{"id":38540,"date":"2025-11-19T12:25:11","date_gmt":"2025-11-19T12:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/38540\/"},"modified":"2025-11-19T12:25:11","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T12:25:11","slug":"15-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-pittsburgh-nov-20-23-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/38540\/","title":{"rendered":"15+ things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh: Nov. 20-23, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Nov. 20-23? Find out here. Know of a cool event?\u00a0Email us<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thursday, Nov. 20, & Friday, Nov. 21: Newsapalooza at Point Park University Pittsburgh Playhouse
4:30-6:30 p.m. & 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
The future of local journalism will be examined at this event taking place Downtown. NEXTpittsburgh joins our friends at the Pittsburgh Media Partnership and Point Park University to celebrate the impact and importance of local news. This year\u2019s theme focuses on the elephant in the room \u2014 how AI and technology are reshaping local news. The two-day gathering aims to generate new ideas, support innovative storytelling and bring together people shaping the future of journalism. Thought-provoking panel discussions, hands-on workshops and networking opportunities will explore local news as a core foundation for a healthy democracy. Register<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thursday, Nov. 20: The Cryptids Walk Among Us Film Fest at Brillobox
7-10 p.m.
Crytpids are lurking in Bloomfield. Watch from the edge of your seat as \u201cPennsylvania\u2019s only native cryptozoological creature\u201d comes to life during Pittsburgh\u2019s newest film festival. The inaugural film festival features the world premiere of Joe Conniff\u2019s mockumentary, \u201cSquonk,\u201d along with short films exploring Crytpids from four additional directors. Audiences will be transported to the remote forests of Pennsylvania, where Eugene Conniff stars as a \u201cfailed Cryptid hunter obsessed with finding the mythical creature that cries itself into a puddle of tears when seen.\u201d Fusing absurdity, heartwarming earnestness and scenic panoramas, the film explores themes of isolation, folklore, identity, mythology and isolation. The free event will also be livestreamed via Tapes N\u2019at. Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thursday, Nov. 20-Sunday, Nov. 23: Three Rivers Film Festival at Hollywood Theater, Harris Theater, The Lindsay Theater and Pittsburgh Playhouse:
Various times
Now underway, this year\u2019s festival showcases 23 features and 113 shorts in-person and online, including East Coast premieres. The dynamic Film Pittsburgh lineup is augmented by Q&As, panels, parties and more. Keep the spooky season going with the Chiller Theater event on Nov. 21 honoring Pittsburgh\u2019s own broadcast icon Chilly Billy Cardille at the newly renovated Row House Hollywood in Dormont.<\/p>\n

Running Nov. 21-23 at the EVEN Hotel is the festival\u2019s fifth annual Filmmaker Conference featuring keynote speaker Tina Romero, director of the 2025 film, \u201cQueens of the Dead.\u201d Head Downtown to the Harris on Nov. 23 to see who wins the Three Rivers Film Festival Jury Prizes and Audience Awards. The closing event festivities<\/a> will feature live readings from the Script Competition featuring local actors, followed by the Best of the Fest awards presentation. New this year, Film Pittsburgh will provide cash awards to feature film directors. Schedule and tickets<\/a>. Read more about 3RFF<\/a> in NEXT.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo courtesy of SouthSide Works.<\/p>\n

Friday, Nov. 21: Holiday Glow at SouthSide Works
4:30-7:30 p.m.
Make SouthSide Works your holiday HQ at this inaugural celebration. 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\u2019s 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo courtesy of Contemporary Craft.<\/p>\n

Friday, Nov. 21: CRAFTED Holiday Shopping Event at Contemporary Craft
5:30-9 p.m.
Add creativity and meaning to your holiday gift selections. Equal parts shopping market, open house and holiday mixer, CRAFTED showcases a vibrant selection of handmade tableware perfect for the season of giving, entertaining and dining. New this year, Contemporary Craft<\/a> teams up with TABLE Magazine to curate a blue and white theme for the plates, mugs, bowls, napkins and placemats. Be among the first to shop this curated selection \u2014 displayed in festive \u201ctablescapes\u201d \u2014 along with new merchandise and holiday d\u00e9cor. Find handmade one-of-a-kind treasures for everyone artsy on your list, enjoy snacks and sip festive cocktails and mocktails. It\u2019s the gift that keeps on giving, because every purchase at CRAFTED supports working artists and free community programming. Beat the crowds at the ticketed VIP shopping session from 5:30 to 7 p.m. General admission is free from 7 to 9 p.m. Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Peju Alatise, \u201cFlying Girls (2015-16),\u201d at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Photo by Joey Kennedy.<\/p>\n

