The NEXTpittsburgh event guide is underwritten in part by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.
What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, Sept. 26-Oct. 2? Find out here. Visit each organization’s website and social media for Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Monday, Sept. 26-Sunday, Oct. 2: Pittsburgh Architecture Week
Various times
Pittsburgh’s built environment gives our region charm and character with landmark buildings by H.H. Richardson, Frederick Osterling, Daniel Burnham and many others. With seven days of free exhibits, panels, activities and tours, this first-ever event invites the public to explore architecture all around us — including how design impacts daily life, shapes our city’s identity and promotes a sense of place. View a schedule.
Wednesday, Sept. 28: Discovery & Drinks at Emerald City
7 p.m.
The Crescent City meets Emerald City at Downtown’s newest coworking space. Meet Principal Pops Conductor Byron Stripling, who will take listeners on a musical journey to the Big Easy along with pianist Bobby Floyd. It’s the perfect happy hour precursor to the PSO’s Sounds of New Orleans concert at Heinz Hall this weekend. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, Sept. 28-Friday, Sept. 30: Global Manufacturing & Industrialisation Summit
Various times
The future of sustainable manufacturing is playing out in the Pittsburgh region. Through the lens of climate change, this global gathering brings leaders Downtown to discuss, debate and shape worldwide industrialization. Topics range from autonomous systems, additive manufacturing and the hydrogen economy, to nanotech design and supply chain decentralization. The American Middle East Institute is hosting a special event with CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, bestselling author and neurosurgeon Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, Sept. 28: Garden Get Down at Sherwood Event Center
6-9 p.m.
Join local growers, chefs and educators to see firsthand how sharing fresh food has uplifted communities during the challenging pandemic. Featuring a seed swap and music by DJ Mary Mack, the eco fest will spotlight the benefits of urban gardens and share the work being undertaken by Grow Pittsburgh. Enjoy harvest tastes from 9 Cafe, Veggies N’at and Secretos de mis Abuelos, treats from Confections by Casey Renee and local libations. Ticket sales end at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 26.
Thursday, Sept. 29: Women in Bio’s P.O.W.E.R. at Phipps
6-8 p.m.
Spend tonight surrounded by women making an impact on our region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Hosted by Women In Bio, the event’s panel discussion features innovators creating sustainable products and leading sustainability initiatives. Enjoy apps and drinks and be inspired by women who are empowering local life science companies to make sustainability a top priority. Buy tickets.
Thursday, Sept. 29: Pitch Black Dining in the Dark at Revival on Lincoln
6-9:30 p.m.
It’s one thing to be blindfolded while hitting a piñata but would you eat in the dark? This dining phenomenon returns with a new location, a new menu and new entertainment. How’s it work? Diners enter a lit room accompanied by waiters and are seated before being blindfolded. Your senses of taste, smell, sound and mouthfeel will awaken as you savor a secret meal, your favorite drinks and the art of conversation. Buy tickets.
Thursday, Sept. 29: TV Theme Song Trivia Night at Bakery Square
7-9 p.m.
Do you walk around humming the themes to “Gilligan’s Island,” “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” or “Stranger Things?” Find out how well you know your favorite TV show theme songs and vie for prizes and local fame during this game night hosted by Bakery Square and Pittsburgh Bar Trivia.
Thursday, Sept. 29: Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series
7:30-9 p.m.
The Pittsburgh Contemporary Writers Series welcomes music writers Will Hermes (Rolling Stone, “Love Goes to Buildings on Fire”) and Amanda Petrusich (The New Yorker, “It Still Moves: Lost Songs, Lost Highways, and the Search for the Next American Music”) for this Zoom discussion. Hermes and Petrusich will read from their work then join Pitt Associate Professor Peter Trachtenberg for a conversation and Q&A about their craft. Register for free.
Friday, Sept. 30-Sunday, Oct. 2: Fall Home Show at David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Various times
If you’re already awaiting the next Home & Garden show in March, don’t miss this weekend’s fall edition. Whether your want to build a patio, connect with contractors or design your dream kitchen, it’s the perfect place to tackle home projects. Shop sustainably at the Farm to Table Buy Local Expo, get pro tips in the Ask the Interior Designers Booth and meet Dr. Lori from the hit TV show “The Curse of Oak Island.” Buy tickets.
