Humane Animal Rescue
Photo courtesy of Humane Animal Rescue.

Here are the events you need to know about this week in Pittsburgh: October 19-22. Know of an interesting event? Email us here.

Monday, October 19: One Health One Planet Symposium
12-2 p.m.
With Pittsburgh’s air quality ranking in the dirtiest 8 percent of U.S. cities, this five-day event has never been more timely. During symposium sessions and lightning talks, national experts will address the critical topic of air quality. Buy tickets.

Monday, October 19: Lee Gutkind Virtual Talk
6 p.m.
For the next virtual edition of its Made Local series, Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures welcomes Creative Nonfiction founding editor, Lee Gutkind, who will discuss his new memoir, “My Last Eight Thousand Days: An American Male in His Seventies.” Register for free.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

Monday, October 19: Front Row with Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m.
This new digital series features episodes filled with music, history and interviews that will uplift and connect listeners around the world. Register for free.

Monday, October 19: Actors Talk August with the August Wilson House
8:15 p.m.
Celebrating the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Hill District native, this web series hosted by veteran theater critic Chris Rawson debuts with insider interviews featuring actors Eugene Lee and Wali Jamal. Register for free.

Tuesday, October 20: Race, Politics & Fighting Voter Suppression
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Just 18 days before one of the country’s most important elections, Pitt’s Center for Race and Social Problems is hosting a series of panel discussions with voting rights advocates aimed at educating citizens about voter suppression and empowering us all to vote. Register for free.

Tuesday, October 20: Uncovering Pittsburgh Stories: Portraits of Pittsburgh Jazz
1 p.m.
Join the Heinz History Center for this online showcase of five legendary musicians who got their start in Pittsburgh’s vibrant jazz scene and see their portraits in the new Smithsonian exhibition. Register for free.

Jump Cut Theater
Photo courtesy of Jump Cut Theater.

Tuesday, October 20: Jump Cut Theater’s Film Kitchen
7 p.m.
One of Pittsburgh’s longest-running showcases of local filmmaking makes a triumphant return with an online roster of shorts exploring Halloween, harvest and horror themes. The free online event includes a virtual discussion with the filmmakers.

Tuesday, October 20: Quantum Theatre’s Wild
8 p.m.
To present their newest production based on the experiences of whistleblower Edward Snowden, Quantum constructed a 25-by-25 hotel room set outfitted with seven cameras and cutting-edge microphone and broadcast technology. Penned by Mike Bartlett, the imagined story of what happened to Snowden “after his Wikileaks info dump” is performed live by actor couples. Reserve tickets.

Wednesday, October 21: Bouke de Vries Studio Tour
5 p.m.
Leading a behind-the-scenes tour of his London studio, Dutch artist Bouke de Vries will share works in progress and talk about his intricate new War and Pieces exhibition on view at The Frick Pittsburgh. Buy tickets.

Bouke de Vries
Bouke de Vries, War and Pieces (detail) at The Frick Pittsburgh.

Wednesday, October 21: Election 2020: A Conversation with Governors Jennifer Granholm and Susana Martinez
6-7:30 p.m.
This online conversation with Governors Jennifer Granholm and Susana Martinez will examine the imminent election, gender issues and the current political climate. Register for free.

Thursday, October 22: A Tell-Tale Heart with Pittsburgh Public Theater
7 p.m.
Experience Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic, macabre stories like never before during this commission adapted and performed by Alec Silberblatt. The virtual production is a part of the Public PlayTime: Classics N’at benefit series. Register for free.

Wednesday, October 21: Virtual Night in NOLA with the Homeless Children’s Education Fund
7-8:30 p.m.
Be transported to New Orleans as you learn about the city’s vibrant cultural and culinary heritage, enjoy live jazz music, hand-crafted cocktails and tasty bites, and bid on auction items. Buy tickets.

Thursday, October 22: Virtual ChemFest
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Budding scientists will celebrate National Chemistry Week during this free virtual event hosted by Carnegie Science Center. Try DIY experiments using household ingredients, watch interviews and presentations featuring leading scientists and make career connections.

Thursday, October 22: Public Art and Communities Symposium
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
During this two-day virtual symposium, speakers will share creative placemaking projects that support public health needs within communities across the country. Participants will learn firsthand how cross-sector collaboration can address serious issues impacting the public at large. Buy tickets.

Pittsburgh Earth Day
Ecolution Rewind. Photo by John Colombo.

Thursday, October 22: Halfway to Earth Day 
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Make every day Earth Day at this pop-up celebration coinciding with the Market Square Farmers’ Market. The eco-festivities will include virtual events such as an Ecolution Rewind fashion show, Sustainable Business Breakfast panel discussion, Dirt Podcast, electric car showcase and more. Learn more.

Thursday, October 22: A Very Burgh Paws Party
7 p.m.
Fill your screen with furry friends of all kinds — from dogs to cats to rabbits — when Humane Animal Rescue hosts its largest annual fundraiser. Purchase a Treat Box with ingredients to make a signature “puptail,” enjoy heartwarming tales and celebrity guests and help support thousands of domestic and wildlife animals.

For more events, go here.

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and SLB Radio Productions. She is co-author of the award-winning book, "Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania." For 15-plus years, she was co-coordinator and marketing director with Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's first and largest independent craft fair. She makes music as The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.