Friday, Nov. 21: Fuel the Future: Take Center Stage Gala at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
6 p.m.
Join the museum to mark the 15th anniversary of the iconic building\u2019s opening, to honor what would have been August Wilson\u2019s 80th birth year, and to support world-class cultural programming. Gala-goers will be treated to a curated dinner experience, captivating live performances and guided gallery tours. The center will present the Luminary Awards to three renowned artists with roots in Pittsburgh: Antoine Fuqua, Lamman Rucker and Tamara Tunie. Receiving the Trailblazer Awards for Pittsburgh-based leaders will be Tenel Dorsey, Marlon Gist, Ayisha A. Morgan-Lee, Ed and Monica Malik<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Attendees will also be among the first to see the first U.S. solo survey of renowned Nigerian artist Peju Alatise. Spanning two decades of Alatise\u2019s practice, the highly anticipated exhibition<\/a>, \u201cI Will Belong to Only Me,\u201d highlights the career of one the most compelling interdisciplinary voices in contemporary African art. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo courtesy of Paul g. Wiegman.<\/p>\n

Friday, Nov. 21: An Enchanted Winter\u2019s Eve at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
6:30 p.m.
Wander under the stars through glittering gardens, inhale the scents of fragrant blooms and meet whimsical topiary animals around every corner. No, this is not a storyboard from the latest Pixar animation film \u2014 it\u2019s a magical gala<\/a> at a Pittsburgh landmark. It\u2019s also that one night every year when Phipps kicks off the holiday season in grand style. Watch the flames fly as Pittsburgh Glass Center makes holiday ornaments and cozy up to animal friends from Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. Watch as ice is transformed into intricate winter sculptures and be captivated by Three Rivers Ringers handbell ensemble. While there, step into a \u201cWild Winter,\u201d to experience enchanting scenes and radiant d\u00e9cor in the brand-new Holiday Magic<\/a> displays. Tickets<\/a>. Read more about the event in NEXT<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Friday, Nov. 21: Sauna Comedy Show featuring Andrew Packer at MindFuel Method
6:30-8 p.m. & 9-10:30 p.m.
You\u2019ve seen comedy in theaters, but have you ever heard of a show at a sauna? Thanks to MindFuel Method, you can now actually experience this new phenomenon for yourself. See what comedy sounds like at 180 degrees at Pittsburgh\u2019s first ever sauna comedy show. The city\u2019s largest traditional sauna is bringing the NYC craze to the Strip District, says MindFuel<\/a> co-founder, Matt Schwartz. Taking place inside a 30-person traditional sauna, the standup show features award-winning Canadian comedian Andrew Packer. Attendees will rotate through guided heat and cold plunge cycles while enjoying Packer\u2019s signature quick wit, crowd participation and observational humor. This unique fusion of wellness, entertainment, therapy culture seems to be exactly what we all need heading into the hectic holiday season. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Friday, Nov. 21: \u201cStop Making Sense\u201d Dance Party at Row House Cinema
9:45 p.m.
Dancing in a club is a blast but dancing in the aisles of a movie theater is a rare thrill. Slide into your biggest suit for this night of music, choreography and cinematography in Lawrenceville. Row House invites audiences to get up out of their seat and dance at this interactive screening<\/a> featuring the iconic band. Talking Heads fans of all ages can\u2019t miss this chance to see the A24\u2019s 4K restoration of Jonathan Demme\u2019s 1984 concert film. Documenting the band at the height of its popularity, the film was made over four nights in December 1983 at Hollywood\u2019s Pantages Theatre while Talking Heads were promoting their album, \u201cSpeaking in Tongues.\u201d Watch as the band takes the stage \u2014 including drummer and Shady Side Academy graduate Chris Frantz \u2014 to be joined by legendary guest musicians in this enduring performance film. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Nov. 22: I Made It! for the Holidays at The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
One of Pittsburgh\u2019s premier craft markets<\/a> takes the stress \u2014 and the monotony \u2014 out of holiday shopping. With newly expanded offerings, including multiple marketplaces and two dedicated retail locations, you\u2019ll find all your seasonal needs from gifts to decor to sweet treats. Head south to make a dent in that ever-growing gift list, with 90 makers spanning two floors of the airy Galleria. The juried mix of handmade products includes everything from artwork, clothing, toys, wellness products and housewares, to ceramics, glass, jewelry and pet treats. Information<\/a>. Read more about the market in NEXT<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Friends and Family Photo Studio at Carnegie Museum of Art. Photos by Cameron Brown.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Nov. 22, & Sunday, Nov. 23: Friends and Family Photo Studio, Carnegie Tree and Neapolitan presepio at Carnegie Museum of Art
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Perpetually feeling like the holidays are too hectic to sit still for group photos? Carnegie Museum of Art<\/a> is here to help! The museum provides the dramatic backdrop and the professional photographer for your dream photo shoot. Gather friends, family or BFFs to create a cherished tableaux or self-portrait. The fun part is that YOU get to choose from a selection of seven different backgrounds \u2014 including two new locations in the Carnegie Museum of Natural History. This year, the program welcomes back photographers Cameron Brown, Beth Kukucka, Karlie Malone and Darieus Veltri. New this year, are sessions offered with photographer Jaye Frances. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There are even more ways to kick off the holiday season this weekend at Carnegie Museum of Art. Stroll into the Hall of Architecture to encounter majestic Fraser firs trimmed with baubles, lights and glistening snow. Since 1961, the Carnegie Trees<\/a> installation has been the signature event of the museum\u2019s Women\u2019s Committee. This year\u2019s adventurous theme, \u201cAround the World in 80 Days,\u201d pays homage to Jules Verne\u2019s classic novel set in 1872. Next, step up to the Neapolitan presepio<\/a> \u2014 one of the world\u2019s most remarkable nativity scenes and a museum tradition since 1957. Handmade by artists in the Royal Court of Naples between 1700 and 1830, the presepio includes exquisitely modeled human, animal and angelic figures and architectural elements. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Nov. 22, & Sunday, Nov. 23: Home for the Holidays at Clayton at The Frick Pittsburgh
10:15 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Step back in time to discover the different ways that the holidays were celebrated in Pittsburgh during the Gilded Age. See the Frick family home all decked for the holidays and enjoy festive conversations about the origins of seasonal Victorian traditions. Learn about how the Frick family and their staff celebrated Christmas as you wander through the last remaining home of its kind in Pittsburgh. The home of the Henry Clay Frick family from 1882 to 1905, the preserved 23-room mansion offers fascinating insights into the lifestyle of a prominent Pittsburgh family at the height of the city\u2019s cultural and economic importance and into our region\u2019s past.<\/p>\n

