The NEXTpittsburgh event guide is underwritten in part by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.
What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, Oct. 24-30? Find out here. Visit each organization’s website and social media for Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Monday, Oct. 24-Wednesday, Oct. 26: Polish Film Festival at the Harris Theater
Various times
Organized by the Polish Cultural Council, this year’s festival focuses its lens on groundbreaking director Krzysztof Kieślowski (1941-1996). On the big screen this week is Kieślowski’s celebrated “Three Colors” trilogy — back in theaters 30 years after it debuted, with a stunning 4K restoration supervised by director of photography Sławomir Idziak. Also screening is Kieślowski’s 1987 film, “Blind Chance” — originally suppressed by the Polish authorities — and a documentary shorts program. The festival continues at Row House Cinema in November. Buy tickets.
Monday, Oct. 24-Saturday, Oct. 29: Row House of Horrors at Row House Cinema
Various times
There’s something for thrill seekers all week at this spooky cinema series in Lawrenceville. Along with watching “The Invisible Man,” “The Dead Don’t Die,” “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” and “The Crow,” horror fans can donate blood (and get free popcorn!) with Vitalant, taste new beer releases and celebrate devil’s night with tarot readings. Buy tickets.
Tuesday, Oct. 25: For The Artists: A Night of Networking at Trace Brewing
6 p.m.
Are you a performing artist, musician or event producer looking to connect with others? After long stretches of canceled, postponed and rescheduled shows due to the pandemic, this networking event produced by Keystone Artist Connect and Driving While Black Records could not be more welcome. Join artists and event industry professionals in a relaxed and welcoming setting for a night of music, networking, refreshments and raffles. Buy tickets.
Thursday, Oct. 27: Virtual Life Without Lead Summit
8:45 a.m.-5 p.m.
Join community leaders, policymakers, advocates, scientists and concerned families from across the country for this timely virtual conference presented by Lead Safe Allegheny. The keynote talk is by Angel Wilson, director of the documentary, “Hiding in the Walls.” Register for free.
Thursday, Oct. 27: Rolling Rock Pop-up Museum in Uptown
10-11 a.m.
If you missed the recent Rolling Rock pop-up museum at the Tito-Mecca-Zizza House in Uptown, you’re in luck because the project gets an encore as part of the Italian American Studies Association conference. Along the 1800 block of Fifth Ave., visitors will learn about Pittsburgh bootlegger and gambling entrepreneur Joe Tito, the site where Rolling Rock beer was first sold in 1935, his family’s Victorian house and more. Curated by NEXTpittsburgh contributor David Rotenstein, the project is part of the city-designated historic landmark that once housed Tito’s home and business.
Thursday, Oct. 27-Sunday, Oct. 30: Jurassic World Live at PPG Paints Arena
7 p.m.
Move over Monongahela Monster, Velociraptor Blue is roaring into town. Travel 65 million years to encounter 24 ferocious life-sized dinosaurs — including a 40-foot-long T. rex — operated by animatronics and performers. Against a backdrop of eye-popping scenery, pulse-pounding stunts and immersive projections, you’ll trek into the dense Isla Nublar jungle. Buy tickets.
Friday, Oct. 28: “The Silence of the Lambs” at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
5:30- 10:30 p.m.
No Halloween is complete without a visit to this chilling event showcasing one of the most terrifying films ever made. Before watching the movie, step into a replica of the creepy cage right where the escape scene was shot, snap a selfie with “Hannibal and Clarice” and check out film blueprints and props. Attend a talk by Victor Cianca about hauntings, find out how you can visit the Perryopolis abode of fictional serial killer Buffalo Bill and shop for spine-tingling wares. The fright night includes an artificial laceration station, tarot card readings and pumpkin carving. Buy tickets.
Friday, Oct. 28: Heroes and Villains 18+ Night at Carnegie Science Center
6-10 p.m.
Have a sci-fi — and kid-free — Halloween on the North Shore, where regional cosplayers, comic writers and artists will collide for one spooktacular night. Compete in costume contests, sing your heart out during cosmic karaoke and party down with masked vigilantes. Attend panels hosted by comic artists and writers Dave Wachter and Tom Scioli, make DIY keychains and more surprises. Buy tickets.
Friday, Oct. 28: Allegheny Arsenal: Exploring Myths at Heinz History Center
6:30-8 p.m.
Halloween is the perfect time to explore one of Pittsburgh’s most chilling unsolved mysteries. Tonight’s book talk commemorates the 160th anniversary of the mysterious and tragic explosion at Allegheny Arsenal in Lawrenceville, where 1,100 workers manufactured harnesses, assembled small weapons and filled musket cartridges for the Union Army. History Center President Andy Masich joins book authors Tom Powers and James Wudarczyk to share fascinating new findings about the Pittsburgh mystery that has puzzled generations. Buy tickets.
Friday, Oct. 28-Sunday, Oct. 30: Haunted Pittsburgh Cruises on the Gateway Clipper
Various times
Why go trick-or-treating when you go sailing in costume? There’s a haunted adventure for ghouls of all ages, with off-shore excursions like the Boo N Brew Dance Cruise, Haunted Pittsburgh Cruise, WDVE Halloween Party and Halloween Fun Cruise just for the kiddos. Expect ghost stories and gruesome tales, haunted local landmarks and lore, tarot card readings and more. View a schedule and buy tickets.
Friday, Oct. 28 & Saturday, Oct. 29: Freedom to Create Gala & Keynote at Alphabet City
7 p.m. & 3 p.m.
