Here are some great ways to explore Pittsburgh from home and outdoors this week. Know of an interesting virtual event taking place in May? Email us here.
Monday, May 25: Zoofari Drive-Thru
9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Missing the majestic residents at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium? For the first time ever, you can experience the destination from the safety of your car during this limited-time fundraiser taking place all week. Go on a zoofari adventure and take in the natural wonders as you’re guided by a themed audio tour.
Monday, May 25: Adult Adventurer Learning Series
Various times
The temps might hit 90 this week, so get out there and take advantage of these new digital offerings from Venture Outdoors. Use the iNaturalist App to identify animals and plants around you, connect with scientists and share your findings for research projects. Be your own Girl Scout as you learn to tie knots, navigate wooded trails and make a first aid kit.
Tuesday, May 26: Common Reads: Cabin Fever
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Cabin fever is the perfect theme for The Frick Pittsburgh‘s newest virtual book club. Enjoy a reading of two 19th-century literary masterworks exploring themes of confinement, isolation and introspection: Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” and Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.”
Tuesday, May 26: Gateway Clipper Fleet Calliope Concerts
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Gateway Clipper Fleet is floating by to brighten our spirits with music. All week starting today, the historic calliope aboard the Three Rivers Queen will play riverboat-style songs. It’s the perfect time to walk or bike along the city’s riverfront trails or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in your favorite secluded spot.
Tuesday, May 26: RealTime Interventions presents Associate
7 p.m.
RealTime Interventions is debuting a bold new season of virtual shows. First up is a “crowd-shared creative experience” called Associate, featuring sculptor James Simon, musician Ben Barson, interdisciplinary artist Christine Bethea and mystery guests. Blurring the boundaries between game, talk show and salon, the free production will engage audiences in a live artmaking process.
Tuesday, May 26: Up from the Streets: New Orleans: The City of Music
9 p.m.
Fans of jazz and all things Nola can’t miss this free Q&A presented in conjunction with the new documentary “Up from the Streets.” The film’s director Michael Murphy and executive producer Terence Blanchard will be joined by Preservation Hall Creative Director Ben Jaffe to discuss their work chronicling the musical mecca. See a complete schedule of movies playing via The Tull Family Theater’s Virtual Screening Rooms.
Wednesday, May 27: Inside the Scene – Digital Happy Hour and Live Music
5 p.m.
Spend happy hour exploring local music and libations. Presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, tonight’s live digital miniseries kicks off with a cocktail and mocktail recipe and will be followed by live music from Pittsburgh-based singer-songwriter Avi Diamond.
Wednesday, May 27: American Factory
7:30-9 p.m.
The COVID-19 crisis — which is revealing serious issues impacting the country’s supply chain and vulnerable workers — has made the Oscar-winning documentary, “American Factory,” even more relevant. Don’t miss this free panel discussion with directors Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar presented by The Battle of Homestead Foundation. Produced by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, “American Factory” tells the story of a General Motors plant in Ohio that’s taken over by a Chinese manufacturer.
Wednesday, May 27: Live from the Lounge: A Quarantine Quiz Show
8 p.m.
Arcade Comedy Theater General Manager Jason Clark is coming at you live from the company‘s Downtown lounge with his free quarantined quiz show. Tonight’s show features comedians Collin Chamberlin, Kyle Longsdorf and Missy Moreno — and one lucky winner will be crowned the Arcade Quarantined Quiz Champ.
Thursday, May 28: Cafe IW: Weathering a Recession
10 a.m.
What was it like to run a startup during the 2008 recession and what can we learn from it? Innovation Works portfolio company founders from Cognition Therapeutics, Kommute and Bossa Nova will share their experiences, lessons learned and words of wisdom for during this panel discussion moderated by AlphaLab COO Jim Jen.
Thursday, May 28: Virtual Teen After School Program
3:30 pm.
Are you the parent of a crafty teen? Touchstone Center for Crafts and East End United Community Center are teaming up to host potter Dan Tomcik as part off their new virtual after-school program that’s open to all teens.
Thursday, May 28: Memorial Day Garden Planting Class
4-5 p.m.
The season of weeding, planting and harvesting is underway, so it’s a good thing that Organic Gardener Radio Show Host Doug Oster is here to share his green thumb expertise tips for the spring season.
Thursday, May 28: Burger & a Bottle at Wigle Whiskey
5-6:30 p.m.
Get your burger and bourbon fix when Wigle transforms its distillery into your dream drive-thru. Simply pick a time slot, buy your burger (vegetarian options available!) and bottle online, then drive on through to pick up your order at the Strip District distillery. Easy, peasy, and delicious.
Thursday, May 28: Adaptable Dishes: Upgrade Your Ramen
5-6:30 p.m.
Who doesn’t love ramen? Up your noodle game with Emily Larsen of Spilling the Soup, who’ll teach you to create a flavorful broth, master the art of nitamago (egg), perfect roasted garlic butter and pan sear proteins to make a ramen bowl worthy of adoration.
Thursday, May 28: The Merchant of Venice (Part 1)
7 p.m.
Shakespeare fans will experience “The Merchant of Venice” like never before during this fresh new adaptation by attorney W. Thomas McGough, Jr., who serves as chief legal counsel for UPMC. Exploring relevant themes of justice, bias, family and more, Pittsburgh Public Theater’s PlayTime reading stars Maury Ginsberg as Shylock.
Thursday, May 28: In Bed By Ten & WYEP Dance Party
8-10 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s favorite early bird dance party is teaming up with WYEP to turn your living room into a nightclub. Set your radio dial 91.3 FM for this this special on-air broadcast of the In Bed by Ten Dance Party showcasing everything from disco to hip hop to New Wave and more.
For more virtual events, go here. Know about an interesting virtual event taking place in May? Email us here.
Looking for things to do with kids? Read Pittsburgh parents, keep the kids engaged with these online activities from local groups.