Here’s why February is no longer the boring cold month with nothing to do.
1. Imbibe Northside at the Mattress Factory: February 1, 6-9 p.m.
Drink your way through the many terrific libations businesses that call the North Side home. You’ll enjoy exclusive after-hours access to one of the world’s leading contemporary art museums while sipping locally-produced brews, ciders, wines and spirits. Organized by the War Streets Brewery, the hyper-local craft beverage festival will showcase products from Spring Hill Brewing, Southern Tier, Refucilo Winery and others. Imbibers can also check out live music by the Alex Talbot Duo and multimedia installations, including Sohrab Kashani and Jon Rubin’s The Other Apartment. Buy tickets.
2. Doors Open Black History Month Tours: February 1 & 29, 9:45 a.m.
Follow Doors Open into treasured spaces that celebrate regional Black history and explore Pittsburgh’s role in the Underground Railroad. Kick off Black History Month touring landmark Black churches where you’ll experience multimedia music, learn about Pennsylvania’s first black female architect and discover local connections to MLK. Wrap up the month at city sites that were important like Underground Railroad stops for freedom-seeking slaves heading North before the Civil War. Head up to Mt. Washington’s Bigham House, visit Downtown’s Diamond Market, see archival objects and more. Buy tickets.
3. Cupid’s Undie Run at McFadden’s: February 8, 12 p.m.
Aced the Polar Bear Plunge and hungry for a new cold-weather challenge? Join hundreds of courageous, charitable — and scantily-clad — souls for Cupid’s Undie Run. The one day when you’re encouraged to run through the streets in your skivvies, this super “brief” fun run raises awareness about neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 3,000 children. Who doesn’t love a race requiring zero training and zero fancy running gear? Bare it all to support the Children’s Tumor Foundation; there’s definitely warmth in numbers. The revelry continues indoors at McFadden’s. Register now.
4. Lights! Glamour! Action! at the Pennsylvanian: February 8, 7:30 p.m.
Will it be Charlize, Scarlett or Saoirse? Before swooning over the Academy Awards, walk the red carpet to support Hollywood East. The Pittsburgh Film Office has plenty to celebrate in the new decade. It’s the organization’s 30th anniversary and 25 years being helmed by Dawn Keezer. And since 1990, the group has assisted with 181 productions, which translates to an economic impact of $1.5 billion. Presented by Netflix — which has brought several cool new shows to the Burgh — the glitzy gala features gourmet cuisine, music by The Eventures, haute couture happenings and a fab silent auction. Buy tickets.
5. Maker & Muse: Women and Twentieth-Century Art Jewelry at The Frick Pittsburgh: February 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Explore exquisite, innovative and imaginative jewelry — and the women who helped design and inspire its creation. During the early 1900s, influential international makers such as Louis Comfort Tiffany and Charlotte Newman produced exceptional jewelry embodying design aesthetics, art movements and social themes of the times. This stunning collection of 200 works includes necklaces, pendants, brooches, buckles, tiaras and other items of adornment. Learn about global movements such as Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau and Jugendstil, discover the role of women as both consumers and creators and examine the decorative and functional significance of jewelry.
6. Bloody Mary Festival at the Pennsylvanian: February 15 & 16, 12 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Dry January is finally over. Back with a newly-expanded two-day format, Pittsburgh’s one and only Bloody Mary Festival will quench your thirst – whether you prefer spicy or sweet, straight up or heavily garnished. For 100 years, this classic cocktail has been a fixture at brunch tables across the country and it has staying power. Sample creative new twists concocted by 20 area bars and restaurants and cast your vote for Pittsburgh’s Best Bloody. The libations fest will include brunch fare from local eateries along with mimosas, micheladas and craft brews. Buy tickets.