Bayardstown Social Club
June 23 & June 30
6 p.m.

All year long, the public is invited to celebrate the city’s incorporation during one massive bicentennial bash—with some 400 organizations, nonprofits, businesses and venues teaming up with the city to show their Burgh pride. One creative way to mark the momentous occasion, celebrate our region’s rich heritage and salute a local hero—is at Bayardstown Social Club’s Sebak-to-Back series.

Photo: Pete Spynda.
Photo: Pete Spynda.

Sure, you’ve likely seen some of these local history docs on your television screen, but you’ve never experienced them under the stars at Pittsburgh’s most popular urban oasis accompanied by local live music, games and fare.

Take a seat around the cozy fire, make new friends at a communal picnic table or spread out your own blanket to enjoy homegrown stories on the big screen while the city’s skyline glows around you.

The two-week mini-film fest will feature back-to-back showings of Rick Sebak’s favorite documentaries exploring Pittsburgh’s people, places, hidden gems, beloved landmarks, offbeat dives and more. Accompanying the quirky flicks will be a full lineup of related trivia, culinary delights, local music, and even appearances by the WQED historian and producer himself.

First up on Thursday, June 23 is a screening of A History of Pittsburgh in 17 Objects (think: Heinz pickle pins and Green Weenies!) followed by Sebak’s 2015 film, A Few Good Pie Places.

Photo: Pete Spynda.
Photo: Pete Spynda.

Throughout the night, attendees can test their Pittsburgh knowledge with lively rounds of trivia, and can sample delicious locally crafted pies. Providing the event’s Steel City soundtrack will be members of Pittsburgh bands, The Beagle Brothers and The Harlan Twins.

The 412 lovefest continues on Thursday, June 30 with a lineup curated to kick-off the Fourth of July holiday weekend, featuring old favorites such as A Hot Dog Program and Kennywood Memories.

The Bayardstown crew will stoke the flames of nostalgia by firing up the grills and serving up plenty of hot dogs, while a creative toppings bar will feature everything from picnic staples to guacamole and grilled corn salsa.

Doors open at 6 p.m.; movies start at dusk. Admisison: $5 for BSC members, $10 for non-members.

Looking for more events? Read our 10 Pittsburgh events not to miss in July, Everything you need to know about Pittsburgh concerts in July, and our Top 10 things for families to do in July in Pittsburgh feature articles.

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and Dahesh Museum of Art and is co-author of Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania. She also is co-coordinator of Handmade Arcade. Musically, she is in a band called The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.