Help Spirit turn one year young in Lawrenceville

Spirit
April 8
7 p.m. — 2 a.m.

If you’ve spent anytime in Lawrenceville over the past year, chances are high that you’ve popped into Spirit (aka Spirit Lodge or Spirit Hall).

Setting up shop inside (and often outside) a former, two-story Moose Lodge located along a nondescript stretch of 51st Street—just off a section of Butler Street that’s currently undergoing a surge of growth with new boutiques, eateries, coffee shops, breweries and more—Spirit has quickly become an established Lawrenceville nightlife mecca for numerous reasons.

Some flock there for the fresh Slice Island pizza—crafted as square-shaped slices with creative toppings combinations and lots of veggie options—and stay late for the rotating themed cocktails (think: the Salty Jag, Great Gatsby or Larry Taylor). Many appreciate the downstairs bar that is equal parts cozy, divey (minus the smoke), and spacious, while big enough to house a stage for live music and performance, ambient lighting and a jukebox stocked with local bands. Other still favor the chill vibe of the back patio, which spills over into two parking lots for special outdoor events.

It’s been an extremely busy and productive year for the 10,000-square-foot, multi­-purpose venue, which has already ramped up it creative programming to offer everything from brunches and bingo, to clothing swaps, Hungry Hungry Humans competitions, speed dating sessions for bands, Big Lebowski festivals, themed parties, DJ nights, art installations, record fairs, and much more.

Whether you have yet to make the pilgrimage—or you are a regular who wants in on the party—don’t miss Spirit’s festive anniversary celebration on Saturday, April 8th.

With seven hours of merriment, the event will feature sounds in the downstairs lodge by Chocolate Boombox DJs Anthony Susan, Harry Lurker and Chris Schubert, along with Los Angeles-based dance music fixture, Joe Bickle. Bonus: RSVP via the Facebook event page to receive an exclusive digital mix.

Upstairs, Spirit will host hall an array of musical performances by local and national acts, including Grand Buffet, The Gotobeds, Jordan Weeks, Foster Care, Shaky Shrines, Softspot, Giggly Boys, Twiz and Phat Man Dee.

Spirit-goers can even get a free tattoo from Torch and Dagger, and enjoy Tito’s shots with the Party Wolf, plus other surprises sure to be whipped up by the Spirit crew.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 day-of-show.

Looking for more events? Read our 12 Pittsburgh events not to miss in April feature.