Friday, Sept. 30: Juneteenth African Lecture Series at Carlow University
6-8 p.m.
Explore ancient Egyptian history, science, philosophy and culture at this lecture series hosted by Stop the Violence Pittsburgh. Founder of IKG Cultural Resources, author, cultural historian, and educational consultant. Anthony T. Browder will present the talk, Ancient Egypt: The Light of the World. Register for free.
Friday, Sept. 30: Ruby Revelry at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium Garden Tent
7 p.m.
Celebrate the 40th birthday of southwestern PA’s only independent birth center. Bringing together community members who are committed to maternal, infant, gynecological and family health, the outdoor evening features delicious food, music, trivia and five decadent flavors of cake served by Bella Christie and Lil’ Z’s Sweet Boutique. Buy tickets.
Friday, Sept. 30: Mix, Make and Mingle at Assemble
7 p.m.
Party like it’s 1999 while supporting Assemble’s programs for local youth, artists, technologists and makers. Sip STEAM-themed Bar on the Fly cocktails, munch on bites from Tyya Johnson and make flashy LED pins at creation stations. Play video games, snap green screen selfies, and mingle with friends old and new. Buy tickets.
Friday, Sept. 30: Honky-Tonk Jukebox at Bloomfield Liedertafel Singing Society
7 p.m.
Put a swing in your step and some honky-tonk in your heart this fall when Pittsburgh’s favorite country music dance party sets up shop at this hidden gem in Bloomfield that’s a sister club to the North Side’s Teutonia Männerchor. Hosted by Pittsburgh musician Jon Bindley, the lineup features a rotating roster of regional performers. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 1: FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk at Pittsburgh International Airport
10 a.m.
Don’t just watch airplanes fly, race against them (in your mind!). This unique course lets participants run through the airfield and taxiways past massive aircraft parked along the runway, revealing a side of the airport few get to see. Anyone can earn their wings at this family-friendly race, with a 5K (3.1-mile) course and a 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk. Register now.
Saturday, Oct. 1: Pittsburgh StepTrek on the South Side
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
One of Pittsburgh’s most unique features is its collection of 800 sets of city steps. Think you have what it takes to ascend them? Help this beloved Pittsburgh fest raise funds to maintain the city’s iconic steps via the South Side Slopes Neighborhood Association. Highlighting photography, history and neighborhood pride, the pay-what-you-can event includes access to digital maps and route narratives. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 1: Doors Open in Downtown Pittsburgh
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
If you often stand in awe peering up and Pittsburgh’s landmark buildings and wondering what lurks inside, this self-guided tour is for you. Step into 36 buildings to visit spaces rarely open to the public and partake in the event’s new family-friendly activities. Be nebby as you stroll through churches, offices, theaters, clubs and hotels, stand on stages and even see an ornate bank vault. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 1 & Sunday, Oct. 2: Artists’ Market in Mt. Lebanon
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This juried market featuring regional makers, artisans and crafters is worth a trip to the burbs. The Academy Avenue Parking Lot located behind the popular Lebo Saloon will be transformed into a maker showcase featuring 65 artists and five local food trucks.
Saturday, Oct. 1: Works on Paper Fair at SPACE Gallery
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
If you haven’t visited The Pittsburgh Left, today is the perfect chance to explore the exhibit and attend this pop-up paper goods fair. Featured artists will sell a variety of paper works, from printmaking, illustration and photography, to zines, doodles and cartoons. Works will be unframed and affordable, making it a great way to start your own collection and support the local arts economy.
Saturday, Oct. 1: What’s the Point .5K Westinghouse Park Race for Everybody
11 a.m.
A race with a nap station? Where do we sign up? If you’re looking for a run that’s truly for everyone, couch potatoes included, you’ll have a blast at this small but mighty event supporting the beautification of Westinghouse Park. Before the main race begins at 1 p.m., roll up your sleeves for the “trash dash” and help redd up the park. The entertainment-filled afternoon features a 546-yard “race,” carb-loading doughnut station, live music, a puppet dance party and a cake for George Westinghouse’s 176 birthday. Costumes are very much encouraged, as are four-legged participants. Register here.
