Get ready for Memorial Day weekend and the forecast of great weather. Hey, we deserve it.
Know of an interesting virtual event taking place in May? Email us here.
Friday, May 22: Review Poetry of Incarcerated Youth
12-1 p.m.
Join Repair the World Pittsburgh and volunteers from across the country to read and discuss original poetry written by incarcerated youth. Run by the Free Minds Poetry Project, the program empowers incarcerated youth to develop creativity through books, writing and peer support.
Friday, May 22: Virtual Lunch: Bulgarian Flavor with Veni Ventzislavova
1 p.m.
Your lunch will get a new lease on life when Veni Ventzislavova shares the Bulgarian dish, Yaritsa po Panaguski (think: poached eggs with yogurt, paprika, garlic and vinegar). Ventzislavova — who has worked for Giorgio Armani, taught at NYU and launched her own retail company — will also discuss her experiences immigrating to the U.S. from Bulgaria. Hosted by the Nationality Rooms at Pitt.
Friday, May 22: No Tutorial Virtual Tour (Part 1)
1 p.m.
Don’t miss this double-header of virtual exhibition tours spotlighting No Tutorial, the self-curated digital exhibition produced by graduating students from the CMU School of Art for the Miller ICA. Today’s tour will focus on 20 artists whose works examine themes of allegory, language, the future, remixing and more.
Friday May 22: Venture Outdoors Virtual BANFF
4 p.m.
The Banff Mountain Film Festival’s world tour is one of springtime’s most anticipated cinematic — and adrenaline pumping — events. Get your outdoor adventure fix by attending this virtual watch party featuring this year’s BANFF films. Join Venture Outdoors to experience edge-of-your-couch snowboarding, freediving, kayaking, skijoring (yes it’s a thing), and more.
Friday, May 22: Digital Workshop with Matthew Van Asselt
6:30 p.m.
Join Pullproof Studio founder Matthew Van Asselt to discover how he produces highly intricate and detailed screenprints. Learn about Van Asselt’s favorite drawing materials, hear about what inspires him and get a behind-the-scenes look at his Troy Hill studio.
Friday, May 22: How far? How long? by Tsohil Bhatia
7 p.m.
Interdisciplinary artist Tsohil Bhatia will debut his latest video work as part of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s new Global Stream Digital Commissions Program. Viewers will experience Bhatia’s interpretation of distance, physical space, time and more.
Friday, May 22: The Rivals (Part 2)
7 p.m.
Mrs. Malaprop has been an iconic literary character since Richard Brinsley Sheridan gave her life in his first play, “The Rivals,” way back in 1775. Pittsburgh Public Theater’s PlayTime series takes on this timeless comedy of manners with a nine-member cast reading Steven Wilson’s “cheeky adaptation.”
Friday, May 22: Artist Happy Hour Series
7 p.m.
Touchstone Center for Crafts is bringing the work of talented artisans right to you. During its new Artist Happy Hour Series, potter and Pittsburgh native Mark Arnold will beam in from his HQ in Elizabeth City, North Carolina to share conversation, demos and a studio tour.
Friday, May 22: Liberty Magic @ Home featuring Lee Terbosic and Paul Gertner
7:30 p.m.
Liberty Magic will showcase two hometown magic maestros when Lee Terbosic and Paul Gertner join program host Zoe Ruth. Co-star of the hit TV show, “Houdini’s Last Secrets,” Terbosic is known for performing mind-bending stunts and escapes as an internationally touring magician. One of the world’s top sleight-of-hand magicians, Gertner nabbed first place at the Olympics of Magic in Madrid.
Friday, May 22: Watch a double feature at the Dependable Drive-In
8:35 p.m.
The classic drive-in is here to make your summer dreams — and social distancing goals — come true. This weekend in Moon Township, Allegheny County’s last remaining drive-in has something for everyone, with showings of “Dolittle,” “Trolls,” “The Wretched,” “Invisible Man,” “Fantasy Island” and “Vast of Night.” With double features on all four screens, the Dependable boasts high definition digital projections, immersive Dolby FM sound, retro in-car speakers and an extensive snack bar.
Friday, May 22: Mossville: When Great Trees Fall
Various times
You have one more night to catch Alexander Glustrom’s poignant documentary via the Harris Theater @ Home streaming series. Audiences will learn the story of Mossville, Louisiana — formerly a thriving community and safe haven for generations of African American families — where petrochemical plants and toxic contamination have forced residents from their homes.
Friday, May 22: Mini Dungeon Pajama Party
9 p.m.
