What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, Oct. 31-Nov. 6? Find out here. Visit each organization’s website and social media for Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Monday, Oct. 31-Saturday, Nov. 5: Pitt Jazz Week at Bellefield Hall Auditorium
Various times
Pittsburgh’s rich jazz past, present and future are embodied by the prestigious Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert which celebrates its milestone 52nd anniversary this week. Everything is free to the public, including five concerts, feature performances by national and regional musicians, and a film screening, panel discussion and community workshop. Not to miss is the exceptional Dave Burrell Trio — featuring Hamid Drake on drums — followed by a presentation of the Dave Burrell Archive to Pitt. Featured artist Tia Fuller will perform with Pittsburgh musicians Roger Humphries, Alton Merrell and Jeff Grubbs. View a schedule.
Monday, Oct. 31: “Night of the Living Dead” at Row House Cinema
2:05 p.m. & 7:05 p.m.
No Halloween is complete without this classic zombie flick directed by horror film icon and beloved Pittsburgher George A. Romero, which wraps up the Row House of Horrors series in Lawrenceville. Grip the edge of your seat as seven people trapped in a rural Evans City farmhouse are attacked by flesh-eating undead ghouls. There’s even a daytime screening — perfect for folks who get extra spooked — so you can get home in time to hand out treats to candy-eating ghouls. Buy tickets.
Monday, Oct. 31: Haunted Pittsburgh Cruise on the Gateway Clipper
6:15 p.m. & 7:45 p.m.
What is the most haunted address in Pittsburgh? Does a monster really lurk beneath the Mon? Why go trick-or-treating when you can set sail in costume? Ghouls of all ages will hear true haunted tales, ghost stories and gruesome lore centered around historic landmarks and supernatural occurrences along Pittsburgh’s three rivers. Watch out for roaming ghosts who have joined the crew, sit for a Tarot card reading and enjoy hot chocolate and fall treats. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, Nov. 2: Cardigan Day with WQED
Various times
November is the perfect time to slip into your favorite cardigan, honor Fred Rogers and share random acts of kindness. Zipper up or button down for this annual sweater weather tradition. WQED invites our neighbors to spread kindness by donning their cozy cardigans and posting photos via social media using #CardiganDay.
Wednesday, Nov. 2: The Intersection of Race and Disability at Heinz History Center
2-4 p.m.
The intersection of race and disability is the focus of this hybrid event presented by the Heinz History Center and Western Pennsylvania Disability History and Action Consortium. Scholar Alonna Carter-Donaldson will introduce the project that shares stories of Black, Indigenous and people of color whose lives are impacted by issues facing their Western PA communities. A panel discussion moderated by Community Living and Support Services CEO Melva Fair includes project narrators, advisory and steering committee members, and stakeholders. Register for free.
Wednesday, Nov. 2: Amachi Hachi Pachi at the Energy Innovation Center
7 p.m.
A silent disco, a Steelers legend and an interactive puzzle will join forces to help young people overcome the challenges of parental incarceration. With nearly 8,500 Allegheny County children having incarcerated parents, Amachi’s work to break the generational incarceration cycle is more vital than ever. Enjoy performances by the Center of Life Youth Band, a silent disco featuring DJ Cake and DJ Femi and a tribute to Pro Football Hall of Famer and youth champion Franco Harris. New this year is the unveiling of a community initiative and a station displaying virtual reality adventures, games and 3D experiences showcasing Amachi’s work. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, Nov. 2: Emma Willmann at the Pittsburgh Improv
8 p.m.
If you love her in “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” listen to her hit podcast, Inside The Closet, or follow her on Instagram and TikTok, you can’t miss comedian Emma Willmann when she rolls into Homestead. Self-described as “perhaps one of the only dyslexic-gender-wiggly-comics-with-ADHD from Blue Hill, Maine,” Willmann is one of New York City’s top comedians. Buy tickets.
Thursday, Nov. 3: Refractions Conversation Series at Carnegie Museum of Art
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Now that you’ve seen (we hope!) the 58th Carnegie International, go beyond the galleries for this multi-disciplinary series of conversations, readings, artist talks and performances designed to expand the context and experience of the exhibition. Tonight’s in-person discussion is with Carnegie International artist Tishan Hsu and the exhibition’s associate curator Ryan Inouye. Register for free.
Thursday, Nov. 3: “Disney’s The Little Mermaid” at the Byham Theater
7:30 p.m.
Sing along to “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl” when this beloved fishy fable swims into the Burgh for just five shows. Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s iconic story and the classic animated film, the production is presented by the Pittsburgh Musical Theater Conservatory in collaboration with the CAPA Orchestra. Audiences of all ages will love the music by eight-time Oscar winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and a compelling book by Doug Wright. Follow our protagonist Ariel, along with her friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian — plus Prince Eric and sea witch Ursula — in this love story for the ages. Buy tickets.
Friday, Nov. 4: First Friday Hike at Devil’s Hollow
10-11:30 a.m.