Join City of Asylum to welcome 2006 Nobel Prize in Literature recipient Orhan Pamuk. At tonight’s fundraiser, Pamuk will read from his newest novel, “Nights of Plague” and discuss his fight for freedom of expression in Turkey. Gala-goers will be treated to a champagne reception and dinner from 40 North, and will receive a copy of Pamuk’s book. Then on Saturday, Pamuk will present the free Freedom to Create Keynote talk as part of the nonprofit’s annual event honoring an international writer or artist who has overcome efforts to limit their creative freedom. Buy gala tickets.
Friday, Oct. 28: ZOMBIE-Tonk Jukebox at Liedertafel Singing Society
7-11 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s fave swinging country band goes slasher for just one night. Lurch over to Bloomfield where host Jon Bindley and a cast of local musicians will perform lively country classics, plus some holiday-themed favorites. Dress the part to vie for costume contest prizes. Buy tickets.
Friday, Oct. 28: “Dear Sessions” at Attack Theatre
7:30 p.m.
Attack Theatre opens its new season with this one-night-only show co-created by Grammy-winning cellist Dave Eggar, the company’s longtime music director. Called a love letter to Attack Theatre’s community, the salon-style performance of music and dance features NPR 2020 Song of the Year winner Amber Rubarth and Max ZT, dubbed “the Hendrix of the hammered dulcimer.” Pro tip: Buy a VIP ticket for access to the pre-show reception and artist talk.
Friday, Oct. 28: “The Sorcerer” at Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center
7:30 p.m.
Just in time for the witching season, the Pittsburgh Savoyards are shining a light on one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s spookier productions. Find out what happens when romance, magic and a love potion wreak havoc on a town in this eerily enchanting operetta. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 29 & Sunday, Oct. 30: Young Playwrights Festival at City Theatre
Various Times
Is your child the next August Wilson or Eve Ensler? Celebrate the region’s newest generation of playwriting talents when this festival returns for the first time since 2019. Six winning plays — penned by local students in grades 7-12 — will be directed by Tru Verret-Fleming and feature a professional design team and acting company. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 29: Greenfield Spooktacular at Alternate Histories Studio
12-4 p.m.
Alternate Histories teams up with the soon-to-open bookstore Stories Like Me to host a neighborhood Halloween happening. The free Greenfield event includes readings for ghouls ages 3-7, a book sale and free goodies to costumed kiddos.
Saturday, Oct. 29: Bike or Treat Scavenger Hunt
1-4 p.m.
Join POGOH for an inclusive bike ride celebrating all things Halloween. Hop on two wheels and ride to six checkpoints located throughout the city — starting where you wish. Collect a unique token from each checkpoint, then head to POGOH’s HQ at 3328 Penn Ave. for an after-party, prizes, apple cider and 11th Hour brews. Register for free.
Saturday, Oct. 29: Hauntings of Pittsburgh at Carnegie Library – Allegheny Branch
3:30-4:30 p.m.
If the ghosts of the North Side could talk, what tales would they tell? Join storyteller Alan Irvine to hear ghost stories that involve the historic Pittsburgh neighborhood during this free event.
Saturday, Oct. 29: Rick Bach Opening Reception at Zynka Gallery
5-8 p.m.
The newest exhibition to open at the Sharpsburg gallery — provocatively titled Halftime at the Apocalypse — showcases the work of celebrated artist, Rick Bach. Currently based in Washington, D.C., Bach works in a wide range of media, from paper to metal to wood.
Saturday, Oct. 29: “Night of the Living Dead” at the Rangos Giant Cinema
5:30 p.m.
Have the most Pittsburgh Halloween ever by watching the original zombie flick by George Romero on western PA’s largest movie screen. The groundbreaking horror classic will be reborn via crisp 4K images, brilliant colors and immersive surround sound. The film’s sound engineer, Gary Streiner, will lead an interactive Q&A. Stop by the Miniature Railroad & Village to check out the new model of the film’s Evans City chapel. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 29: Sliced Island Halloween Party at Spirit
9 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Experience a two-floor double-feature of macabre mayhem — including live music and immersive environments — at Spirit’s highly anticipated Halloween bash and costume contest. Hosted by drag celeb the moon baby, Spirit will pulse with music by Miranda and the Beat, The Spectres, Death Instinct and Title Town. And check out Detroit techno legend Claude Young and Pittsburgh-based Ghostly International artist Ali Berger. The very lucky costume contest winner takes home the coveted “Golden Ticket” — aka free admission to Spirit events in 2023. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Oct. 30: ZooBoo at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Seeking some not-so-scary Halloween fun? While watching your fave animal friends enjoying Halloween treats, you can go trick-or-treating throughout the site, check out magic shows, show off your spooktacular costume in a parade and create creepy crafts. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Oct. 30: Brick Fest Live at Monroeville Convention Center
Various times
Calling all kiddos, ALEs (aka Adult LEGO Enthusiasts) and Parts Monkeys to Monroeville for 70,000 square feet of plastic brick heaven. The country’s largest fan-created LEGO event returns with a staggering one million bricks. Ignite your imagination with interactive building activities, race a car in The Derby, check out glow-in-the-dark creations and step into the immersive Bricks Around the World feature. Buy tickets.
For more things to do, read 12 fun-filled Pittsburgh events in October, from Donut Fest to The Scary Furnace. For live music, check out Pittsburgh’s best live music this October from Smashing Pumpkins to Fontaines D.C.
