The NEXTpittsburgh event guide is underwritten in part by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council.
What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, Oct. 10-16? Find out here. Visit each organization’s website and social media for Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Monday, Oct. 10: B-PEP JAZZ Fun-raiser at Heinz History Center
5:30-11:30 p.m.
This star-studded six-hour jazz marathon is a must for any fan of the genre. Featuring 70 guest artists — including local luminaries such as drummer Roger Humphries, pianist Craig Davis, bassist Dwayne Dolphin and saxophonist Tony Campbell — the 17th annual benefit bash supports the Black Political Empowerment Project. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, Oct. 12: Jasmine Warga at Carnegie Library Lecture Hall
6 p.m.
Pittsburgh seems like the perfect place for Newbery Honor-winning YA author Jasmine Warga to share her book about the journey of a fictional Mars rover. If you have a middle schooler who loves words and robots don’t miss this free RADical Days event. Register here.
Thursday, Oct. 13: 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 author Solmaz Sharif and writer, editor and curator Negar Azimi. Register for free.
Thursday, Oct. 13: “Nosferatu” at Tull Family Theater
7 p..m.
Come face-to-face with an iconic vampire in Sewickley. Just in time for Halloween, F.W. Murnau’s 1922 silent film will be paired with new music composed and performed by Pittsburgh native and jazz piano virtuoso Tom Roberts. Buy tickets.
Thursday, Oct. 13: “The Timekeepers of Eternity” at Harris Theater
8 p.m.
Experience horror icon Stephen King in a new way during tonight’s Found Footage Freakout series. Meticulously crafted by Greek director Aristotelis Maragkos, this new rendition of the TV mini-series “The Langoliers” involved a painstaking process of printing each frame to paper and animating them to make a “brand new creature feature.” Buy tickets.
Thursday, Oct. 13: “Somewhere Strange” at New Hazlett Theater
8 p.m.
The North Side venue kicks off its 10th anniversary season of Community Supported Art with an immersive concert by multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter Vida Chai that explores “the complexity of isolation and companionship during an evolutionary time.” Directed by Lindsay Goranson, the production features choreography by Kaila Carter and a five-person band performing Chai’s blend of folk, Americana and indie rock music. Buy tickets.
Friday, Oct. 14: “A Raisin in the Sun” at O’Reilly Theater
6 p.m.
Did you know that Lorraine Hansberry was only 28 when she became the first Black woman to have a play produced on Broadway in 1959? Revisit her groundbreaking drama about the Younger family when it makes its Pittsburgh Public Theater debut. Before the play, shop for global goods at the Ujamaa Collective Pop-up Market. Buy tickets.
Friday, Oct. 14, and Saturday, Oct. 15: GAP Relay
5:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.
Experience the great outdoors along the Great Allegheny Passage when this fall favorite challenges runners. Returning to its original route, the course starts in Cumberland, Maryland, traversing an epic 150 miles to Pittsburgh. Making the event more inclusive is a new Open Division for the team competition. There’s also a one-day 40-mile adventure team option — and a finishers’ party like no other. Register now.
Friday, Oct. 14-Sunday, Oct. 16: Arkhaios Film Festival at Frick Fine Arts Building
Various times
With 24 films representing 15 countries and 18 cultures, this festival is on a mission to shine a light on the rich heritage of past civilizations. The 10th annual festival covers a wide range of fascinating subjects — from the discovery of human remains that are 2 million years old to remarkable Cosquer cave art to Newfoundland’s Beothuk culture. Other films will explore an 11th-century embroidery that’s 229 feet long, archaeological excavations in Guatemala and Gaudi’s epic cathedral in Barcelona. Register for free.
Saturday, Oct. 15: ReuseFest at North Park
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Clean out the garage, basement and overflowing closets and provide a second life to gently used materials you have no use for. Local nonprofits are here to collect unwanted — but still usable — items at this one-of-a-kind event hosted by Pennsylvania Resources Council. Goods accepted include office, art and medical supplies, bedding, bikes, clothing, furniture, kitchen items, building materials and more. Register for free.