Feel the colorful leaves crunch beneath your feet during this walking tour of Devil’s Hollow. Led by the Allegheny Land Trust, hikers can search for birds, wildflowers and mushrooms. Tucked within Bell Acres Borough near Sewickley Heights Borough Park, the sloped and heavily wooded, 97-acre conservation area is home to a major tributary of Little Sewickley Creek, large stands of American beech trees and a trail system. Register for free.
Friday, Nov. 4: YWCA Greater Pittsburgh Equity Awards Luncheon at the Wyndham Grand
12-1:30 p.m.
The YWCA Greater Pittsburgh honors inspiring leaders, especially women of color, who advocate for and advance the nonprofit’s mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The Equity Awards embody the organization’s intersectional approach to addressing race and gender equity and reflect its long-standing commitment to “recognizing change makers and risk takers” in our community. Learn about the honorees.
Saturday, Nov. 5: Teen Zine Takeover at Carnegie Museum of Natural History
12-4 p.m.
Know a teen who’s looking for an artistic way to spend Saturday? Spend the afternoon getting creative with zine-making and drawing workshops and check out the Youth Art Initiative’s zine, Intro:spection in Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s Foster Overlook. There will also be snacks, art and a live DJ in the Hall of Botany. Register for free.
Friday, No. 4: Traveling Beer Market at Streets of Cranberry
5-9 p.m.
Head up north for the next edition of this nomadic brew market hosted By Beers of the Burgh and the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild. The free event will showcase beer, mead and cider from six area purveyors, bites from Fudge Farm and the Let’s Taco Food Truck and live music by Bad Juju.
Saturday, Nov. 5: “Frederick Douglass NOW” at August Wilson African American Cultural Center
7 p.m.
Best known for his collaborations with Spike Lee, the award-winning actor, director and writer Roger Guenveur Smith brings his acclaimed one-man show to the Cultural District for one night only. The powerful show combines classic texts with jazz music and an original narrative reflecting the life and legacy of the pioneering abolitionist, social reformer and feminist. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 5: Pittsburgh Area Theatre Organ Society at Keystone Oaks High School
7:30 p.m.
Did you know that the only operational theater organ in Pittsburgh — a three-manual 19-rank Wurlitzer — was moved from Brooklyn to Keystone Oaks High School in the 1970s? The Pittsburgh Area Theatre Organ Society’s mission is to preserve the heritage of this pipe organ and show off what it can do. Tonight, hear organist Tedde Gibson play jazz, gospel and other musical genres, including live accompaniment for two silent films. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 5: “The Marriage of Figaro” at the Benedum Center
8 p.m.
One of the most popular comic operas of all time will be reborn for four shows. Whether you’re looking for the perfect introduction to opera, a creative date night or you’re an opera aficionado, “The Marriage of Figaro” is not to miss. Conducted by Antony Walker and director Stephanie Havey, the timeless opera is filled with cases of mistaken identity, incidents of romantic trickery and iconic music by Mozart. The opera is the sequel to “The Barber of Seville” in a trilogy penned by French polymath Pierre Beaumarchais in the 1700s. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 5: “Frankenstein” at the New Hazlett Theater
8 p.m.
Be transported to a Swiss mansion where 18-year-old writer Mary Shelley conceives one of the most horrifying and suspenseful stories ever written. Don’t miss the Prime Stage Theatre’s innovative world premiere based on Shelley’s iconic Gothic novel and adapted by acclaimed sci-fi author Lawrence C. Connolly. Pondering the age-old question “who really is the monster?,” the timeless tale stars Everett Lowe as one of horror’s most beloved — and feared — creatures. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Nov. 6: EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler
7:30 a.m.
The crisp fall weather is the optimal time to lace up and race your yinzer heart out. Equal parts athletic event and hyper-local tour de Burgh, the race features engaging course activations along five themed routes highlighting sports, celebrities, cuisine, entertainment and more. Local sites and six bands will keep participants motivated all the way to the finish line at Liberty Avenue. To celebrate its milestone 10th anniversary, the event is debuting a 10K distance. Register now.
Sunday, Nov. 6: Notable Near Misses of Pittsburgh’s Past – An Accidental History Guided Bike & Hike
3:30-6:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s dramatic topography, steep hills and twists and turns can make one feel accident-prone, amiright? Join this biking and walking excursion to discover incidents spanning the 1750s to 1970s when “nobody got hurt in spite of unique combinations of stupidity, luck and malice.” Led by Venture Outdoors, the excursion includes riverfront trails, sidewalks, bridges, scenic overlooks and even a ride on the Duquesne Incline. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Nov. 6: Henry Evans at Liberty Magic
6:30 p.m.
You haven’t experienced magic until you’ve seen what Henry Evans can do with a deck of cards. Be the first to see Evans’ popular performance “The Enchanted Cards of Buenos Aires” when it makes its U.S. premiere at Downtown’s magic mecca. Considered the world’s best card magician, Evans holds more international championship wins than any other living performer. The best part? Most of the magic happens in the audience’s hands. During the dazzling finale, 12 strangers take the stage to reconstruct a magical feat only attempted once before. Buy tickets.