12 Pittsburgh events not to miss in April

7. Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week: April 15—24

We agree with NEXTpittsburgh‘s own Eat.Drink.Do editor Drew Cranisky when he encourages springtime beer drinking. The best place to tap into new brews on the horizon is at Pittsburgh Craft Beer Week’s epic fifth anniversary. In January, Saveur called Pittsburgh a “beer and spirits destination,” and these 10 fully tapped days are your chance to find out why. The hoppy happening overflows with a staggering menu of beer release bashes, IPA challenges, tap takeovers, tastings, brewery tours and more. There are hundreds of creatively designed beer-themed events. Sample Guinness cupcakes, beer-washed cheeses and milkshakes made with Full Pint’s new Rye Rebellion Stout. Chow down at the first-ever “Beer and Soup Pairing,” drink for charity at “Cans for a Cause” and learn new recipes at “Baking with Booze” workshops. Thirsty yet? View a calendar of events.

8. Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra presents Alec’s Playlist at Heinz Hall: April 16

Whether you love him best as Jack Donaghy or Jack Ryan, fans of Alec Baldwin shouldn’t miss this unique one-night-only concert experience. He’s nabbed multiple Emmys, Golden Globes and an Oscar nomination, has his own talk show and is a columnist for HuffPo—but what’s on Alec’s playlist? Find out when the award-winning actor, director and producer—who is also an outspoken supporter of the arts—teams up with PSO Maestro Manfred Honeck to share his favorite performances and moments in music. Audiences will discover how and why classical music is so significant to him, and which musical pieces have impacted his own life, as Baldwin hosts and co-curates the intimate evening. Expected on Baldwin’s uplifting playlist are selections by iconic and innovative composers, such as Beethoven, Berlioz, Stravinsky and Mahler. Underscoring Baldwin’s interest in passing on his passion with new generations of classical music fans, the actor has generously donated tickets for youth and Pittsburgh Promise students. Purchase tickets.

9. Prevention Point Pittsburgh’s 20th anniversary at the Ace Hotel: April 16

Prevention Point Pittsburgh‘s (PPP) beginnings date back to 1995, when James Crow, Caroline Acker and dedicated volunteers began providing needle exchange services in the Hill District to prevent the spread of injection-related blood-borne disease. Fast-forward two decades and the grassroots nonprofit now operates three county-authorized needle exchange sites and provides a host of critical prevention services to 5,000 injection drug users. Help the local org celebrate 20 years of life-saving work—and hit the dance floor in the newly opened Ace Hotel gym—at PPP’s first large-scale benefit bash. The night kicks off at 7 p.m. with a reception hosted by Tony Silvestri and Mike Sutherland honoring PPP’s co-founders, where attendees will be treated to a private concert by Pittsburgh’s favorite neo-Americana band, The Beagle Brothers and delish hor d’oeuvres crafted by the Whitfield. At 10 p.m., PPP turns it up a notch with a dance party featuring the D.C.-based DJ collective The NeedlExchange. Proceeds will support PPP’s work preventing infection transmission and overdose fatalities, and providing comprehensive case management services and counseling, health education, overdose prevention, free screenings, and more. PPP is also expected to announce the launch of a campaign to secure a permanent facility. Buy tickets.

10. FULLTIME Festival: April 20–24

Crowdsourcing is not just for the internet anymore. One of Pittsburgh’s newest festivals, FULLTIME draws on the innovative models of open- and crowdsourced content to showcase independent Pittsburgh-based artists, designers and small businesses. A five-day convergence of hard working people, creative enterprise and entrepreneurialism, the citywide celebration takes you behind-the-scenes to experience artistic projects taking root. Designer Discard will present a yard sale featuring handmade printed matter and vintage collectibles, while Row House Cinema is hosting a Monster Movie Fest curated by Alternate Histories. The public can also meet Lawrenceville-based makers during studio tours and pop-up shops at Sapling Press, Bootstrap Design, Garbella and Moop. At “Legalize Eating,” Legume’s chef Trevett Hooper will host a dinner highlighting food politics at the home of artist Kim Fox of Workerbird. Additional highlights include the Troika Skate competition, Commonwealth Press Beer Barge and In Bed By Ten dance party at Carnegie Museum of Art. Music fans won’t want to miss the new Open Book series kicking off at East End Book Exchange, where singer-songwriter Brooke Annibale will perform live and discuss her career and creative process. New events are coming soon, so check the festival website for details.

