{"id":57446,"date":"2025-12-10T16:27:12","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T16:27:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/57446\/"},"modified":"2025-12-10T16:27:12","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T16:27:12","slug":"15-things-to-do-this-weekend-in-pittsburgh-dec-11-14","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/57446\/","title":{"rendered":"15+ things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh: Dec. 11-14"},"content":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Dec. 11-14? Find out here. Know of a cool event?\u00a0Email us<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Thursday, Dec. 11: Smithsonian Lecture Series: Funny Stuff at the Senator John Heinz History Center
6-7:30 p.m.
While the Heinz History Center regularly examines many very serious topics through its exhibitions and programming, it\u2019s all about the laughs at the Strip District museum on Thursday night. As part of the Smithsonian Lecture Series, the program will explore how the country\u2019s comedy history is collected and preserved. Ryan Lintelman, entertainment curator at the Smithsonian\u2019s National Museum of American History, will share insights from his forthcoming book, \u201cFunny Stuff: How Comedy Shaped American History.\u201d The book offers a look at \u201chow humor has reflected and influenced the American experience, from 19th-century vaudeville and minstrel shows to modern stand-up, television satire and internet memes.\u201d Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Bastard Bearded Irishmen. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Irish Festival.<\/p>\n

Thursday, Dec. 11: A Celtic Rock Christmas at Velum Fermentation
6-10:30 p.m.
Celtic rock and community spirit will converge when the Pittsburgh Irish Festival and YaJagoff team up to host the inaugural edition of this holiday fundraiser<\/a>. While spreading Irish cheers you\u2019ll be treated to high-energy performances by some of the country\u2019s top Celtic rock artists, including Ally the Piper, The Low Kings and Bastard Bearded Irishmen. Also showcased performance by the Bell School of Irish Dance and Shovlin Academy of Irish Dance. <\/p>\n

Sip specialty cocktails and brews while participating in the charity raffles and opportunities to give back to the community. The Irish Design Center will be on hand selling authentic wares, so you can also get some holiday shopping done. Proceeds will support the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Pittsburgh Irish Festival\u2019s mission to preserve, promote and celebrate Irish culture. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Black Nativity. Photo by Redwood Media Group. <\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 12-Sunday, Dec. 14: Black Nativity at the Stephen Foster Memorial Charity Randall Theater
8 p.m., 5 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit with this classic retelling of the Nativity story from an African American perspective presented by the Shona Sharif African Dance & Drum Ensemble. Running through Dec. 21 at the Oakland venue, the annual holiday tradition is celebrating its 32nd anniversary production in Pittsburgh. Adapted and directed by Maurice Redwood, the passionate production features gospel music, dynamic actors and African drumming and dancing. In addition to Redwood, the production team features Artistic Director Oronde Sharif, Musical Director Chuck Anderson, Vocal Director K. Woodruff and Vocal Coach Tim Woodruff. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Winter Heat. Photo courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art.<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 12: Winter Heat at Carnegie Museum of Art
8 p.m.-midnight
You have not one but two terrific opportunities to experience tidings of comfort and joy at Carnegie Museums this month.<\/p>\n

Feel the energy emanating from the dance floor when Carnegie Museum of Art transforms the Hall of Sculpture into a winter disco for the ages. As the museum stays open late into the night, DJs Arie Cole, HUNY XO and Big Phil will bring the beats and turn up the heat to deliver a night of \u201cice-melting magic.\u201d Partygoers will have exclusive access to the groundbreaking Black Photojournalism exhibition<\/a>, and a crew of talented photographers will be on hand to capture your looks, moves and antics throughout the museum. Tickets<\/a>. Read more about Winter Heat<\/a> in NEXT.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Sports360 Exhibit Opening: A Family-Friendly Tailgate Celebration at the Kamin Science Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Before Pittsburgh hosts the highly anticipated NFL Draft in April, another sports milestone will land on the North Shore. With a new twist on exhibition openings, Kamin Science Center invites sports fans of all ages to experience all the energy of the arena and celebrate the grand opening of its newest exhibition with a family-friendly tailgate party. Fusing curiosity and competition, the high-octane exhibit explores the \u201cscience, technology and passion behind sports.\u201d Be among the first to experience the largest exhibition ever at the science center.<\/p>\n

