Doors Open
Tour the Pittsburgh River Safety Boat with Doors Open.
Pittsburgh Opera
Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Opera.

8. Pittsburgh Opera’s Così fan tutte: October 17-29

Modifying its new season, Pittsburgh Opera is presenting four limited-capacity, live performances at George R. White Opera Studio space. The season kicks off with a six-night run of Mozart’s clever romantic comedy, Cosi fan tutte. In a sign of the times, the singers will wear masks during the performance since the opera is set during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic. Buy tickets.

9. Quantum Theatre’s Wild: October 20-25, 8 p.m.

Quantum Theatre is gearing up to present a new work based on the experiences of whistleblower Edward Snowden — and building a 25-by-25 hotel room set outfitted with seven cameras and sophisticated microphone and broadcast technology. “Wild” is an imagined story of what happened to Snowden “after his Wikileaks info dump,” performed live by actor couples, with Chris Cattell starring as Snowden. Learn more.

10. Public Art and Communities Symposium: October 22 & 23, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

During this two-day symposium, speakers will share their work on creative placemaking projects that support public health needs within communities across the country. Participants will learn firsthand how cross-sector collaboration can address serious issues that affect the public at large. Organized by the Office of Public Art, Neighborhood Allies and the Borough of Millvale, the event will include time for artist portfolio reviews.

Beverages2U
Photo courtesy of Beverages2U.

11. BEER FEST2U: October 24, 4 p.m.

Across the state, craft brew enthusiasts can support the Restaurant and Food Service Relief Fund during the debut of BEER FEST2U. The virtual fest is bringing the brews, breweries and brewmasters straight to you. Sample 24 limited-edition craft beers and get a firsthand look at how the suds are made during guided tastings and interactive talkbacks. The interactive event will also feature live performances, celebrity guests and an after-party. Buy tickets to get your BeerFest Box delivered right to your door. Proceeds will benefit service industry workers via the Pittsburgh and Philly Virtual Tip Jars.

Phipps
Fall Flower Show: The Poetry of Nature. Photo courtesy of Phipps.

12. Phipps’ Perfect Pairings: October 29, 7:30 p.m.

It’s a virtual cornucopia of top entertainment and fine dining. Buy your ticket to receive a special Perfect Pairings Box including wines, dessert and special treats for the evening. Then, experience performances by the Buckle Downs, Chamber Orchestra of Pittsburgh and Living Street — all filmed within Phipps’ iconic spaces and breathtaking new Fall Flower Show. Afterward, buy a timed ticket to see the Fall Flower Show: The Poetry of Nature exhibition in person.

For more events, go here. Looking for kids’ events? Read 10 kid-friendly Pittsburgh events you won’t want to miss in October.

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and SLB Radio Productions. She is co-author of the award-winning book, "Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania." For 15-plus years, she was co-coordinator and marketing director with Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's first and largest independent craft fair. She makes music as The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.