Here are the events you need to know about this week in Pittsburgh: August 31-September 3. Know of an interesting event? Email us here.
Monday, August 31: SUP with Your Pup Discovery Course at North Park Lake
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Looking for a new way to bond with your four-legged bestie? You’ll learn all the fundamentals and safety techniques for successful paddling with your pooch — and how to properly fit Fido with a life vest. Then you’ll venture into shallow water for an unforgettable doggie paddle experience. Buy tickets.
Monday, August 31: Yoga in Schenley Plaza
12 p.m.
Face Monday with unblocked chakras. Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for a free outdoor yoga class held in the green heart of Oakland. All levels are welcome and advance registration is encouraged.
Monday, August 31: Arcade Comedy at the Oasis: Mother Oak
7 p.m.
Laugh your way into September with Arcade Comedy Theater. Comedian and drag queen Mother Oak will be joined by improv duo Daddy New Year (aka Sara Kantner and Kyle Longsdorf) for an outdoor variety show at The Trust Oasis on Seventh St. Buy tickets.
Tuesday, September 1: Martha Graham with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre
3-4 p.m.
Did you know that modern dance icon Martha Graham was born on the North Side? Join Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the Heinz History Center to discover how this pioneering Pittsburgher shaped dance history. During this free online program broadcast live from the new Smithsonian’s Portraits of Pittsburgh exhibition, families will get moving as they explore a painting and see how it’s brought to life through interactive experiences.
Wednesday, September 2: Virtual Birding with Bob Mulvihill
10-11 a.m.
Have you been bit by the birding bug? Join seasoned National Aviary Ornithologist Robert Mulvihill for this multi-session virtual birding series. You’ll learn to identify birds using proven techniques and how to properly adjust those binoculars. Nature lovers will get to know the birds in their backyards and delve into the mysteries of bird migration. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, September 2: Virtual Maker Learning Collaborative Happy Hour
5-6 p.m.
Are you a maker or an educator looking to network? Join the Maker Learning Collaborative for an informal virtual happy hour. There’s no need for an agenda — this gathering is all about having great conversations, networking and sharing updates on life and work. Register for free here.
Wednesday, September 2: Full-Moon Kayak Tour at North Park Lake
6-9 p.m.
Experience the beauty of North Park Lake at night as you paddle through serene waters under the glow of the late summer moon. After a paddling demonstration, a nature guide will a kayak tour sharing background about the area’s landscape and history. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, September 2: In Conversation: Artists from Counterpressures
7-9 p.m.
Pop in to Carnegie Museum of Art virtually. Eight artists featured in the museum’s Counterpressures exhibition will talk about what it’s like to be a contemporary artist during a global pandemic during presentations, a panel discussion and small group conversations. Register for free here.
Thursday, September 3: Made Local with Deesha Philyaw
6 p.m.
Next up to take the virtual mic for Pittsburgh Arts & Lecture’s Made Local series is Pittsburgh-based author Deesha Philyaw. who will join a conversation with Pitt professor Khirsten Scott. Philyaw’s debut short story collection, “The Secret Lives of Church Ladies,” features four generations of characters grappling with “who they want to be in the world.” Signed copies of Philyaw’s book are available from White Whale Bookstore. Register for free here.
Thursday, September 3: Contemporary Craft Opening Celebration
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Be among the first to visit Contemporary Craft‘s stunning new home in Lawrenceville. Designed by GBBN Architects, the 13,000-square-foot center features galleries, a retail shop and offices, and a makers’ space. To celebrate, Contemporary Craft is presenting an inaugural exhibition, The Heart Lives through The Hands, featuring work by internationally renowned artist Swoon. NEXTpittsburgh is happy to be a media sponsor. Buy free timed tickets here.
Thursday, September 3: Plant Based Meal Prep Series
5-6:30 p.m.
Chef Emily Larsen is here to inspire you to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet. If green smoothies, BBQ tofu bowls and vegetable lasagna rollups sound appetizing, you’ll love this live webinar series from Phipps. Embracing the “cook once, eat for days” philosophy, Larsen will teach you to make delicious vegan meals that won’t break the bank or take forever. Buy tickets.
Thursday, September 3: Teens Have Voices Too!
7 p.m.
If you could tell your future self — or your younger self — something, what would you say? Hear firsthand from teens and adults as they respond to these questions, narrate their personal reflections and join a dialogue through storytelling. A joint storytelling event co-produced by Storyburgh and Write Pittsburgh, the event will feature six storytellers along with musical performances. Register for free here.
Thursday, September 3: Drive-In Movies at South Park
7 p.m.
Make the South Park Ice Rink parking lot your drive-in movie destination. This week the screen will glow with Guy Ritchie’s 2019 live-action flick, “Aladdin,” starring Will Smith. All movies are free and attendees can place an online order for movie snacks from Ekernally Yours Popcorn.
Thursday, September 3: Artist Happy Hour Series: Gerald A. Brown
7 p.m.
Get to know artist Gerald Brown during this Virtual Happy Hour hosted by Touchstone Center for Crafts. Based in Philadelphia, Brown will discuss her work as a sculptor and ceramicist, and her involvement in arts organizations and community outreach. A member of the Vox Populi art collective, Brown creates immersive installations using clay and found objects, sound and text to communicate complex ideas and challenge viewers.
Register for free here.
Thursday, September 3: Rent Nomad: In the Footsteps of Bruce Chatwin from Rangos Giant Cinema
Various times
What happens when the visionary German director Werner Herzog turns the camera on himself to examine his friendship with a close collaborator? As the acclaimed travel writer Bruce Chatwin was dying of AIDS, Herzog visited him to say farewell. As a parting gift, Chatwin gave Herzog the rucksack that had accompanied him around the world. Thirty years later, Herzog carried the rucksack to South America, Australia, Wales and beyond — while creating this powerful documentary that uncovers “stories of lost tribes, wanderers and dreamers.” Rent the film online.
For more events, go here. Know about an interesting event? Email us here.
