What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, Nov. 7-13? Find out here. Visit each organization’s website and social media for Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Monday, Nov. 7: Clint Smith at Carnegie Music Hall
7:30 p.m.
For its next Ten Evenings event, Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures welcomes New York Times bestselling author Clint Smith to discuss and read from his debut work of nonfiction, “How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America.” From Smith’s hometown of New Orleans to the Monticello Plantation and beyond, the book leads readers on an “unforgettable tour of monuments and landmarks that offer an intergenerational story of how slavery has shaped our nation’s collective history, and ourselves.” Buy tickets.
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Howie Alexander at Liberty Magic
5 p.m.
Allderdice High School and Duquesne University graduate Howie Alexander — who hails from the Blackridge — will wow local fans at Downtown’s intimate magic mecca. Now director of the Afro-American Music Institute, Alexander started playing piano when he was 15 and has gone on to appear at venues from here to Monaco and perform with the likes of the Poogie Bell, Ciaro and Stanley Turrentine. Buy tickets.
Tuesday, Nov. 8: Finding Calm Within Nature Walk Series in Frick Park
7-8:30 a.m.
Before the holiday chaos arrives, find inner calm, self-reflective and personal growth by spending time immersed in nature. During the 2-mile hike led by somatic psychotherapist Sara Feley, participants will learn an embodiment practice that supports self-awareness and regulates the nervous system. Meet at the Frick Environmental Center fountain. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, Nov. 9 & Thursday, Nov. 10: HIKE2 Innovation Summit at the Energy Innovation Center
11 a.m.-4:45 p.m.
Thought leaders, technology enthusiasts and business innovators from a wide swath of industries will come together for two days of networking, education and inspiration. With tracks exploring industry, innovation, energy, manufacturing, philanthropy and more, the conference includes talks, breakout sessions, discussion, a networking lunch and a keynote talk by Sola Talabi of Pittsburgh-Technical. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, Nov. 9: An Evening with Roger Guenveur Smith at Chatham University
6:30 p.m.
As part of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh’s commemoration of Kristallnacht, or the “Night of Broken Glass,” tonight, internationally acclaimed actor, writer and director Roger Guenveur Smith will present a recorded screening of his one-man play, Otto Frank, followed by a live talkback. Register for free.
Wednesday, Nov. 9: Tried & True: Asian-Made Short Films at McConomy Auditorium
7 p.m.
Sip bubble tea and watch contemporary Asian-made films. Amplifying the voices of Asian creators, the special presentation hosted by the Carnegie Mellon International Film Festival presents Jee Hoon Seo’s “First Timers,” “de closin night” by Shicong Zhu and Ella Rouwen Chen, “Walionong Sari” by Eugene Foo and Honey Ahmad and Milky Tran’s “Oink.” The showcase includes a presentation by LA-based, Vietnamese-American writer, director and editor Milky Tran, who is a Pittsburgh native and Point Park alum. Arrive early because the first 50 people get free boba! Buy tickets.
Thursday, Nov. 10: SYNERGY at the Mattress Factory
6-8 p.m.
Join Jessica Gaynelle Moss, curator of the current Mattress Factory exhibition SHRINE for a panel discussion amplifying the creative practice of Black mothers. Joining Moss will be artists Whitney McGuire of NYC and Wisdom Baty of Chicago, who will share their work uplifting and supporting Black creative mothers as the Sibyls Shrine collective. Free childcare and light snacks and drinks are provided. Register for free.
Thursday, Nov. 10: Folk and Self-Taught Artists: Redefining American Art at the Heinz History Center
5:30-8 p.m.
Folk art fans can’t miss this panel discussion exploring the evolution of the movement and self-taught artists. Curators from the American Folk Art Museum, historian and curator Louise Lippincott and Pittsburgh-based artist Christine Bethea will discuss the barriers artists such as John Kane faced during the past 100 years and how museums and collectors have perceived their work. Moderated by American Folk Art Museum Director Jason T. Busch, the discussion concludes includes a Q&A and time to see the dynamic John Kane exhibit. Buy tickets.
Thursday, Nov. 10: Three Rivers Film Festival Opening Night at Pittsburgh Playhouse
7 p.m.
Don’t miss opening night festivities for one of this year’s most anticipated cultural events. The festival starts off full tilt with a screening of “Pinball: The Man Who Saved the Game” made by brothers Austin and Meredith Bragg. Following the film, the siblings will lead a Q&A and kick off a fab 1970s-themed after-party with special cocktails and pinball games set to free play. For the next seven days, three area theaters will light up with 18 independent feature films you can’t see anywhere else — including work with local ties. Along with thought-provoking films and a slate of prolific directors and producers, the festival also features Q&As with “Reading Rainbow” creator Twila C. Liggett and Fred Rogers Productions Chief Creative Officer Ellen Doherty. View a schedule and buy tickets.
Friday, Nov. 11: Veteranspalooza at Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Veterans who participate in the local organization‘s programming and services and invited to enjoy this day of recognition and fun. This event will feature carnival games, caricature and balloon artists, raffle prizes, and even a visit from the Pirates Parrot. The Pittsburgh Smokehouse food truck will be at the event to provide lunch for veterans on behalf of the Elks Club.
