Here are some great ways to stay connected and explore Pittsburgh from home. Know of an interesting virtual event taking place in May? Email us here.
Friday, May 1: Phipps’ Virtual May Market
Various times
Phipps’ beloved May Market is now blooming virtually so you can stock up from home on unique plants, gardening accessories, lawn decor and much more. Boasting more than 40 online vendors you can find everything from pollinator plants, natural skincare products and mosaic planters, to flowering annuals and hot peppers. There’s even certified bird-friendly coffee, locally made goat cheese and essential oils. Make it your one-stop springtime shop — and visit often.
Friday, May 1: Taxes for Artists & Preparing for a Downturn
12-1 p.m.
Tax day has been moved to July 15 but are you still left with more questions than answers? Tax expert Hannah Cole is here to help. Founder of Sunlight Tax, Cole specializes in working with creative businesses and artists. She’ll discuss the self-employment tax, estimated quarterly taxes, audit concerns and issues relevant to artists and makers. Hosted by Bridgeway Capital’s Creative Business Accelerator, the workshop includes a Q&A.
Friday, May 1: Raise The Bar Virtual Happy Hour with Pittsburgh Bottleshop
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Miss happy hour? You’re not alone. Stay connected through this virtual happy hour series featuring local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Ever wondered how many grapes are needed to make a bottle of wine? Or how to pair a cocktail with dinner? Curious about the next big drink trends? Made In PGH and Pittsburgh Bottleshop are teaming up to answer your questions with conversation, trivia and special offers. Your armchair barstool is calling.
Friday, May 1: Virtual Unblurred Penn Ave Art Crawl
5-11 p.m.
Take a streaming stroll along the Penn Avenue arts district to experience what’s new in Bloomfield and Garfield. Take classes with Yoga Hive and Level Up Studios, explore online exhibitions with Pittsburgh Glass Center and Silver Eye Center for Photography, participate in maker activities with Assemble, and much more. There are also film screenings, cartooning classes and programs for kids.
Friday, May 1: Freshworks Artist Talk with Sue Abramson & Mita Ghosal
5 p.m.
It’s always art o’clock somewhere. Fine art photographer Sue Abramson and cross-disciplinary choreographer Mita Ghosal will discuss their artistic works, why they were inspired to collaborate and what we can look forward to from them in the future. Hosted by Kelly-Strayhorn Theater Senior Producer Ben Pryor, the event is part of the venue’s “pay what makes you happy” series.
Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3: Pittsburgh Virtual Fringe
5:45-11:45 p.m.
Kicking off tonight, the first-ever Pittsburgh Virtual Fringe will showcase intimate and cutting-edge performances by local and international performers and visual artists. The freeform fest also includes poetry performances, watch parties, art exhibits, contemporary dance and more. True to its experimental origins, performers are embracing these unprecedented times to test new platforms and approaches. Don’t miss NYC-based Fringe legend Peter Michael Marino, who will perform his award-winning solo show, “Desperately Seeking the Exit.” Additional events will be added later in May, so check the schedule on the festival’s website. Proceeds from ticket sales and donations will go right to the artists.
Friday, May 1: Live Stream Irish Music Series
6 p.m.
Fill your home with the soulful music of Ireland’s breathtaking Connemara region. Michael Coult and Seamus O Flatharta of HighTime are next to take the mic for the Pittsburgh Irish Festival’s virtual music series. The Galway natives combine Irish music with modern folk influences, intricate vocal harmonies, rhythmic step dancing and energetic performances.
Friday, May 1: Romeo & Juliet with Pittsburgh Public Theater (Part 2)
7 p.m.
In 2021, Pittsburgh Public Theater Artistic Director Marya Sea Kaminski will create a bold new adaptation of “Romeo and Juliet,” staging site-specific scenes from the powerful play in Heinz Hall to accompany the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Prokofiev’s ballet. Tonight, Pittsburgh audiences will have a rare, behind-the-scenes opportunity as Kaminksi hosts the 10-member cast for a virtual PlayTime reading.
Friday, May 1: Poetry reading with Jeffrey McDaniel, Lauren Shapiro and Cameron Barnett
7 p.m.
White Whale Bookstore is welcoming Pitt Poetry Series writer Jeffrey McDaniel, whose new collection, “Holiday in the Islands of Grief: Poems,” explores loss, aging and innocence. McDaniel will read alongside award-winning writer Lauren Shapiro and Pittsburgh Poetry Journal editor Cameron Barnett. Head to White Whale’s website to order their books and check out the shop’s curated reading lists.
