Here are the virtual events you need to know about this week in Pittsburgh: December 21-24. Know of an interesting event? Email us here.
Monday, December 21: City of Asylum @ Home
7 p.m.
City of Asylum was one of the first local nonprofits to get creative and rethink event programming when they launched their community-based virtual platform, The Show Must Go On(line), in response to the Covid shutdown in March. The Northside-based organization asked viewers to select their favorite program of 2020. Join them to watch the winning show stream, “Tallahatchie LullaBye, Baby,” via the City of Asylum @ Home virtual channel.
Monday, December 21: Holiday Cheers: A Truly Unique Winery Experience with Doors Open Pittsburgh
7:30 p.m.
Did you know that underneath Lawrenceville’s cool Clemente Museum sits an equally cool winery? Don’t miss this virtual tour of Engine House 25 Wines led by head vintner Duane Rieder. Oenophiles will learn about varietals, the winemaking process and wine tasting, and how the local winery was founded. Buy tickets.
Tuesday, December 22: Where to Turn Resource Virtual Fair
10 a.m.
Every Tuesday, American HealthCare Group hosts this virtual fair and lecture series for service professionals. This week, management coach and yoga instructor Debra Myers will share tips for how you can balance your emotions and increase your focus with meditation. Register for free.
Tuesday, December 22: Stuff Your Stockings with Popcorn at Row House Cinema
5-8 p.m.
Does your endless movie night need some snack help? Up your popcorn game and help support local businesses. Swing by Row House in Lawrenceville to “stuff your stocking (or your face)” with delish fresh popcorn made with Steel City Salt‘s black truffle salt, and grab some beer to-go next-door at Bierport.
Tuesday, December 22: Phipps’ Virtual Stories with Santa
6 & 7 p.m.
Santa’s not just good at giving out presents. During this virtual event, Kris Kringle himself will read Salina Yoon’s heartwarming winter-themed book, “Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story” to children who will soon have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads. Register for free.
Tuesday, December 22: Spotlight+ with Film Pittsburgh
Various times
It’s the final night to stream the inaugural offerings in Film Pittsburgh’s newest online series. Featured are Jesse Dylan’s documentary, “Soros,” exploring the influential investor and philanthropist, along with Benjamin Wolff’s short film, “Bis Gleich,” the story of an “unspoken connection between two elderly neighbors.” Buy tickets.
Wednesday, December 23: 412 Food Rescue and the Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team food distribution at Heinz Field
12-2 p.m.
Residents in need can drive up to Heinz Field’s Gold Lot 1 parking lot, where volunteers will distribute grocery boxes containing produce, dairy and protein items, along with bags of dog and cat food during the no-contact, drive-through giveaway.
Wednesday, December 23 and Thursday, December 24: Small Mall Pop-up Shop Downtown
12-6 p.m.
On a last-minute dash for holiday gifts? Find something handmade for everyone on your list and help support local makers. Following state capacity guidelines for in-store shopping, Small Mall is hosting this art-filled, curated pop-up shop at 922 Penn Avenue. See more Downtown pop-up shops here.
Wednesday, December 23: Virtual Animal Encounter with Carnegie Museum of Natural History
1:30 p.m.
Have you ever Zoomed with a 6-foot-long python, a colorful parrot or a friendly skunk? Meet members of the museum’s living collection — many who have been rescued or rehabilitated — as you get up close and personal with feathered, furry and scaly friends. Learning about animal habitats, fascinating behaviors and innovative scientific studies. Watch for free.
Wednesday, December 23: Virtual Cocktail Club with Quantum Spirits
Various times
Need a last-minute holiday gift or a new craft cocktail recipe? You can now be your own bartender because Quantum Spirits is offering interactive virtual cocktail kits containing four readymade cocktails with fresh garnishes, recipe sheets, monthly themes and video tutorials.
Thursday, December 24: Phipps’ Winter Flower Show Virtual Tour
Various times
Available for purchase now, Phipps’ new Winter Flower Show Virtual Tour Video features a 25-minute trek through every room in this year’s breathtaking show accompanied by festive background music, plus an alternate version with commentary from Phipps staff.
Thursday, December 24: BNY Mellon JazzLive @Home
Various times
Jazz up your holidays with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The newest episode of this online jazz series is now available for streaming and features world-class pianist, composer and educator Alton Merrell. Discover Merrell’s technical mastery, diverse genres and gospel roots and hear about his current projects. Watch for free.
Thursday, December 24: A Musical Christmas Carol Broadcast with the Pittsburgh CLO
9 p.m.
Curl up with a cozy blanket, turn the channel to WQED and get switched on to the holidays. Starring as the inimitable Ebenezer Scrooge is Richard Thomas, best-known for his award-winning role in the hit TV show, “The Waltons.” Recorded live at the Byham Theater in 2018, the special production also features a cast of Pittsburgh favorites.
For more events, go here.