11. Pittsburgh Earth Day: April 21–24

April is a time of renewal, and what better way to recharge your karmic batteries than Earth Day? Thanks to Pittsburgh Earth Day‘s Steel to Sustainable series, you’ve got not one, but four, great days to do so. Spanning multiple locations with many free events, the citywide celebration showcases the region’s rich steel history, cutting-edge eco-innovations and goals for an even more sustainable future. The green scene kicks off April 21st with the Ecolution fashion show and cocktail soiree at the Fairmont. See how recycled and reused materials are transformed into haute couture with a conscience as local designers present runway-ready wares. On April 22^nd, fuel up on local grub at the solar powered Food Truck Festival, enjoy live music by Molly Alphabet, the Armadillos and Beagle Brothers in Mellon Square and peruse earth-friendly products and services in Market Square. On Friday night, don’t miss the all-ages “Art and Local Showcase” at the convention center. On April 23^rd, head to Carrie Furnace for a festival featuring Soundwaves Steel Band, Colonel Eagleburgers HighStepping Goodtime Band, Daily Grind, food trucks, craft brews, and the Hard Hat Art Project. Cap it all off at the TEDxPittsburgh Sunday brunch to hear inspiring talks exploring sustainability. View all Earth Day events.

12. Art All Night at Arsenal Terminal: April 23 & 24

The last Saturday of April is synonymous with Art All Night. Rolling into a new home wearing their staunchly populist motto “No Fee, No Jury, No Censorship” on their sleeve, the 19th annual Art All Night is setting up shop at Lawrenceville’s Arsenal Terminal. This means that anyone can submit one work of art to be featured and for sale in a free public exhibition. Always refreshing and unexpected, the event pairs work by professional fine artists alongside pieces created by teens, teachers and grandparents. What hatched in 1998 with 101 artworks and 200 all-nighters is now a cult showcase with 850 artists and 8,000 attendees. You’ve got no excuse to skip this celebration since it runs from 4 p.m. on Saturday until 2 p.m. on Sunday—you can pre-game your evening, swing by in the witching hour, or gather the kids for the family-friendly portion. While perusing massive amounts art, attendees can check out live music and performances and participate in hands-on activities. Art All Night is heroically run by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, so if you’re inspired to help, sign up here. Have artwork to show? Go here to submit your work. A catalyst for community development, Art All Night also spotlights Lawrenceville’s unique neighborhood assets and empowers makers of all ages and backgrounds.

Check out more events every week in NEXTpittsburgh, including these coming up in April:

After Hours: London Calling at Carnegie Library’s Main Branch: April 1
Dreams of Hope’s Absolute Disco fundraiser at PPG Wintergarden: April 2
Out of Hand at Society for Contemporary Craft: April 2
Pittsburgh Opera’s The Barber of Seville at the Benedum, April 2, 5, 8, 10
Quantum Theatre’s The Master Builder at Nova Place: April 8 –  May 1
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Le Corsaire: April 15 – 17
Opera Theater of Pittsburgh’s Great Gatsby Affair at the Pittsburgh Golf Club: April 16
barebones productions’ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at the New Hazlett Theater: April 21 – May 7
Pittsburgh Rock ‘N Roll Legends Awards at Stage AE: April 28

Looking for live music? Read our 10 can’t-miss Pittsburgh concerts in April feature.

Looking for family activities? Read our Top Things to do with kids in Pittsburgh in March feature.