.
One of the fastest-rising standup stars brings his national Big Dog Comedy Tour to the Burgh. After releasing a highly anticipated Netflix debut special, “Super Funny,” Nate Jackson has been selling out theaters across the U.S. Known for his unfiltered viral content, the charismatic comedian takes on everything from “racially questionable cookies to everyday absurdities,” engaging with fans through his distinct blend of onstage chemistry, audience interaction and bold examination of “taboo topics.” In addition to his standup shows, Jackson portrays The Junkyard Dog on NBC’s hit series, “Young Rock” and stars in Peacock’s new reboot of “The Office.” Tickets.

Sunday, Jan. 11: Discovery Time: Rockin’ with Rocks at Frick Environmental Center
1-3 p.m.
Why hibernate this winter when you can rock out with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy? During this month’s themed Discovery Time program, children will decorate rocks, make their own fossils and play interactive, rock-themed games. Designed to “spark curiosity and keep young minds engaged with nature during the winter months,” the free rock-inspired activities are led by the nonprofit’s naturalist educators. The program is the perfect way to stay active, connect to nature and develop creativity during the gloomy month of January. Register for free.

5 more things to do this weekend

Thursday, Jan. 8-Sunday, Jan. 11: Paul Vigil in Doors of Deception at Liberty Magic, various times

Saturday, Jan. 10: Banned Books Book Club at Kingfly Spirits, 4 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 11: Traction: Winter Dance Intensive at Attack Theatre Studios, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 11: Penguins Watch Party at Pittsburgh Brewing Co., doors open at 1 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 11: Kyiv Ukrainian Dance Ensemble presents “A Very Kyiv Christmas” at Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 4 p.m.

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