Experience an extra dose of holiday magic as Clayon and the Frick grounds burst with bright poinsettias, fresh pine and traditional Christmas trees, the historic site exudes a captivating charm on crisp December nights. It\u2019s the perfect place to take out-of-town visitors, discover and make new memories. The specialty tour is offered through Jan. 4. Tickets<\/a>. Follow Boaz into the secret top floors<\/a> of Clayton.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Nov. 22: Horror Fan Flea Market at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
It\u2019s the lucky 13th anniversary edition for this homegrown horror event<\/a>, which means it\u2019s time to channel your inner zombie, ghoul or demon. Hop on the T to the nearby South Hills Village Station to experience a thrilling twist on the classic flea market. It\u2019s a great chance to support 40 local small businesses and find a frightful gift for the horror fans on your holiday gift list. Peruse collections of horror-themed flicks, books, posters, artwork, and pop culture memorabilia and mingle with fellow fans and collectors of the genre. Beat the crowds with an Early Bird shopping hour. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Light Up Night festivities. Photo courtesy Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Nov. 22: Highmark Light Up Night in Downtown Pittsburgh
4-10 p.m.
With a dynamic mix of heartwarming traditions and new attractions, Light Up Night is the city\u2019s official portal into the holiday season. There\u2019s so much to experience, from headlining band The Calling to dramatic tree lightings to gliding around the high-tech tree at The UPMC Rink at PPG Place. Due to ongoing construction in Market Square, this year\u2019s Peoples Gas Holiday Market<\/a> will temporarily relocate to the Trust Oasis, Katz Plaza and the Benedum Lot in the Cultural District. A holiday favorite for 15 years, the charming wooden chalets filled with shimmering lights and global gifts will be open for all your holiday shopping needs from Nov. 21 through Dec. 24.<\/p>\n