Saturday, Oct. 1: Arts on the Porch at Hazelwood Green
12-4 p.m.
For its next AWCommunity Day, the August Wilson African American Center is teaming up with Hazelwood Local to activate Mill 19’s sprawling South Porch. The free festivities include dance, theater and music performances, painting experiences and DJs. Get creative with hands-on art demonstrations and activities, pursue goods from retail vendors and grab lunch from local food purveyors.
Saturday, Oct. 1: All Star Craft Beer, Wine & Cocktail Festival at PNC Park
1-5 p.m. & 7:30-11 p.m.
Forget a barstool at the pub — sip beer on one of the country’s most breathtaking ball fields. The region’s largest outdoor beverage event will hit a homer with hundreds of brands from around the world. Meet the Pirate Parrot, pose for photos in the dugout and score two tickets to a Buccos game. Benefiting the Trauma Survivors Foundation, the “brewhaha” includes interactive games. live entertainment, DJs and bands, and an after-party. Be a day drinker or imbibe under the Saturday night lights.
Saturday, Oct. 1: DogtoberFEST at The Waterfront
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Octoberfest is not just for hoomans and brews. Setting up along West Waterfront Drive behind Ulta Beauty Store, Pittsburgh’s biggest adoption event spotlights the critical work being done by rescues and shelters. Along with adoptable dogs (and cats too!), the outdoor event features specialty vendors, music and a bake sale. Don’t miss the fur baby activities like the pooch pride parade costume contest, vet booths, and training and grooming demos.
Saturday, Oct. 1: With Eyes of Stone and Water at Boxheart Gallery
5-7 p.m.
Visitors to the Bloomfield gallery will be the first to see this exciting exhibition of work by some of Cuba’s most prominent artists, including Eliseo Valdés Erustes, Nadia García Porras and Jorge Hidalgo. Making its debut in Pittsburgh during tonight’s free opening reception, the vibrant selection is presented by Del Caimán. Founded by Cuban immigrant and art curator Rafael Migoyo — who is currently based in Pittsburgh and will attend the opening — the platform connects the country’s authentic artistic culture to the general public.
Saturday, Oct. 1: Three Rivers Beer Week in Pittsburgh
Various times
Find out why Pittsburgh is a top beer city during this nine-day froth fest produced by the Pittsburgh Brewers Guild. With dozens of cool events led by 50 member breweries, there’s something to satisfy every beer fan — from Smoketoberfest and Bloxtoberfest to trivia, brunch and yoga. Don’t miss the ice cream mixer, doggy block party and German Beer and Car Festival. It all kicks off tonight at This Is Red for the First Pour Beer Fest in collaboration with Cleveland breweries. View a schedule and buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 1: Night Market in Allentown
7-11 p.m.
Calling all locavore night owls to one of the Burgh’s most eclectic nabes. Spanning the 800 block of E. Warrington Avenue, the faire showcases 100 unusual and offbeat artisans and crafters, along with performances and food vendors all within four walkable indoor/outdoor markets.
Saturday, Oct. 1: Funky Baroque Q Ball at the Roost
7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Before seeing the company’s innovative new production “Idaspe” when it opens next week, don’t miss the social “funktion” of fall. Quantum Theatre’s Q Ball benefit bash comes home to Roost with a Baroque twist. Get funQy and celebrate 30 years of immersive local theatre with live music by Zuly Inirio, Anqwenique and the Latin Jazz Trio. Pop into the Eko Chamber to experience soundscapes by Herman SoySos Pearl and visuals by Jmal Mallis and chill out in the Funk Lounge. Whatever to wear? Think Lady Gaga meets André Leon Talley meets Artemisia Gentileschi. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Oct. 2: Pittsburgh Zine Fair at The Kingsley Association
12-5 p.m.
Power up those copy machines, reload those staplers and head to the one-of-a-kind Pittsburgh Zine Fair for inspiration. Returning after a hiatus to a new HQ in East Liberty, the zine extravaganza features 70 vendors sharing a wide variety of creative work. See why print matters at this diverse gathering of local and regional artists, writers, activists, publishers and collectives who will sell, share and demo their small-batch DIY creations.
For more things to do, read 12 fun-filled Pittsburgh events in October, from Donut Fest to The Scary Furnace.