What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, July 18-24? Find out here. Visit each organization’s website and social media for changing Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Monday, July 18, through Sunday, July 24: Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
Various times and locations
Race through the week with one of Pittsburgh’s most distinctive summer events. Auto aficionados and curious spectators alike can fill their calendars all week long — from car shows in Shadyside, Homestead and Downtown, to the Grand Prix Tune-Up Party, Countryside Tour, Passport to Elegance and more. The grand finale will dazzle onlookers during Race Weekend in Schenley Park (see below). Read more about the PVGP.
Tuesday, July 19: Ruth Ware at Carnegie Library Lecture Hall
6 p.m.
Next up for Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures’ New & Noted series is New York Times bestselling author Ruth Ware. Dubbed “the Agatha Christie of our generation,” Ware is back with a new psychological thriller, “The It Girl,” about a woman searching for answers after her friend’s murder. Joining Ware in conversation will be Pittsburgh-based writer Sara Shepard. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, July 20: Anyah Nancy at City of Asylum
7 p.m.
Help the Kente Arts Alliance kick off its Summer Madness Concert Series on the North Side. First up is local vocalist Anyah Nancy, whose sound blends classic jazz with contemporary soul and R&B. Register for free.
Wednesday July 20: “Anything’s Possible” at the AMC Waterfront 22
7 p.m.
If you adore his singing and acting, then you can’t miss the directorial debut of Pittsburgh’s own Billy Porter. Join QBurgh to be among the first to see “Anything’s Possible” directed by the CMU graduate before the film premieres on Amazon Prime. The Gen Z coming-of-age story follows a high school girl who is trans during her senior year. Register for free.
Wednesday, July 20: Cinema in the Park at Flagstaff Hill
8 p.m.
Who needs Netflix when you have an open-air movie theater under the stars in an iconic city park? Spend Hump Day with John Krasinski’s “A Quiet Place Part II” as you follow the film’s protagonist family on their journey to survive in a post-apocalyptic world inhabited by “blind aliens with an acute sense of hearing.”
Thursday, July 21: Ales & Asanas at Necromancer Brewing
6 p.m.
Once a month yogis take over this new North Hills spot — where brewmaster Lauren Hughes is reviving and reimagining tasty historic beers. Setting up shop in breweries to foster a welcoming community of fitness and beer enthusiasts. The one-hour class led by Ales & Asanas is open to all skill levels. Get tickets before they sell out.
Thursday, July 21: Speaker Series: How to Find Your Style at MuseumLab
6-8 p.m.
How can you use fashion to express yourself? Find out and get inspired during this discussion with stylists Imani Jahaan and Michelle Montana, model Javier Moore, style therapist Christina Stein and educator Bradley Hill. The free event is part of the How You Wear It exhibit, which explores connections between fashion, personal style and identity. Register for free.
Friday, July 22, through Sunday, July 24: Deutschtown Music Festival on the North Side
3 p.m.
It’s a very big year for one of the Burgh’s biggest local music festivals. Celebrating its milestone 10th anniversary, Deutschtown Music Festival runs from 3 p.m. on Friday through 8 p.m. on Sunday. There’s a sound for every ear with 400 bands spanning 31 outdoor and indoor venues, including stages in Allegheny Commons Park and on Foreland Avenue. With a walkable footprint and free shuttle service, music lovers can pop into many different venues. In between acts, head to the beer garden, food trucks, children’s activities, artist market and gospel brunch. Amplifying Pittsburgh’s vibrant music scene, the volunteer-run event aims to foster economic and community development in the central Northside.
Friday, July 22: “Blown Away” Watch Party at Pittsburgh Glass Center
5-9 p.m.
The secret’s out: Pittsburgh’s own John Sharvin is competing in Season 3 of the Netflix glassblowing show “Blown Away.” Join Pittsburgh Glass Center for this watch party, where Sharvin will lead demonstrations, create hot glass art and talk about his experiences on the hit show. Find out who will be crowned “Best in Glass,” grab dinner and drinks from Chefs on the Street and Trace Brewing and meet the center’s Director of Operations Chris Clarke, who appears in Episode 3 as a guest judge.
Friday, July 22 July through Sunday, July 24: Paddlesports Weekend & Film Festival at Allegheny RiverTrail Park
5:30 p.m.
Pick up a paddle and get out there! Join 3 Rivers Outdoor Company, Outkast Paddlers and Friends of the Riverfront for Pittsburgh’s inaugural Paddlesports Weekend running from 5:30 p.m. on Friday through 3 p.m. on Sunday. Highlights include a 10-mile Donut Paddle from Aspinwall to Oakmont Bakery, a Paddle & Camp Experience on Sycamore Island, industry exhibitors and gear rentals. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will teach paddlers how to safely navigate the river’s locks. Screenings from the Paddling Film Festival World Tour will bookend the weekend’s festivities. View a schedule and buy tickets.
Friday, July 22: Summer Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District
5:30 p.m.-12 a.m.
More daylight hours means more art to check out. Pop into 15-plus crawl stops, including galleries, indoor and outdoor venues and public spaces. Highlights include exhibit openings at Wood Street Galleries, 707 Penn, SPACE, 820 Liberty and Soul Stage performances at The Backyard. Activating Downtown streets will be pop-up improv shows and magic acts, the Night Market, a jazz vinyl happy hour and more. Stay late for the Crawl After Dark Drag Edition with Dixie Surewood at the Trust Arts Education Center. View a schedule.
Friday, July 22: Fleet Feet Liberty Mile Downtown
7 p.m.
