What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, Nov. 14-20 ? Find out here. Visit each organization’s website and social media for Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Monday, Nov. 14: Virtual Heinz Award event with vanessa german
6 p.m.
Start your week off on an inspiring note, when vanessa german — winner of the 2022 Heinz Award for the Arts — joins fellow artist Deborah Roberts for this special virtual discussion. Along with exploring “devotion to a deep creative practice that blurs life and art,” german will share spoken-word poetry in response to specific artworks and will respond to audience questions. Register for free.
Tuesday, Nov. 15: Gun Violence Forum at Carnegie Lecture Hall
6 p.m.
Three local civic institutions are partnering with Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures to host this new series dedicated to one of the most urgent issues impacting children, our country and public health. Presented by The Pittsburgh Foundation, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Pitt’s Institute of Politics, the series kicks off tonight with the event, Invisible Wounds: Identifying and Addressing the Trauma that Gun Violence Inflicts on Our Children. Award-winning Washington Post journalist John Woodrow Cox, author of “Children Under Fire,” will discuss his reporting and moderate a panel discussion. Learn more here.
Wednesday, Nov. 16: Daniel Libeskind at McConomy Auditorium
6-8 p.m.
Don’t miss this lecture and Q&A at CMU by renowned Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind, in conjunction with his new book, “Edge of Order.” Lead designer for Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life project, Libeskind is an international figure in architecture and urban design known for “memorializing historical trauma.” Prior to the lecture at 5 p.m., White Whale will host a book sale, signing and reception in the Jared L. Cohon Center. Register for free.
Wednesday, Nov. 16: World Affairs Council Summit at University of Pittsburgh
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Amplifying the voices of immigrants and refugees from Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ukraine and other countries, the World Affairs Council’s third annual summit explores the theme of Deconstructing the American Dream. Co-presented with Vibrant Pittsburgh, the day includes a keynote address, cultural showcases and interactive sessions examining refugee resettlement, belonging, implicit bias, demographic data and economic factors. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, Nov. 16: Three Rivers Film Festival Closing Night at Harris Theater
7 p.m.
One of the region’s most significant cultural events is underway, with 18 independent feature films you can’t see anywhere else — including work with local ties — all augmented by Q&As with prolific directors and producers. Teaming up with the George A. Romero Foundation, the festial goes out on a thrilling note with a 40th-anniversary screening of the trailblazing director’s 1982 filmed-in-Pittsburgh classic, “Creepshow.” Buy tickets.
Thursday, Nov. 17-Sunday, Nov. 20: Pittsburgh Shorts at Harris Theater
Various times
November is a cinephile’s dream because just as the Three Rivers Film Festival wraps, Pittsburgh Shorts raises the curtain. With 114 films from 24 countries, including dramas, comedies and “Chiller Theater” selections, the shorts showcase proves that epic things do come in small packages. The festival also features a filmmaker conference with legendary Pittsburgh natives Joe Manganiello and TomSavini, Q&As with directors, actors performing live readings from a Script Competition and 6 blocks of virtual screenings. View a schedule and buy tickets.
Friday, Nov. 18: Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden at Phipps
10 a.m.-11 p.m.
Before the holiday hustle and bustle kicks into overdrive, take a break from making those lists and checking them twice for this cherished Burgh tradition. Embark on an arctic adventure — no bobsled required — when the North Pole comes to Pittsburgh. Meet whimsical narwhals and unicorns, watch whales spray water below a glowing iceberg and encounter a playful abominable snowman. Be dazzled by dripping icicle lights, luminous blue trees, 1,600 poinsettias, exquisite props and signature orchids. The glistening new Winter Light Garden will soothe your soul. Buy tickets.
Friday, Nov. 18-Sunday, Nov. 20: Pittsburgh Pet Expo at David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Various times
Where can you bond with rare reptiles, cheer on racing hermit crabs, and find your new forever friend? The Pet Expo returns with animal experiences of all ilks. See the talented Devil Dogs who will wow crowds with their lightning-fast agility, incredible tricks and high-flying stunts. While taking in 2 acres of pet-related programming, animal lovers can peruse hundreds of exhibitors, consult with vets, meet service dogs and snap selfies with tropical birds. Pets on a leash are welcome to participate. Buy tickets.
Friday, Nov. 18: CRAFTED at Contemporary Craft
5:30-8 p.m.
The best gifts are handmade and one of the best places to find them is at Contemporary Craft. Kick off the holiday gifting season with the nonprofit’s annual shopping event. Along with new and holiday merchandise, there will be a curated selection of mugs and drinkware from 30 artists from across the country that’s only available for the holidays. Get a sneak peek at an exclusive line of Penn/Fairmount drinkware and enjoy snacks and signature cocktails. Buy tickets.
Friday, Nov. 18: GLOWLAND Kick-off Party at Schenley Plaza
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Don’t dread the impending cold and gloom of winter — Glowland is here to illuminate our surroundings and lift our spirits. Just in time for November — when the region’s neighborhoods and towns begin to shine with hints of the holiday season — Glowland will fill Oakland’s public spaces and unexpected places with mesmerizing light-based installations and live music. The free festival is anchored by “Impulse,” a playable art installation. To transform Schenley Plaza into a public playground, there will be 15 sound and light-producing seesaws for visitors to ride. Get your glow on at tonight’s kick-off party with soothing cocktails, a silent disco, glass-blowing demonstrations and music by DJ Arie Cole. Buy tickets.
Friday, Nov. 18 & Saturday, Nov. 19: #notwhite collective at SPACE Gallery
5:30-8 p.m.
