Here are some great ways to stay connected and explore Pittsburgh from home. Know of an interesting virtual event taking place in April? Email us here.
Monday, April 20: Webinar for Artists with Dorit Sasson
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Are you looking to up your website and SEO game but don’t know where to begin? During this workshop hosted by the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council, SEO consultant Dorit Sasson will share the tools you need to optimize your online content for search engines. You’ll also learn how to create compelling online content supported by keywords and to refine your artistic brand online.
Monday, April 20 through Wednesday, April 22: Pittsburgh Earth Day Celebration
Various times
Even though Pittsburgh Earth Day has moved its physical events to August, there are still many ways to get involved virtually right now. The city’s digital Earth Day celebration is underway with an engaging lineup of online happenings. Don’t miss the Virtual Eco Film Showcase streaming thought-provoking documentary, feature and family-friendly movies. And check out the Virtual Eco Biz Buzz to see how Pittsburgh companies are applying big ideas and bold thoughts to sustainable business practices. Meet wetland species like flamingoes and penguins with the National Aviary, help fight climate change with Phipps, rock out to the “Earth Day Anthem” with Pittsburgh musicians and so much more. There will also be contests for the best recycled designs, gardens and plant-based recipes. Visit this comprehensive list of events and sign up for the Green Voice e-newsletter.
Monday, April 20 through Thursday, April 23: Earth Week with Carnegie Science Center
Various times
The Carnegie Science Center‘s passionate team of Earth advocates are here to help you celebrate the planet safely from home. Kick off your eco-fun with “Yummy Monday,” when you’ll learn how to grow your own food, cook kale chips and make a compost pile. During “Toadstool Tuesday,” you’ll watch the fascinating “Fantastic Fungi” documentary and learn to construct a mushroom house using upcycled materials. When “Recycle Wednesday” rolls around you’ll be making rugs and sock puppets using materials from around your house. Weather is the inspiration for “Thunderous Thursday,” when you can watch a tornado cannon experiment, make your own rain stick and psychrometer and listen to an interview with a local meteorologist.
Monday, April 20 through Thursday, April 23: Week of Will with Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks
Various times
Zoom in on the Bard with an entire week packed with virtual theatrical events, along with readings, happy hours, premieres and trivia contests. The “Week of Will” kicks of tonight at 7 p.m. with a 456th birthday bash for the Bard. Join Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks Founder Jennifer Tober and actress Yvonne Hudson, who will host celebs from Pittsburgh Public Theater, Quantum Theatre, Fluidity Theatre and more performing their favorite monologues, scenes and sonnets by the iconic English writer online. View a full schedule of activities.
Tuesday, April 21: Drag Bingo hosted by Alora Chateaux
9-10:30 p.m.
If anything could cheer you up during a pandemic, it’s got to be rounds of bingo hosted by drag queen Alora Chateaux. So make yourself a blinged-out bingo card, mix up a cocktail and start playing. Donations raised during the event will support Feeding America.
Wednesday, April 22: Youth Climate Strike
12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m.
The youth of Pittsburgh have a lot to say about the planet and they want you to add your voice to their urgent message. Beginning at midnight on April 22, local teens from the Fridays for Future Pgh collective will lead a virtual 24-hour Youth Climate Strike broadcast via their Instagram feed. Calling for a Climate Emergency Declaration, the strike is part of Pittsburgh Earth Week, and will be led by Upper St. Clair High School student Leandra Mira (read her article in NEXTpittsburgh here.
Wednesday, April 22: Earth Day with Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy knows that this year’s Earth Day is particularly significant because spending time outdoors in nature can provide physical and mental health benefits. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and bring the wonders of nature right to your home with a variety of interactive events all day long. Participate in Q&A sessions with naturalists, join a neighborhood nature scavenger hunt, enjoy storytimes with educators and more.
Wednesday, April 22: Creative Reuse Earth Day Extravaganza: A Facebook Livestream
5-7 p.m.
Lockdown making you extra crafty? Join Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse to participate in DIY crafting segments, gardening tips, a behind-the-scenes tour of their Point Breeze shop and discussions about sustainability. Get creative while making your own Earth Day pledge.
Wednesday, April 22: Maker & Muse Curator’s Lecture
7 p.m.
Get an in-depth look at The Frick Pittsburgh’s latest exhibition, Maker & Muse: Women and Early Twentieth Century Art Jewelry, during this virtual talk by Elyse Zorn Karlin. Curator of Maker & Muse, Karlin will discuss history, artistry and beauty of early 19th-century jewelry, including influential international makers and global movements. Featuring 200 objects such as necklaces and brooches, Maker & Muse examines the role of women as both consumers and creators.
Wednesday, April 22: The Harris Theater @ Home presents Earth
Various times
Did you know that several billion tons of earth are moved annually by humans? The new Harris Theater @ Home series has the perfect film for Earth Day. In his newest film “Earth,” Austrian filmmaker Nikolaus Geyrhalter documents people working in mines, quarries, and large construction sites. Exploring the Anthropocene Age — the idea that humankind has become a greater influence on the planet than nature — the film looks at “the Earth’s crust and the internal and external wounds which our drive for progress relentlessly requires.” Take a reflective journey to the heart of the Earth via this exclusive screening.
Thursday, April 23: CMU AI and Social Good Symposium
Various times
How can AI be leveraged to address today’s most challenging problems while also furthering the common good? Explore this pressing question — and many more — during this two-day symposium which will feature a variety of multi-format talks and panel discussions by AI researchers and social impact leaders. The gathering of talent aims to inspire new research approaches and AI-based tools that can benefit all stakeholders.
Thursday, April 23: JFilm Festival
Various times
Reinventing itself as a virtual cinema festival, JFilm is bringing its 27th annual event right to you. Each day through May 3, cinephiles will receive links to engaging Jewish-themed films. To augment the films, the festival will also share recorded interviews with filmmakers hosted by JFilm Executive Director Kathryn Spitz Cohan. The curated lineup includes several works that are winners of the Robinson International Short Film Competition. More than ever, these stories on screen can connect us all.
Thursday, April 23: Farm to Table Webinar with Doug Oster
4-5 p.m.
Who says you need a garden to be a gardener? Join Farm to Table Western PA Doug Oster for this webinar about vegetable gardens. Host of “The Organic Gardener Radio Show,” Oster will teach you pro skills for growing fresh vegetables using a container garden.
Thursday, April 23: Cocktails and Conversation with Beth Leavel and Chris Laitta
5 p.m.
Shake, stir and sip with the Pittsburgh CLO. For its next “Cocktails and Conversation” session, the organization will welcome Tony Award-winning Broadway star Beth Leavel and CLO Cabaret fave and Mt. Lebanon native Chris Laitta. Leavel and Laitta will join Pittsburgh CLO Producing Director, Mark Fleischer for a lively happy hour conversation.
For more virtual events, go here. Know about an interesting virtual event taking place in April? Email us here.
Looking for things to do with kids? Read Keep the kids engaged and entertained with these hands-on activities and online videos.