Encompassing 9,500 square feet, Sports360 is divided into four interactive zones \u2013 Prepare, Practice, Participate and GoPro \u2013 with 25 hands-on stations inspired by football, baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer and the Olympics. Tickets<\/a>. Read more about Sports360<\/a> in NEXT.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo courtesy of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Holiday Community Day at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
12-4 p.m.
Head Downtown for this free community day celebrating the warmth of the holiday season and sharing the richness of African American culture. Families, friends, neighbors and visitors alike will gather to share traditions, explore art and participate in a festive afternoon showcasing unity, creativity and community. As 2025 comes to a close, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center has a lot to celebrate: The 15th anniversary of the building\u2019s opening and what would have been the 80th birthday of its legendary namesake. <\/p>\n

Make a dent in your holiday shopping list at the event\u2019s marketplace featuring local vendors and one-of-a-kind gifts. Enjoy Kwanzaa drumming and dancing with Opoku Outreach and choir performances by Parrish Davenport Music Ministry. Pose for keepsake photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, sip delights from the Caf\u00e9 Ase Hot Chocolate Bar and enjoy face painting with Markeeta See Art. Information<\/a>. Read more about the event<\/a> in NEXT.<\/p>\n

\"Three\"ThreePhoto courtesy of the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13, & Sunday, Dec. 14: Lawrenceville Cookie Tour along Butler Street & Penn Avenue
12-5 p.m.
In Lawrenceville, supporting independent businesses is baked into the community. Back for its 28th sweet year, the neighborhood shindig invites holiday shoppers to munch their way through a 30-block-long neighborhoodwide cookie table. Satisfy your sweet tooth, add new recipes to your holiday menu and put your dollars back into the local economy at one of the region\u2019s largest and most anticipated holiday sensations.<\/p>\n

From noon to 5 p.m., storefronts along Butler Street and Penn Avenue will offer homemade cookies, warm beverages and shopping deals. Pick up a map, start shopping and see how much the neighborhood has to offer. Need a lift? Hop on the cookie trolley! Also don\u2019t miss the Radiant Hall Pop-Up Market and Cookie Mall at the Boys & Girls Club. Information<\/a>. Read more about the Cookie Tour<\/a> in NEXT.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Keepers of the Flame Awards at the Energy Innovation Center
6-9 p.m.
Join the Legacy Arts Project to honor the \u201cartists, elders, youth and community\u00a0leaders who are preserving and advancing African diasporic traditions in Pittsburgh.\u201d The 17th annual \u201cKeepers of the Flame\u201d Awards will amplify the achievements of five elder honorees and four youth honorees. The celebration includes live performances, visual tributes and cultural storytelling, as well as a silent auction and community reception. Funds raised will benefit Legacy Arts\u2019 year-round programming, which includes youth arts education, cultural dance and drumming classes, intergenerational workshops and summer and after-school programs. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media.<\/p>\n