Saturday, Oct. 15: Women & Non-Binary Bike Summit at Multiple Venues
8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Back in-person for the first time since 2019, Bike Pittsburgh’s summit hopes to empower women and non-binary people with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the cycling world. Join the welcoming forum to share experiences, challenges and tools for addressing mobility, cycling and advocacy. The day kicks off with yoga and a presentation by inclusive cycling advocate Marley Blonsky. Highlights include a bike clothing and gear swap, a choose-your-adventure session and culminates with a group ride to Coven Brewery. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 15: Park ‘til Dark & Pour at the Park at North Park
8 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
Nature lovers will flock to Allegheny County’s largest park for this doubleheader happening. Boasting something for every outdoor enthusiast, the event combines Allegheny County Parks Foundation’s two signature fundraisers. From sun up to sun down, you can go bird watching or fishing, hike the trails, plant trees, play games, try yoga and much more — all for free. At 5:30 p.m., head to North Park Lodge for the Pour at the Park ticketed event with brews and food pairings, live music and an Ultimate Sports Zone for kids.
Saturday, Oct. 15: Hometown-Homegrown at Heinz History Center
10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Eat your way through Pittsburgh’s past, present and future when this foodie favorite returns to the Strip. Sample delights from 40 local vendors — from beloved Pittsburgh staples like Isaly’s to emerging businesses such as All Things Empanada. Pittsburgh’s “Cheese Queen” Megan McGinnis will show you how to create the perfect holiday charcuterie board and WQED’s Chris Fennimore will demonstrate how to make multi-use dough. There will also be artisan talks and six floors of exhibitions. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 15 & Sunday, Oct. 16: Health, Wellness & Sports Expo at North Park Sports Complex
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Get moving at this inaugural expo presented by UPMC Health Plan. Jam-packed with health sessions, the expo features expert speakers, fitness classes and a trade show featuring 75 businesses and organizations. Meanwhile, the kiddos can stay active with activities like a bubble dance party, agility drills and flag football. Register now.
Saturday, Oct. 15: American Perspectives: Stories from the American Folk Art Museum Collection at The Frick Pittsburgh
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The first presentation of folk art in The Frick Pittsburgh’s history explores self-taught art from the founding of the U.S. to the present-day. Presented by NYC’s American Folk Art Museum, the selected works explore themes of nationhood, freedom, immigration, storytelling, opportunity and legacy. Showcasing paintings, sculpture and additional objects, the exhibition conveys how artworks can serve as markers of cultural heritage. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 15 & Sunday, Oct. 16: Monster Pumpkins Festival at The Stacks at 3 Crossings
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where can you watch an 1,800-pound pumpkin drop 100 feet into water? The city’s favorite pumpkin patch is back to paint the Strip District orange along Railroad Street. At the fall fantasia, squash lovers can watch world-renowned carvers, compete in a pumpkin pie plunge, attempt to pedal a bike hitched to a 500-pound pumpkin and much more. Monster Trucks have nothing on these colossal cucurbits.
Saturday, Oct. 15: Historic Pittsburgh Fair at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main
1-4 p.m.
If you’re fascinated by Pittsburgh stories, you’ll love this unique fair shedding light on the countless art, media and archival resources available to Pittsburghers. History buffs, avid archivists, passionate collectors and curious citizens will converge for panel discussions, scavenger hunts and historical tours — and it’s all free. More than 18 exhibitors will share their favorite finds, including universities, libraries, special collections, conservation entities, and historical societies.
Saturday, Oct. 15: Best Bites in East Liberty and Shadyside
1-4 p.m.
Savor the flavors of East Liberty and Shadyside during this self-guided walking tour spanning the Highland/Centre Avenue corridor. Try tastings at 15 unique restaurants, discover top chefs in Pittsburgh’s buzzworthy food scene and sip craft beer and cocktails along the way. Buy tickets.
