The NEXTpittsburgh event guide is underwritten in part by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.
What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, Aug. 1-7? Find out here. Visit each organization’s website and social media for changing Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Tuesday, Aug. 2: Carnegie Hall Youth Orchestra at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
7 p.m.
The Carnegie Hall Youth Orchestra makes a stop in Downtown on its U.S. tour. Even sweeter is that the ensemble will be led by Grammy-winning trumpeter and Pittsburgh favorite — Sean Jones — and will feature special guest vocalist Jazzmeia Horn. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, Aug. 3 & Thursday, Aug. 4: Summer Break Free Days at the Warhol Museum
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Looking for a creative — and free — way to spend the remaining weeks of summer vacation? Explore seven floors of Pop Art, including some very fluffy and friendly polar bears in the special exhibition, Paola Pivi: I Want It All. Swing by the museum’s new Print Lounge to make your own silkscreen art. The kiddos can to join student-led gallery tours and enjoy snacks and refreshments.
Wednesday, Aug. 3: Summer at the Square in Mellon Square
12-2 p.m.
Spend your lunch hour with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in the country’s first modernist park built above a parking garage. In the beautifully renovated urban green space, the outdoor lunchtime series features live music by Bill Purse, food and beverage specials, and larger-than-life games.
Wednesday, Aug. 3, through Friday, Aug. 5: Josh Gibson Foundation Celebration at PNC Park
Various times
Fans of the iconic Homestead Grays and Pittsburgh Crawfords star — who became the second Negro leagues player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame — can’t miss this week’s festivities around town hosted by the Josh Gibson Foundation. Be there for the unveiling of the Gibson’s Hall of Fame plaque on loan from Cooperstown’s Baseball Hall of Fame during Wednesday’s Pirates vs. Brewers game at PNC Park. On Thursday, head to Station Square for the dedication of Josh Gibson Heritage Park. Wrap up the week Friday at the 50th Anniversary Hall of Fame luncheon at PNC Park where the Josh Gibson Golden Award will be presented.
Thursday, August 4, through Sunday, August 7: PulpFest at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Cranberry
Various times
Mystery, science fiction and intrigue will converge at PulpFest’s milestone 50th anniversary. Discover how these “throwaway magazines” — fiction periodicals named for the cheap paper on which they were printed — inspire artists and creators of all ilks. The four-day fest boasts a dealers’ room, panel discussions, readings, games and contests. New highlights for the golden anniversary include an appearance by the prolific award-winning author Robert J. Randisi, a tribute to the centennial of the American pulp publisher Fiction House and a salute the 90th anniversary of Popular Publications’ “Dime” line of magazines. Get hardboiled and register here.
Thursday, Aug. 4: Dog Days of Summer in North Park
6-8 p.m.
The dog days of summer are here. Snoopies around the region only have a few more chances to enjoy this free series hosted by dog-friendly Allegheny County. Enjoy a summer evening of frolicking with your four-legged bestie, including games, a puppy pool and (s)wag bags with treats.
Thursday, Aug. 4: Solar Concert Series at Buhl Community Park
12:15 p.m.
Take a lunch break while enjoying an outdoor concert powered by our galaxy’s favorite star. Produced by SLB Radio and Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, the free series features live music by Pittsburgh-based indie rock singer-songwriter Louie Castle and his band. Pack a picnic or grab lunch from the museum’s cafe or nearby Nova Place.
Thursday, Aug.: Inside Out at Carnegie Museum of Art
5-9 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s fave new nightclub sets up shop on Thursday nights in CMOA’s open-air courtyard to host a summer dance party. With grooves from the Bounce House Collective, museum-goers can enjoy happy hour vibes and outdoor dancing — plus food trucks, drinks from Trace Brewing and snacks. Buy tickets.
Friday, Aug. 5, & Saturday, Aug. 6: Mission of Mercy Dental Clinic at David L. Lawrence Convention Center
6 a.m.-3 p.m.
If you need free dental, vision and hearing care, this is the place to get help. The epic undertaking brings together 1,000 volunteers to support residents who lack access to, or cannot afford these vital healthcare services. Procedures and treatments provided include exams, cleanings, minor restorative fillings, extractions, root canal treatments, oral hygiene instruction and temporary partial dental appliances. New this year will be vision and hearing care. Register now.
Friday, Aug. 5: Strong Awards Breakfast at the Westin Hotel
8-10 a.m.
Join Strong Women Strong Girls to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women and girls in our region. Back in person, the 2022 awards will honor three exceptional women and girls and a company advocate being recognized for their perseverance, character and commitment to the community. Emceed by Celina Pompeani, the event features a keynote talk by YWCA Greater Pittsburgh CEO Angela Reynolds. Get your tickets before August 2.
Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7: GAMMA Pickleball Classic at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
July was about Picklesburgh, but August is all about pickleball. If you’ve been hearing the buzz and are wondering what all the fuss is about, this is the perfect place to discover the hottest game in town and the country’s fastest-growing sport. Many devotees might not even realize that the sport’s premier indoor tournament takes place here in the Burgh. Join the excitement when 1,000 of the country’s top players compete for $30,000 in cash prizes in the tournament run by GAMMA Sports, a tennis and pickleball gear company that’s headquartered on Washington’s Landing.
