What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Jan. 29-Feb. 1? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Be sure to check each event’s website and social media accounts for updates about possible weather-related schedule changes this weekend.
Thursday, Jan. 29: Winter Forest Bathing at the Frick Environmental Center
1-2:30 p.m.
In between celebrating the start of 2026 and the Year of the Fire Horse, there is also an opportunity to honor Tu B’Shevat, the Jewish New Year for Trees. Since it’s too frigid to practice forest bathing outdoors, this special edition will move into the cozy confines of the Frick Environmental Center. Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and 10.27 Healing Partnership to explore this Japanese mindfulness practice and embrace a period of “renewal, growth and humanity’s connection to the earth.” Certified guides will lead participants through “slow, gentle walks along with guided invitations to meditate, reflect and deepen connections to nature, themselves and one another.” Sounds like the mind of tranquility we all could use after shoveling snow all week. The program is free and open to ages 18+. Registration is recommended.
Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon, hosts of “The War on Cars” podcast and authors of the new book, “Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile.” Photo courtesy of BikePGH.
Thursday, Jan. 29: “Life After Cars” Book Talk at Alloy 26
7:30 p.m.
What would life be like without cars? Hop on the bus or the T over to Nova Place on the North Side to explore this pertinent question. Join BikePGH when they welcome Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear, hosts of the popular podcast, “War on Cars.” The pair is currently on a national tour in conjunction with the publication of their new book, “Life After Cars.”
During the discussion, Gordon and Goodyear “will unpack how we can build a better world beyond car dependency with humor, insight and sharp critique.” Special guest for the fundraiser talk is NEXTpittsburgh’s own Boaz Frankel, whom readers will know from his Yinzer Backstage Pass video series. An audience Q&A will provide a platform for discussing Pittsburgh’s local transportation ecosystem, the future of our city and topics related to housing, transportation and livability. Tickets.
Thursday, Jan. 29-Sunday, Feb. 1: “Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance” at the New Hazlett Theater
7:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Did you know that the country’s first emergency medical service staffed by paramedics started in Pittsburgh’s historic Hill District? Prime Stage Theatre brings this remarkable story to life via the world premiere of “Freedom House: Giving Life a Second Chance.” Written by frequent NEXT contributor L.E. McCullough, the play dramatizes the 1967 creation of Freedom House Ambulance Service. Presented with live music, this first-ever stage production depicts the true story of the country’s first mobile Emergency Medical Unit, when doctors trained African American residents of the Hill District “to become the first local, national and international paramedics.” During its eight-year tenure, Freedom House set international standards of emergency medical care, community medicine and paramedic training that are still followed today.
“Freedom House” is directed by Scott Calhoon and includes in its cast: Willa “Katy” Cotten, Cynthia Dallas, Justin Mohr, Darrin Mosley Jr., Anne Rematt, DeVaughn Robinson and Ryan Warsing. Tickets.
Friday, Jan. 30: Projection Portals: Live Video Machine at Carnegie Museum of Art
7 p.m.
Sit back, let your mind wander and experience a night of “immersive live visuals” in the museum’s grand Hall of Architecture. Watch as local artists working in the field of real-time video performance “illuminate the museum’s monumental plaster casts in a vibrant dialogue between past and future.” Featured artists — whose creative process involves everything from analog synthesizers to generative code — are: Sarah Turner, Sean Russell Hallowell, Nica Ross, extreme girlhood, PXLXPXL, Jules Malice, prof quad, projectile objects, Friendly Spinach and Nasty Taxi. Registration is recommended for the free event.
Photo courtesy of Paul g. Wiegman.
Friday, Jan. 30, & Saturday, Jan. 31: Festive Nights of Winter Lights
5–10 p.m
If you didn’t have time to visit Phipps over the holiday season this year — or you’re craving more glow, you’re in luck. To celebrate the success of Phipps Holiday Magic, the local landmark is keeping the lights on to let the Winter Light Garden “shine for a few more nights of festive wonder.” It’s the perfect chance to escape winter’s gloom and the frigid temps with a date night or family outing. Take a serene stroll amidst luminous orbs, towering trees and cascades of light in the outdoor gardens. Inside the historic glasshouse, experience the captivating new show, “Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Blooming with Love.” Tickets.
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Irish Festival.
Friday, Jan. 30: Women & Whiskey at Love, Katie Distilling
7:30 p.m.
Nothing warms you up quite like sipping Irish whiskey on a fridge winter’s night, amirite?! Join the Pittsburgh Irish Festival for this special event that continues a two-week programming celebration of the Celtic goddess and Patron Saint of Ireland. The event includes a curated whiskey tasting featuring several local and women-owned distilleries and dinner. Register.
Friday, Jan. 30, & Sunday, Feb. 1: “Curlew River” at Calvary Episcopal Church
7 p.m. & 4 p.m.
It’s not often that you get to experience live opera inside a church, so this production is not to miss. You have only two more chances to see this newest Pittsburgh Opera production featuring music by the iconic 20th-century English composer Benjamin Britten. Based on the Japanese noh play, “Sumidagawa (Sumida River),” written by Kanze Jūrō (1395-1431), “Curlew River” is the first of Britten’s three “parables for church performance.”
Pittsburgh Opera notes that the work was “written in the style of monastic plain song and laden with musical symbolism; this piece artfully melds theatrical simplicity with ecumenical grandeur.” Featuring libretto by William Plomer, the work follows the story of a “woman driven mad by the mystery of her lost son learns of her boy’s unfortunate fate from a chance encounter with a ferryman while crossing a river.” Directed by Dana Kinney, Curlew River is conducted by Antony Walker. Tickets.
Photo courtesy of the Heinz History Center.