Friday, Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day on the USS Requin
2:30-4:30 p.m.
Join Carnegie Museums, elected officials and U.S. veterans and active members of the military and their families to commemorate Veteran’s Day on the North Shore. The free celebration includes a ceremony on the USS Requin and a reception at Carnegie Science Center’s RiverView Café. Veterans and active members of the military are invited to tour the historic USS Requin submarine and enjoy refreshments.
Friday, Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day Cruise on the Gateway Clipper
Various times
If you’re a veteran or an active-duty military member looking for a scenic way to spend the holiday, hop aboard the Gateway Clipper Fleet. Receive a free ticket, plus up to three half-priced tickets for family or friends, for today’s special Three Rivers Sightseeing Cruise or Sunset Dinner Cruise. View a schedule and buy tickets.
Friday, Nov. 11 & Saturday, Nov. 12: Fail-Safe at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater
8 p.m.
For two nights, this variety show brings together artists to explore performance across disciplines and present experimental projects in their early stages. Organized by Angela Washko, Scott Andrew and Jesse Stiles, the fourth edition of “Fail-Safe” sparks a dialogue about performance between Los Angeles and Pittsburgh. On both evenings, the visiting performance artists, and dancers and musicians will be preceded by a lineup of Pittsburgh-based creators. Stay late for the dance parties hosted by Formosa (Jellyfish). Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 12: Native Plant and Sustainability Conference at Phipps
9:15 a.m.-4 p.m.
Seeking ways to be a better environmental steward? The fall harvest season is the perfect time for this forum exploring plants, landscapes and human roles on planet Earth. Join local and national experts for sessions covering a wide range of topics, including native plants, community gardens, culinary tips, invasive species and cultivation. There will also be a showcase of the Sustainable Garden Award winners, a morning coffee and a lunch buffet. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 12: TransportationCampPGH at CMU
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
If you want to make Pittsburgh’s streets safer streets for biking and walking, have concerns about self-driving vehicles, or are passionate about transit equity — this is the event for you. Dubbed an “un-conference” — meaning attendees run the show — the event invites participants to choose discussion topics, drive conversations, participate in games, and ask experts any and all questions. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 12: Plus Size Clothing Swap at 321 Pennwood Ave.
1-3 p.m.
Need a wardrobe reboot? Make a beeline for this plus-size clothing swap hosted by the Pittsburgh Fatties Social Club at Workshop PGH’s workroom in Wilkinsburg. Swap and shop for “women’s” clothing size 16 and up, and “men’s” garments 2XL and up, as well as shoes of all sizes. The Pittsburgh Fatties Social Club provides social meet-ups for the local plus-size and fat community and shares resources such as medical and service providers and mutual aid opportunities.
Saturday, Nov. 12: SisTersPGH Fall Feast at Pittsburgh Mennonite Church
3-8 p.m.
Come break bread with SisTersPGH to celebrate the holidays. Festivities feature food, merch, bingo and activities, family-friendly music and turkey giveaways. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about, connect with and support the Black and Trans-led nonprofit that serves POC, trans and nonbinary people within Southwestern PA. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 12: Pointe in Time | Love Never Dies at The Westin
6 p.m.
Dance your way into the night at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s largest event of the year. While indulging in an elegant evening that includes a multi-course dining experience, exclusive PBT performances, auctions and a pointe shoe raffle, and a live band — you’ll be helping the organization raise crucial to support its Community Youth Scholarship program. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 12: The Chocolate Bar at the Benedum Center
8 p.m.
Willy Wonka goes glam for one chic and decadent evening. Step into the elegant grand lobby where you’ll be greeted by models and dancers from the Broadway musical “Hadestown” as aromas of decadent concoctions from 16 area restaurants and chocolatiers waft through the air. Your taste buds won’t believe their luck when you sink your sweet tooth into tantalizing treats like chocolate pepper bombs, coriander pralines and chocolate ravioli. Drift down to the gallery for music by the Boilermaker Jazz Band and steamy café au lait. Strike a pose with steampunk drag queens in the pop-up photo suite, dance it off with DJ SMI feast your eyes upon the chocolate sculpture created by Amanda Wright. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Nov. 13: Polishfest at the Cathedral Of Learning
12-5 p.m.
Explore the richness of Polish, Lithuanian and Carpatho-Rusyn culture right in your backyard when this family-friendly fest returns in person. Marking its 40th anniversary, the free event at the Pitt landmark is packed with activities like folk dancing and musical performances, cultural displays, a Polish gift mart, artisan and cooking demonstrations and ethnic cuisine. Dance the polka, savor delish pierogies, watch wool spinners and decorate your own Rusyn egg.
For more things to do, read Top 10 Pittsburgh events in November, from Three Rivers Film Festival to holiday happenings. For live music, check out The 17 best concerts in Pittsburgh this November from Kendell Marvel to Amon Amarth.