5 p.m.
Early fall is the perfect time to enjoy a riverside block party for the entire city. For its second annual Sound Series Block Party, The Warhol welcomes Kurt Vile and the Violators, Mexican Institute of Sound and Sudan Archives to the outdoor stage. The autumnal evening features food trucks and hands-on t-shirt, tote bag and poster making as part of the neighborhood’s new Pop District. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 15: “Behind the Stage Door” at Rangos Giant Cinema
5:30 p.m.
Where better to watch the debut of a documentary about famed Pittsburgh concert promoter Rich Engler than on Western PA’s biggest movie screen? Go behind the stage door — and the velvet rope — for this rare look at what it’s like to work with the biggest rock stars — from the Rolling Stones to Bob Marley. Get a glimpse into Engler’s 53 years in the biz, including producing some 6,000 concerts, being the first inductee into the Pittsburgh Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame, and running Downtown’s Stanley Theatre. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 15: Sad Karaoke III: The Saddening at Golden Age Beer
6 p.m.
Some of the best music ever made makes us sob, so why not embrace the saddest songs and sing along? We’re happy that Andrea Laurion and Matt Buchholz are returning to Homestead to host an even sadder round of their sob fest at Golden Age. The outdoor space boasts a spacious beer garden, full menu and performance stage.
Saturday, Oct. 15: Women Who Rock at Stage AE
6:30 p.m.
A lineup of musical luminaries rock the stage to raise funds for Magee-Womens Research Institute. Shining a spotlight on women in music while supporting critical health research, the benefit bash features multi-platinum recording artist and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks, along with Emily Wolfe, Tiny Wars and DJ huny. Emceed by WDVE’s Michele Michaels, the event includes a pink carpet, rockstar silent auction, beauty bar and pop-up shop. This year’s Impact Award Ceremony honors Dr. Lisa Rohan. Buy tickets.
Saturday, Oct. 15: Reel Q Closing Event at Row House Cinema
7 p.m.
Be there to say “that’s a wrap!” when the region’s only LGBTQ+ film festival hosts its closing night festivities with a doubleheader screening. Blending fiction and nonfiction, Chase Joynt’s 2022 documentary “Framing Agnes” follows a group of trans actors “confronting the legacy of young trans women from the past.” Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Wong Kar-wai’s landmark film “Happy Together” portrays a gay couple seeking a better life in Argentina. Films will be followed by a dessert and drinks reception. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Oct. 16: Clothing Swap at GBBN Architects
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Help Bunker Projects usher in its 10th anniversary season with a Benefit Clothing Swap. Bring your seasonal favorites, staples and statement pieces to swap while refreshing your own wardrobe with new-to-you garments. Help support slow fashion while benefiting Bunker’s community-based mission to support emerging artists in Garfield.
Sunday, Oct. 16: Bierport Fall Festival and “Hocus Pocus” at Row House Cinema
12-3 p.m.
What do you get when you mix crunching fall leaves, talking cats and singing witches? It can only mean that it’s time to “watch the Sanderson Sisters terrorize some kids and an outrageously cute small town in Massachusetts.” Before watching “Hocus Pocus,” pop into the Bierport taproom for fall cocktails made with Soergel’s cider and Maggie’s Farm Rum plus a selection of pumpkin beer, cider donuts and pumpkin pastries. Buy tickets.
Sunday, Oct. 16: “I am a Dreamer Who No Longer Dreams” at Andrew Carnegie
Free Library & Music Hall
3 p.m.
Resonance Works opens its 10th anniversary season with the Pittsburgh premiere of a contemporary opera directed by Estefanía Fadul that centers on the American immigrant experience and examines the complexities of identity. Created by Jorge Sosa and Cerise Lim Jacobs, the evocative work features Mexican-American mezzo-soprano Dominique Lopez and soprano Helen Zhibing Huang making her Pittsburgh debut. 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.