Saturday, Jan. 31: NFL PLAY 60 Training Day at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
All eyes will be on the Burgh when the NFL Draft takes place here in late April. As excitement builds for the exhilarating annual event, you can get your game on at Pittsburgh’s own sports haven. One week before the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX, the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is challenging children of all ages to get moving and stay active. Score big with five floors of activities, show off your moves in the touchdown contest and step off the sidelines to compete for exciting prizes. Train like a pro with quick-hitting drills in the mini-NFL Combine, explore the region’s remarkable sports history, and complete a list of physical challenges. Free for kids ages 17 and under. Information.
Friday, Jan. 30: Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District
5:30-9 p.m.
Warm up with art when this quarterly open house returns to the Cultural District. Launching an expanded new schedule, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust will now host Gallery Crawls on the final Friday of every month. Starting this week, that means more art to experience all year round. Look for the sidewalk stop signs identifying the participating venues in the free, multi-venue “open house.” Experience the vibrancy and energy of a night in the city through visual art, performance, film, hands-on activities, dynamic entertainment, music, dance, spoken word and more.
Not to miss at the Harris Theater is “Pittsburgh in Progress: Animating Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pittsburgh.” During the compelling presentation, Brian Eyerman and Lu Eyerman, of Skyline Ink Animators + Illustrators, will share their unique process of using original architectural drawings and engaging experts to “breathe life into Wright’s unrealized designs for 1940s Pittsburgh.” The pair will also discuss how they used architectural and animation software to create the room-size animation currently on view at 820 Gallery. Additional highlights include multimedia exhibits at Wood Street Galleries and 707 Gallery, outdoor public art installations and more. Information.
Photo courtesy of Allegheny County.
Saturday, Jan. 31: SnowFest at Boyce Park
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
If you have a budding Lindsey Vonn or Shaun White in your clan or want to stay active as a family, head to these flurry festivities. Young engineers can build a contraption and put their skills to the test during the popular Cardboard Box Snow Tubing Derby, while snow lovers ages 5-12 can compete in ski and snowboard races during the Mini-Junior Olympics. Enjoy snow tubing and skiing on the slopes, warm up sipping hot cocoa and snag prizes for participating in winter-themed, hands-on activities. There’s even craft beer from Hop Farm Brewing Co. Tickets.
Saturday, Jan. 31: The Black Archive Speaker Series at Alma l Lewis
2-4 p.m.
A new speaker series pairing Black material culture with talks by scholars, writers and artists invites the public to take part in “thoughtful conversation, collective learning and community rooted in care.” Don’t miss the inaugural edition of The Black Archive winter speaker series at Alma l Lewis in Point Breeze. For its kickoff, the free series welcomes the award-winning cultural worker and writer Lissette Norman, author of picture books such as “My Feet Are Laughing,” “Plátanos Go with Everything” and “Abuela’s Library.” Norman, whose practice examines “family, memory, place and the diverse textures of Black life,” will introduce her new body of work titled, “Black is My Luck.” Joining Norman in conversation is Alma l Lewis alumnus Kleaver Cruz. Register for free.
Sunday, Feb. 1: Pittsburgh Anime-Fest at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh – Cranberry
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fans of Japanese animation and pop culture should teleport up to Mars, Pa., for this immersive celebration. It’s rare chance to explore fandoms of multiple genres and meet acclaimed voice actors, including Jennifer Cihi. Cihi is the original singing voice of the iconic character Sailor Moon from the manga series about a teen girl who morphs into a magical warrior to protect planet Earth from evil forces. Stroll through the Exhibitor Hall & Artist Alley filled with vendors showcasing everything from rare collectibles, Pokémon cards, fan art and apparel, to toys, magazines and jewelry. There is so much for fans, families and collectors alike, including cosplay contests, video game tournaments and panel discussions with anime professionals. Tickets.
Sunday, Feb. 1: Black History Month at the City-County Building
Various times
The City of Pittsburgh kicks off Black History Month with a tribute to the courage, leadership and community service of John B. Vashon and his family. Highlighting the Vashon family’s trailblazing legacy during the 1800s, the multimedia display documents the family’s enduring impact on contemporary movements for justice, equality, human rights, education, advocacy and activism. The project also highlights the current mission of local organizations, including Black Women For A Better Education, BOOM Concepts and the Pittsburgh chapter of The Links Inc. Running through Feb. 28, the public monthlong display in the City-County Building features photographs and memorabilia celebrating one of Pittsburgh’s most important families. The public display is augmented by online content available throughout February. Information.
Photo courtesy of Con Alma.
Sunday, Feb. 1: Fundraising Gala at Con Alma
5:30-9 p.m.
Con Alma has emerged as a regional destination for experiencing innovative cuisine, world-class jazz and an artistic ambience. If you’ve enjoyed nights there in Downtown Pittsburgh, then consider supporting the cultural hub during this immersive fundraising gala. This is not just another fundraiser, because the evening will feature live jazz with star trumpeter Sean Jones along with friends. While being treated to a “one-of-a-kind jazz experience rooted in spontaneity and collaboration,” attendees will enjoy chef-driven cuisine and handcrafted cocktails. The event’s silent auction supports the legacy of live jazz and independent hospitality in Pittsburgh with thoughtfully curated offerings, including an exclusive “vinyl vibe gift basket.” Emceed by Pittsburgh media personality Bill Crawford the gala aims to “honor the soul of jazz” while creating connections among music, food, culture and community. Tickets.
3 more things to do this weekend
Friday, Jan. 30: Siesta Fiesta at Spirit: 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 31: University Art Gallery Open House in the Frick Fine Arts Building, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 31: 70th Anniversary of Pittsburgh’s Missing B-25 Bomber at the Courtyard by Marriott, 3-5 p.m.
For more things to do with NEXT, don’t miss our January Event Guide, NEXT in the Gallery series Date Night series.