7. PGH Photo Fair at Carnegie Museum of Art: April 27 & 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s only art fair promoting photography within the contemporary and fine art market returns to host its largest event yet. Situated inside Carnegie Museum of Art’s iconic Hall of Sculpture, the free fair will showcase 17 internationally known dealers and photo projects, and works for sale will span the expansive history of the groundbreaking medium. Photo-lovers can peruse a wide range of images and formats, including museum-quality prints, books and magazines, photo-based art and limited-edition pieces, and can visit the “How We See Reading Room” presented by 10X10 Photobooks.
8. Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District: April 26, 5:30-10 p.m.
Stroll through 14 blocks of indoor and outdoor destinations at this living, breathing open house showcasing Downtown’s dynamic art and entertainment scene. From traditional theaters to quirky pop-up spaces, you’ll experience premieres by international multimedia artists, live music, theater and dance performances, film screenings and 30-plus events. Attend an experiential 15th birthday party for Future Tenant Gallery, and check out an expansive display of artwork by siblings Brandon Locher and Olivia Locher at SPACE. Kick off the outdoor shopping season in Market Square, which will bustle with local vendors, music from Mr. Smalls, and artist talks. Cap off your night with special Crawl After Dark attractions at select venues.
9. Take Center Stage at the August Wilson Cultural Center: April 26, 6 p.m.
Any party chaired by Tony Award-winning actress Phylicia Rashad (who sadly, won’t be attending) is one you don’t want to skip. Ushering in a new era of performing and visual arts at the August Wilson Cultural Center, the gala will kick off with a cocktail reception and an elegant seated dinner, and will heat up with desserts and entertainment. The festivities will include a tribute performance honoring the center’s namesake, who was born in the Hill District and went on to win two Pulitzer Prizes. Fetured performers include dancer Kyle Abraham, blues musician Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and an ensemble including the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, DJ Nate Da Phat Barber and Roger Humphries. Attending the gala will be co-chairs, Tony Award-winning actor and director Ruben Santiago-Hudson (who will also perform) and Wilson’s widow, the costume designer Constanza Romero. Buy tickets.
10. Museum Lab Grand Opening: April 27 & 28
Museum Lab is an exciting addition to the Children’s Museum campus, but it’s also an architectural marvel worth a visit. An incredible team has transformed the long-shuttered Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny into a creative space for Pittsburghers 10 and older, combining restored 19th-century architecture with new high-tech spaces where visitors can experiment with cutting-edge technology and collaborate on one-of-a-kind installations. During opening weekend, explore the new exhibits and watch drumming, slackline walking and musical performances.
11. Art All Night at 31st Street Studios: 4 p.m. April 27 until 2 p.m. April 28
Pittsburgh’s egalitarian art show has been erasing boundaries between artists and audiences since it first sprouted 22 years ago. Returning to its Lawrenceville roots, this year’s not-to-miss arts bonanza will set up shop at Stage 5 in the sprawling 31st Street Studios. Boasting a “no fee, no jury, no censorship” manifesto, Art All Night invites everyone to submit one piece of original art. All work is for sale at very affordable prices, so don’t leave empty-handed. Appealing to early birds and night owls alike, this populist party will also feature a video lounge, bands, life-sized games, audio projects and even art made from sports equipment. Kids can make everything from tie-dye rocks and zines to marbled paper.
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