Don’t miss the streaming debut of Arcade Comedy Theater’s homegrown improv team. Dubbed Mini Dungeon, the online improv show blends short-form games plus an improvised play — all performed by comedians wearing their comfy PJs.
Take a hike using Allegheny County’s Parks Trails Mobile App
Various times
Hit the trails with this handy GPS-enabled app to guide you through our county’s nine beautiful parks. Discover trails within each park, check out the length, difficulty and elevation profile of each route and track your location. Nature lovers can also zoom into areas of interest, customize printable PDFs, view topographic maps and more. One scenic spot not to miss is the recently redesigned Waterfall Trail in Settlers Cabin Park.
Roll & Stroll with BikePGH
Various times
Explore the city two wheels while contributing to a great local cause. Become a BikePGH member to join the organization’s Roll & Stroll virtual event. You’ll receive fun biking and walking activities — and some sweet swag — that will help you stay active while supporting biking and walking in Pittsburgh.
Saturday, May 23: Bloomfield Saturday Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Bloomfield Saturday Market is springing into action with social distancing measures at 5050 Liberty Ave. Shop directly from a wide array of local growers, purveyors and producers in this weekly market hosted by the Bloomfield Development Corporation. Read the NEXT guide to Pittsburgh are farmers’ markets here.
Saturday, May 23: No Tutorial Virtual Tour (Part 2)
1 p.m.
For the weekend’s second virtual tour of No Tutorial, the Miller ICA at CMU will showcase 21 student artists whose works explore ideas about nature, the body, folklore, family, personal narrative and more.
Saturday, May 23: Penny Arcade Online Kids Comedy Shows
1 p.m.
Giggle your way through the weekend with the Burgh’s coolest kids’ comedy show. During the Penny Arcade, budding young comedians can submit ideas for scenes, characters, settings and dialogue — and submit their own videos — to be featured in the family-friendly production.
Saturday, May 23: Yoga + DIY Candle Workshop
2-4 p.m.
What could be more relaxing than yoga and candles? Join Karyna Kerin Yoga & Cycling for a 60-minute online yoga session and then learn to make your own candle. Register here and Kerin will drop off the workshop materials to your home (or arrange for a no-contact pickup).
Saturday, May 23: CMU International Film Festival
6:50 p.m.
Carnegie Mellon’s International Film Festival is giving cinephiles the experience of an opening night celebration. Don’t miss this Pittsburgh premiere of “Sorry We Missed You” by acclaimed British director Ken Loach. The screening event will include opening remarks bt Loach and a live discussion with Roger Rouse, Lisa Frank and Jolanta Lion.
Saturday, May 23: Quarantine Comedy Festival
9 p.m.
The South Hills Players are here to lift our spirits with the premiere of their homegrown Quarantine Comedy Festival. The free show will feature skits, monologues and songs and viewers can interact live with the comedians and other audience members.
Sunday, May 24: Parks on the Go with the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
Various times
Parks on the Go is here to tide you over while facilities and restrooms remain closed. Environmental experiences and digital offerings include virtual tours, health and wellness exercises, creative activities and resources for all ages. Don’t miss the Forest Bathing and Mindful Moments activities, downloadable photos and accessible infographics showing park lovers how to practice physical distancing and wear masks.
Sunday, May 24: 11th Street Farmers Market
9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Downtown’s beloved Market Square Farmers Market is moving to a new location near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center to enhance social distancing and pedestrian access. The rain-or-shine weekly market features regionally-grown produce, organic products and small-batch foods from 20 vendors. Read the NEXT guide to Pittsburgh are farmers’ markets here.
Sunday, May 24: Social Distancing Porch Party with the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The front porch has taken on a whole new meaning during the pandemic. If you’re in this beloved East End nabe,
join the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition on Sundays for a communal porch party — and why not whip up some brunch and mimosas while you’re at it — while practicing social distancing.
Sunday, May 24: Online Mindfulness Meditation Class
1 p.m.
Wind down your weekend with Awaken Pittsburgh. During this meditation session, you’ll learn practical mindfulness-based tools to help alleviate stress, foster connections and provide emotional support.
Sunday, May 24: Glitter Stellar Cluster
7-8 p.m.
The curtain will still rise for the Pittsburgh New Works Festival. Watch a virtual performance of Lauren Fulton’s play, “Glitter Stellar Cluster” chronicling mysterious events that unfolded at New Mexico’s Sunspot Solar Observatory in 2018. Featuring readers Amy Ellefson and James Shoberg, the event will include a live Q&A with the playwright.
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.