3 art markets happening Saturday, Dec. 13<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Winter Artists\u2019 Market at Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Equal parts artist market and open house, the one-day holiday sale showcases original work by more than 40 artist vendors, along with refreshments from Farmer x Baker. Held indoors, the market encompasses the center\u2019s studio building and three floors of artwork from a wide range of mediums. The winter market also coincides with the opening of the center\u2019s Holiday Shop, which will feature handmade gifts, cards and ornaments from local artists. Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Winter Pottery Pop-up at the Union Project
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Following on the heels of its most successful Mother of All Pottery Sales event ever, the Union Project is back with its Winter Pottery Pop-Up. Returning with an expanded selection, this \u201ccelebration of craftsmanship, creativity and community\u201d features functional and decorative work by 16 local ceramicists. Union Project\u2019s historic Highland Park building provides a welcoming and warm hub where makers, collectors and fans of pottery makers come together. Purchase distinctive, one-of-a-kind pottery directly from local artists and find handmade pieces that will add charm to any home, studio or office space. Providing a vital holiday sales opportunity for emerging artists and an informal setting for shoppers, the event also features soothing beverages and a festive cookie table. Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market at East End Brewing Co.
12-4 p.m.
Pittsburgh\u2019s longest-running brewery craft show will wet your whistle and help you conquer that gift list. Craft goods and craft brews are on tap at this popular holiday market in Larimer. Peruse lovingly made goods from 14 local makers. While there, grab lunch and libations from the beer-and-pizza-making wizards from East End Brewing and Chewing. The craft show is curated by Matt Buchholz of Alternate Histories, who will provide the day\u2019s festive shopping soundtrack. Information<\/a>.\u2028<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13 & Sunday, Dec. 14: \u201cA Musical Christmas Carol\u201d at the Byham Theater
1 p.m., 6 p.m., 11 a.m. & 4 p.m.
If you love him in the acclaimed play, \u201cTake Me Out,\u201d and as vampire king Russell Edgington in HBO\u2019s \u201cTrue Blood,\u201d you can\u2019t miss Denis O\u2019Hare when he takes on the classic holiday role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Civic Light Opera performance. The award-winning American actor joins Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a host of ghosts for a fresh take on the Dickens\u2019 classic directed by Scott Evans. Running through Dec. 23, the festive family favorite explores the concept of redemption and features special effects and intricate costumes. Sing along to your favorite yuletide melodies while rediscovering the holiday magic and wonder of your childhood. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13 & Sunday, Dec. 14: The Momentum Festival at City Theatre Company
Various times
What leads up to opening night of a play or production? Relaunched, refreshed and reimagined, City Theatre\u2019s Momentum Festival<\/a> gives theater lovers the rare opportunity to experience four new plays presented at different stages of their development. On hiatus since 2023, the Momentum Festival serves as a \u201clong-standing laboratory for playwrights to workshop new scripts with directors, dramaturgs and actors.\u201d To bring it back this year, City Theatre is teaming up with Carnegie Mellon University\u2019s acclaimed Center for New Work Development. The event will spotlight some of the country\u2019s most exciting contemporary playwrights while supporting the next generation of theater artists. Don\u2019t miss workshops and public readings, plus a new work slam at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust\u2019s Three Stories venue. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Zuly Inirio. Photo courtesy of the New Hazlitt Theater.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Sounds of the Season at The New Hazlett Theater
7:30 p.m.
Getting in on the holiday spirit, the historic North Side theater is unveiling a brand-new series. Designed to nurture community engagement and spread cheer, the \u201cenchanting evening of diverse holiday music\u201d is open to audiences of all ages. Curating a fresh new twist on holiday classics, the production features jazz, soul and international rhythms by leading Pittsburgh musical artists, including\u00a0Dr. Zuly Inirio,\u00a0Hugo Cruz & Caminos, and\u00a0Dr. Kendra Ross\u00a0&\u00a0Brendan Williams. To kick off the festivities in style, patrons can attend the VIP Holiday Cheer Hour (pay what you want tickets) from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., which offers holiday-themed cocktails and mocktails, hors d\u2019oeuvres and DJ music, plus exclusive early entry to the theater. Tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"The\"ThePhoto courtesy of Pittsburgh Record Fest.<\/p>\n

Sunday, Dec. 14: Pittsburgh Record Fest at Spirit\u2028
11 a.m.-7 p.m.\u2028
They might not fit inside a stocking, but vinyl records will make the music lovers on your gift list very, very happy. Plus, you can also score cassettes, CDs and 45s when Pittsburgh\u2019s popular record fair returns for its holiday edition. Dust off that turntable and dig through the crates for records representing all musical genres. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt and celebrate physical media as you discover rarities, great deals and new sounds. Along with vendors and shops, the all-ages event also includes music memorabilia, local DJs, and food and drink specials.\u2028Information<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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

Running through Dec. 20: Pittsburgh Savoyards<\/a> presents \u201cIt\u2019s A Wonderful Life\u201d at the Margaret Partee Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m.<\/p>\n

Running through Dec. 21: James Seabright presents \u201cYIPPEE KI YAY (the parody celebration of \u2018Die Hard\u2019)\u201d<\/a> at the Greer Cabaret Theater, various times<\/p>\n

Friday, Dec. 12: Sharmistha Ray\u2019s \u201cEmergent Realities\u201d at\u00a0Wood Street Galleries<\/a><\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Grinch-y Season\u2019s Greetings Saturdays<\/a> at The National Aviary, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Vintage Mart Holiday Special<\/a> at Construction Junction, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: Holiday Pup-Up<\/a> at Double Dog Studios, 12-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: I Made It! Merry & Bright<\/a> at SouthSide Works, 12-6 p.m.<\/p>\n

Saturday, Dec. 13: The Anime Night Before Christmas<\/a> at Spirit, 5:30-11 p.m.<\/p>\n

Sunday, Dec. 14: Cinder Bell Rock<\/a> at the Cinderlands Warehouse, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.<\/p>\n

Sunday, Dec. 14: Handmade Holiday Show<\/a> at the Wilkinsburg Train Station & Workshop PGH, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.<\/p>\n

For more\u00a0things to do in December<\/a>\u00a0with NEXT, don\u2019t miss our Ultimate Guide to Holiday Markets<\/a>,\u00a0Pittsburgh Concert Guide<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0NEXT in the Gallery<\/a>\u00a0series.<\/p>\n

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