Friday, May 1: Liberty Magic @ Home
7:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s new Liberty Magic @ Home series brings world-renowned magicians to its digital theater. Tonight, Liberty Magic Manager Zoe Ruth is hosting magicians Chris Capehart and Jon Tai who will provide a sneak peek of their new show for the Downtown venue’s 2021 season. Viewers can even submit questions for the magicians to answer during the live show. Considered “one of the important forces in magic today,” Capehart has performed in the world’s most prominent theaters. Tai’s unique art form combines card magic and mentalism from all corners of the world, while inviting viewers to be part of the show.
Friday, May 1: A Little Friday Night Music: The Compositions of Lynn Purse
7:30 p.m.
Fans of contemporary electronic music should not miss the next event in Duquesne University’s virtual concert series. Original compositions by Associate Professor of Music Technology Lynn Purse will premiere tonight via the Mary Pappert School of Music’s YouTube channel. Duquesne’s Electronic Ensemble will perform “Watershed” featuring Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra cellist Adam Liu. Then, Daniel Meyer will direct Duquesne’s Symphony Orchestra performance of “Arcadian Tone Poems” featuring Mike Tomaro on saxophone.
Saturday, May 2: Doggie Gym Class with Sterling Yoga
8:30-9:15 a.m.
Kristen and Zuzu from Sterling Yoga are here to help you spend quality time bonding with your pup while also improving your pet’s health and well-being. During this therapeutic fitness class designed just for Fido, you’ll learn to safely lead your favorite four-legged friend through strengthening, conditioning, stretching and massage exercises. You’ll even learn about canine anatomy.
Saturday, May 2: YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Healthy Family Day
10 a.m.
Its doors may be closed but the YMCA still has great ways for you to stay active during its Healthy Family Day. At 10 a.m., grab the kiddos for a virtual scavenger hunt around your house, in your neighborhood and online to search for objects, answer trivia questions and complete fun tasks. For every task completed in 90 minutes, you’ll earns points for a chance to win prizes. Then at noon, jump on a treadmill or run around the block to participate in the Y’s virtual 5K or Duathlon. Don’t forget to record your time online to compete for cool prizes.
Saturday, May 2: Virtual Britsburgh Festival Live: Making a British Toy Soldier
2 p.m.
Lockdown is enforced, but the British are still coming! If you’ve ever admired an exquisitely painted British toy soldier — once beloved by children the world over — then this is the event for you. Toy soldier collector and Britsburgh member Dave Frankowski will teach you how to make your own lifelike keepsake. Soon you’ll be the proud owner of a traditional, glossy painted British guardsman toy soldier to add to your collection. The event is free but you can make a donation to Pitt’s Nationality Rooms Program.
Saturday, May 2: The Compleat Guide to Murder and Mayhem by Will Shakespear
7:30 p.m.
As part of the first-ever Pittsburgh Virtual Fringe Festival, the Brawling Bard Theater will present a virtual production of “The Compleat Guide to Murder and Mayhem by Will Shakespear.” Join Shakespear and his patron as they “seek out inspiration for a new story — and find more than they could have hoped for” in this original work penned by local storyteller and playwright Alan Irvine.
Sunday, May 3: DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Virtual Race
Various times
Go the distance — from a distance — and show your solidarity with the running community by participating in the first-ever virtual marathon. Thousands of runners from 43 states and five countries will cross their own personal finish line, earning their medal, event shirt and custom Knockaround sunglasses. Participants can complete their virtual race at home or in another safe space on May 3 or any date. Participants include world champion marathoner Roberta Groner, 1,100-plus charity runners and thousands of youth in the Kids of STEEL program. Also running are the “soul survivors” who have run every Pittsburgh Marathon since 1985. Race along and submit your time here, and don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #MOVEPittsburgh.
Sunday, May 3: Yoga Flow, Meditation and Creative Journaling
1-3 p.m.
Feeling uninspired while stuck at home? Zen it up with Marta on the Move Podcast host Marta Mazzoni. This multi-format class starts with a 60-minute yoga flow session focusing on breath, movement and static holds. Next, a guided meditation will help open your mind to clarity and creativity. After exhaling, put your pen (or pencil!) to paper, as Mazzoni leads a creative journaling workshop using guided prompts designed to spark your imagination. Your body and mind will thank you.
Through May 3: JFilm Festival
Various times
JFilm is bringing its 27th annual event right to viewers as a virtual cinema festival. Each day through May 3, cinephiles receive links to engaging Jewish-themed films. Check your inbox for a new film each day! Films are augmented by interviews with filmmakers and JFilm Executive Director Kathryn Spitz Cohan. The curated lineup includes several works that are winners of the Robinson International Short Film Competition.
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.