More is not always better. Short and sweet, this 1-miler is the ideal distance for all speeds and fitness levels — from first-timers and pros to walkers and recreational runners. It’s Pittsburgh’s fastest road race — and Downtown’s only nighttime one. Experience what Runner’s World mag calls one of the “35 Most Iconic American Races,” then watch Olympians and national champs sprint to the finish with 4-minute miles. Starting on Penn Avenue, racers follow a U-shaped course that makes a quick turn onto Liberty Avenue for the exhilarating final stretch. Register here.
Friday, July 22: Bread & the Contours of Capitalism Dinner at Black Radish Kitchen
7 p.m.
Dinner becomes art during this unique culinary event created by Nigerian artist, chef and writer Tunde Wey in collaboration with Pittsburgh chef Kate Romane. Showcasing a multi-course Nigerian meal, the dinner-based forum benefits ALMA | LEWIS, a Pittsburgh hub dedicated to Black culture, contemporary art and resources. Equal parts cuisine, creativity, consumption and conversation, the night aims to spark an open dialogue about capitalism, global commodities, the pandemic, the Russia Ukraine war, geopolitical events and more. Buy tickets and see more events with Tunde Wey taking place this month.
Friday, July 22: Mistified Silent Disco in Schenley Plaza
7:30-10:30 p.m.
Thanks to the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, there are tons of ways to have a terrific summer in the city and enjoy free staycation events that activate local green spaces. Dance under the Milky Way, escape into your own world (and people-watch while others do the same!) during this Silent Disco hosted by local artists Ron Mist, PVKVSV, slowdanger and Sis Girl.
Friday, July 22: Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at South Park
7:30 p.m.
It’s a double whammy of musical talent for the county’s free concert series tonight. First up Grammy-nominated jazz-fusion group Special EFX led by Emmy-winning musician guitarist, composer and producer Chieli Minucci, who has worked with everyone from Celine Dion to Lou Reed to Eartha Kitt. Headlining is world-renowned keyboardist, composer and educator Alton Merrell. A member of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra, Merrell has performed with the PSO and around the county and globe.
Saturday, July 23, & Sunday, July 24: PVGP Race Weekend in Schenley Park
8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
The adrenaline has been accelerating for the past eight days — all leading up to the PVGP‘s 40th annual Race Week. There’s nothing else like the roar of the engines and the thrill of the chase as colorful, sleek cars compete on the city’s scenic roadways. It’s the only vintage race run on city streets and the largest of its kind in the U.S. The 10-day event culminates with races and car shows at the Bob O’Connor Golf Course — so find your favorite viewing spot. Weekend highlights include the International Car Show, Vintage Races, Vendor Village and Porsche Marque Race. Don’t miss the opening ceremonies led by Grand Marshal Ray Shaffer. Read more about the PVGP and view a schedule.
Saturday, July 23: Disability Pride Pittsburgh Downtown
1-5 p.m.
Spanning the 600 block of Fort Duquesne Boulevard, the city’s first-ever Disability Pride celebration honors the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Emceed by Imani Barbarin, the free festival features stand-up comedian/mental health advocate Gab Bonesso, storytellee Seamus Kelleher and musical group Infinity — along with activities, resource tables and food trucks. State Rep. Jessica Benham — the first PA legislator to identify as autistic — will be joined by local disability advocates.
Saturday, July 23: “Love Letters” at the O’Reilly Theater
2 p.m. & 8 p..m.
They might forever be known as the loving hippy parents of conservative Alex P. Eaton in “Family Ties,” but veteran actors Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross are coming together in a new production with an important message for our times. In an era dominated by texts, emails and social media, Pittsburgh Public Theater invites you to turn off your devices and experience “a story told through the art of letter writing.” The veteran actors star in A.R. Gurney’s classic play, “Love Letters” as Melissa and Andrew, who have been writing to each other for more than 50 years. Buy tickets.
Saturday, July 23: Birds and Brews at Powdermill Nature Reserve
7-8:30 p.m.
Bird nerds and brew enthusiasts will converge during this fascinating event led by author and researcher Scott Weidensaul. Based on his bestselling new book “A World on the Wing,” Weidensaul will take attendees around the globe — from China’s Yellow Sea to remote India to the Mediterranean Sea, where activists and police are battling bird poachers. While sipping brews from Four Seasons in Latrobe, you’ll learn how people are fighting to understand and save the world’s great bird migrations. Buy tickets.
Saturday, July 23: Match Gayme: Tiger King & Queens at the Oaks Theater
7:30 p.m.
If you were hooked on the Netflix true crime doc, don’t miss the return of Pittsburgh’s longest-running gameshow. The parody show features comedian Howard Lester as Joe Exotic, drag queen Blade Matthews as Carole Baskin and Ron Thompson as Doc Antel. Hosted by Joe King, the night includes diversity casting, pop-up performances and retro gameshow fun with contestants chosen from the audience to compete for prizes. Buy tickets.
Sunday, July 24: Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres
7:30 p.m.
Blues and Southern rock will rule Hartwood when the legendary North Mississippi Allstars take the stage. After a career spanning 25 years, 12 albums and 4 Grammy nominations, the North Mississippi Allstars are back with their new album, “Set Sail.” Hailing from Hernando, Mississippi (natch), the band was founded in 1996 by brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson. Bring your appetite because food trucks will be on-site, along with Black Dog Winery and Hop Farm.
For more things to do, read 13 top things to do in Pittsburgh in July from the Furries to Picklesburgh. For live music check out Concerts in Pittsburgh this July: Our guide to 16 can’t-miss shows. For family events, see 10 fun-filled Pittsburgh events for kids in July.