Friday, Aug. 5, through Sunday, Aug. 7: Summer at The Backyard
Various times
Make The Backyard your new summer staycation destination. This weekend alone, the Downtown arts park hosts free concerts by Daryl Shawn, KOSMIX Band, Paul Macedonia, The Squirrel Hillbillies and Dan Bubien. There will also be yoga and Pure Barre and yoga workshops and youth activities led by Miss Cassidy Creates
Don’t miss the towering new public art installation, “Pyramid XL,” created by French artist Cyril Lancelin, a massive inflatable sculpture with stacks gold spheres referencing Pittsburgh’s own Three Sisters Bridges.
Friday, Aug. 5: Brews for Views at the West End Overlook
5:30-8 p.m.
Craft brews and exceptional views will converge during this benefit bash supporting Scenic Pittsburgh. Savor unlimited samplings of five local craft beer varieties, munch on Spitfirez BBQ bites and desserts and enjoy rollicking bluegrass music by Pittsburgh’s Casual Hobos. Drink up to protect, preserve and promote our region’s beauty and scenic resources. The event will also unveil the Scenic SWPA Photo Contest winners. Buy tickets.
Friday, Feb. 4: Unblurred Art Crawl on Penn Avenue
5:30-10 p.m.
The weather is perfect for this roving open house-style event highlighting all that’s new in Bloomfield and Garfield from 4800 to 5500 Penn Ave. There’s so much to experience at cultural and commercial destinations — dance classes at Level Up, crafts at Workshop PGH, exhibits at Silver Eye, BOOM Concepts and Pittsburgh Glass Center and more. Don’t miss the mural unveiling and patio reception at Bunker Projects and have your portrait taken (with a peach!) at Lange Studio.
Friday, Aug. 5: Tyler Farr at South Park Amphitheater
7:30 p.m.
If you like country music, head south to catch Nashville singer and songwriter Tyler Farr. Opening the free Allegheny County Summer Concert Series is Pittsburgh’s own Americana songstress Melissa Quinn Fox. Arrive hungry — and thirsty — because multiple food trucks will be on-site, along with Black Dog Winery and Hop Farm Brewing Co.
Saturday, Aug. 6: Inside Out at Carnegie Museum of Art
1-2:30 p.m.
Clear your Saturday afternoon for this carefree — and free — happening in CMOA’s outdoor Sculpture Court. As a prelude to the 58th Carnegie International, artist Rafael Domenech will transform the open-air site into a site-specific pavilion. You’ll be inspired to get up and move with pop-up performances by the Lighthouse Project, Alumni Theater Company and Dreams of Hope.
Saturday, Aug. 6: Taste of Italy at the Heinz History Center
3-5 p.m
Say buon appetito as your take a trip through Italian Culinary History with Jen Saffron, owner of the Millvale-based café and catering kitchen Sprezzatura. Explore Italian-American food traditions, learn how to make delicious focaccia and grissini during live cooking demonstrations with samples from Sprezzatura. Melissa E. Marinaro, director of the History Center’s Italian American program, will share insights into Western PA’s Italian community and how these traditions are preserved in the region today. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Aug. 6: Spotlight on the ‘Burgh at Liberty Magic
5 p.m. & 8 p.m.
Did you know that multiple master magicians call Pittsburgh home? In this Liberty Magic exclusive, Mr. Messado, Michael Misko, Bill Averman and Eric Meredith will join forces to present a 90-minute tour de force that equality enchanting and entertaining. Except to have your mind blown and your perspective expanded by these all masters of prestidigitation who’ll make you love this city’s homegrown talent even more. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Aug. 6: Galaxy Ball at the Priory Hotel
8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Pittsburgh’s underground ballroom community is ready to reclaim the limelight. The one-of-a-kind Galaxy Ball is back with an evening of competition and performance for all to embrace. Blending European elegance and neighborhood history, the North Side’s boutique hotel is the perfect backdrop for the festivities presented by True T Pittsburgh. See ballroom participants compete for $7,000 in cash prizes. Dubbed “AstroPunk,” the night’s renowned ballroom commentators are Kevin JZ Prodigy, Gregg Xclusive Lanvin and Vjay the DJ. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Aug. 6: TITLE TOWN Soul & Funk Party at Spirit
9 p.m.-2 a.m.
Dance your way into summer at one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved DJ nights. Get sweaty to everything from Motown and disco, to Latin boogaloo and Northern Soul — all culled from the DJs’ impressive collections of hand-picked vinyl 45s spanning regional scenes and different eras. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Aug. 7: Shyne Awards at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center
5 p.m.
Help young adults shine at this premier awards ceremony. Amplify the positive achievements of all young adults in our region, the Shyne Awards will recognize young adults, ages 13 through 24, for their achievements in the arts, academics, community service, entrepreneurship, service in ministry, science, overcoming obstacles, leadership, STEM or youth group participation. Kicking of with a red carpet festivities, the night includes local celebs, entertainment acts and an awards ceremony. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Aug. 7: John Pizzarelli Swing Seven at Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater
7:30 p.m.
Wind down from the weekend surrounded by the crown jewel of Allegheny County’s park system. Next up to take the mic for the free Allegheny County Summer Concert Series is John Pizzarelli Swing Seven with special guests, The Mike Tomaro Septet. Bring your appetite because several food trucks will be on-site, along with Black Dog Winery and Hop Farm Brewing Co.
For more things to do, read 19 best concerts in Pittsburgh this August, from Thundercat to Matmos and 10 best August events for fun-loving kids in Pittsburgh.