The #notwhite collective returns to the Cultural District for a retro/prospective featuring work by 13 women artists whose mission is “to use non-individualistic, multi-disciplinary art to make their stories visible as they relate, connect and belong to the Global Majority.” Works featured in the group exhibit, #notwhite collective 2016-2022, “embody the diversity of their practices and the plurality of their voices.” The exhibition kicks off with an opening reception and book launch on Nov. 18 and an Abafasi drumming performance on Nov. 19.
Saturday, Nov. 19: From Seneca to Seneca-Cayuga: Iroquoian Peoples of the Ohio Country at the Fort Pitt Museum
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
In honor of American Indian Heritage Month, a one-day conference brings together members of federally recognized tribes who will explore the past, present and future of the Iroquoian peoples with historic ties to the Ohio Valley. Sessions will explore how Iroquoian peoples survived a period of removal and continue to preserve their languages, history and traditions[ current issues around land acknowledgment and cultural preservation; and the life and legacy of Seneca chief Guyasuta. Participants can visit the museum’s new exhibition, Guyasuta: The Life and Legend of a Seneca Chief. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 19: I Made It! for the Holidays at The Block Northway
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Skip the mall, ditch Amazon and buy local this holiday season. At this pop-up merry marketplace, you can boost the local maker community — and find something for everyone on your gift list plus the awkward office Secret Santa exchange. The best part is that you’re bound to score a few cool wares for yourself too. Shop for handcrafted goods from 110 artisans, makers, small-batch food purveyors and distilleries. A juried mix of craft and vintage vendors will peddle artwork, clothing, toys, skincare products, ceramics, home décor, jewelry, pop culture collectibles and pet gifts.
Saturday, Nov. 19: Light Up Night in Pittsburgh
12-10 p.m.
It’s time to flip the switch and turn on the holiday magic. Add in a performance by rock superstar Joan Jett plus a supercharged Zambelli fireworks finale and you’ve got the hottest holiday ticket in town. Light Up Night returns to a Saturday night format as part of a 61st-anniversary refresh. Join revelers for a vibrant mix of time-honored traditions paired with new holiday experiences including a Pirates Mini-Fest, an Ultimate Disney Cover Band and a colossal Prantl’s cake. Wander amongst picturesque wooden chalets to get all your shopping done at the expanded Peoples Gas Holiday Market. Ready to rock? Belt out holiday tunes during the Merry Karaoke open mic show. The night isn’t complete without a glide around The UPMC Rink at PPG Place set aglow by a 66-foot high-tech animated tree.
Saturday, Nov. 19: Rachel Mica Weiss Exhibition Opening at Here Gallery
6-8 p.m.
Viewers will encounter works that are “expansive, large and heavy” at the latest exhibition opening tonight at this new North Side gallery. With Gravity, Weiss creates works that fuse “industrial fabrication with artisanal craft” and reflect her background in psychology metal casting, weaving and sculpture. Based in Brooklyn and Pittsburgh, the artist states that her creative practice examines issues such as mental barriers, physical limitations and control.
Saturday, Nov. 19: Astronomy Day at Carnegie Science Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Blast off to Mars, Pluto and beyond without leaving the North Shore! Calling all space enthusiasts, future astronomers and inquisitive minds for a day packed with interstellar fun. Tour the cosmos, learn how stars form from gas and dust and chat with astronomy experts. Embark on a SolarQuest, make a star clock to track the constellations in your own backyard and build a DIY spacecraft to see if it has the right stuff. Explore space weather through live demonstrations, discover how astronomers use spectroscopy, check out the new exhibit, Mars: The Next Giant Leap and much more. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 19: Neapolitan presepio Art Chat at Carnegie Museum of Art
6-7:30 p.m.
Get into the holiday spirit with a visit to one of the city’s most breathtaking seasonal displays. This year, Carnegie Museum of Art hosts a brand-new program series that will turn the gloomy months into a wonder wonderland. Drop in tonight for a docent-led Art Chat exploring the Neapolitan presepio. Experience the ornate tableau through the eyes of artisans and collectors, discover why the presepio is one of the world’s finest nativity scenes and hear fascinating stories behind elaborate details handcrafted between 1700 and 1830. Be the first to see this year’s five Fraser firs — aka the beloved Carnegie Trees — trimmed with festive baubles, gingerbread and glistening snow. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 19: Ballet Hispánico at Byham Theater
8 p.m.
Dance lovers cannot miss the county’s largest Latinx cultural organization when it glides into the Byham. For five decades, Ballet Hispánico has brought communities together through innovative productions, transformative education and community engagement. Returning to the Byham stage after 10 years, Ballet Hispánico will perform a mixed repertory program that draws from musical influences ranging from mambo to pop rock to flamenco. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 19: Boy Wonders at Cattivo
8 p.m.
Help Pittsburgh band Boy Wonders celebrate its cassette release party at the Lawrenceville venue, where it will be joined by Sun Dawgs and the Pat Coyle Band. Written and recorded in the attic studio of band member Derek January (vocals/guitar), the debut Boy Wonders album — “Happy Days Are Here Again” — finds the trio mining “sonic textures that tap into their longtime love of ’80s and ’90s indie pop.”
Sunday, Nov. 20: “Searching for Willie Lynch” at Dr. Vernell Audrey Watson Lillie Theater
3 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
New Horizon Theater kicks off its 31st season with “Searching for Willie Lynch.” Written and directed by Layon Gray, the play is based on an event that took place along the banks of the James River in the colony of Virginia in 1712, when slave owner Willie Lynch read a letter to teach his methods to other slave owners. Centered around three families who lived in the same house over the decades in 2008, 1965 and 1925, the powerful play explores “how a door could be a portal to the past” and a celebration of the future. Buy tickets.
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.