A new highlight not to miss is the unveiling of the large-scale installation, \u201cThree Scores in Blue,\u201d created by Pittsburgh-based artist Shikeith to highlight the iconic Roberto Clemente, Andy Warhol and Rachel Carson bridges with an immersive light show. Be sure to visit the \u201c5 at 5\u201d happy hour DJ party on the 6th Street Bridge. The free celebration also features live music across two locations, KidsPlay activities, visits with Santa and much more. A main attraction since 1999, the colossal Pittsburgh Cr\u00e8che is the only authorized replica of the Nativity featured in St. Peter\u2019s Basilica in Rome. The night culminates with a \u201csupersized grand finale display by the first family of pyrotechnics, Zambelli Fireworks.\u201d Information<\/a>. Read all about Light Up Night in NEXT<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lanterns Experience runs through Jan. 11 at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Nov. 22, & Sunday, Nov. 23: Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lanterns Experience at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
5:30-10 p.m.
Enter a magical winter wonderland populated by penguins and polar bears, holiday trees and candy canes, snowflakes and snow people, and more. Check out more than 250 individual lanterns to find your favorite animals, including elephants, leopards, giraffes, birds and many more spectacular creatures from the wild. This year\u2019s newly constructed silk and steel lanterns will warm your soul, with awe-inspiring animals, cherished holiday characters and traditional Asian icons.<\/p>\n

Illuminated by a million twinkling lights, the zoo also offers festive wintry activities accompanying Wild Illuminations<\/a>. Taste toasty treats and seasonal drinks, watch dazzling performances by Chinese acrobats and meet jolly Santa Claus. Celebrate the season with beloved Hanukkah, Christmas and Lunar New Year symbols that also illuminate the night, and hop on the zoo train and carousel for rides. Added bonus? Says the zoo: \u201cAs a holiday gift to our guests, prices have been lowered for this merry event.\u201d Wild Illuminations runs though Jan. 11. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

8 more things to do this weekend<\/p>\n

Thursday, Nov. 20, & Friday Nov. 21: Christine CMC Bethea\u2019s CSA 13 production, \u201cBirthday at Tiffany\u2019s<\/a>\u201d at the New Hazlett Theater, 7:30 p.m. & 10 a.m.<\/p>\n

Friday, Nov. 21: Our Roots, Our Rhythm, and Our Road Ahead<\/a> all-day livestream fundraiser with Center of Life online and at Hazelwood Green, 9 a.m.<\/p>\n

Friday, Nov. 21, & Saturday, Nov. 22: Steve Martin & Martin Short<\/a> at the Benedum Center, 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 23, Resonance Works presents \u201cThe Jungle Book<\/a>\u201d at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall, 7:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Nov. 22: Omnium Circus presents \u201cI\u2019mPossible<\/a>\u201d at the Byham Theater, 2 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Nov. 22: FireWALL Dance presents \u201cOn The Run<\/a>\u201d at the Greer Cabaret Theater, 8 p.m.<\/p>\n

Sunday, Nov. 23: \u201cRocky Mountain High Experience: A John Denver Christmas<\/a>\u201d starring Rick Schuler at the Byham Theater, 3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Sunday, Nov. 23: Acute Inflections presents \u201cSoulful Sounds<\/a>\u201d at Pittsburgh Mennonite Church, 6 p.m.<\/p>\n

For more\u00a0things to do in November<\/a>\u00a0with NEXT, don\u2019t miss our\u00a0Fall Concert Guide<\/a> and\u00a0NEXT in the Gallery<\/a>\u00a0series.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What\u2019s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Nov. 20-23? Find out here. Know of a cool event?\u00a0Email us.…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":38541,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[22324,73,1913,1914,1915,1916,75,74,1477,1917,1918],"class_list":["post-38540","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-pittsburgh","tag-holiday-events-in-pittsburgh","tag-pittsburgh","tag-pittsburgh-event-calendar","tag-pittsburgh-event-guide","tag-pittsburgh-event-listings","tag-pittsburgh-events","tag-pittsburgh-headlines","tag-pittsburgh-news","tag-things-to-do-in-pittsburgh","tag-weekend-event-guide","tag-weekend-events"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38540","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=38540"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/38540\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/38541"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=38540"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=38540"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=38540"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}