Here are the events you need to know about this week in Pittsburgh: September 21-24. Know of an interesting event? Email us here.
Monday, September 21: Sloth Painting Encounter at the National Aviary
12 p.m.
Who said sloths are lazy? Not so for magnificent mammal Valentino, a star resident of the National Aviary who has a passion for painting. Watch as Valentino holds a paintbrush and creates a masterpiece. Select your favorite colors and take home an original Valentino. Buy tickets.
Monday, September 21 through Thursday, September 24: Kids Kingdom Anniversary Celebration at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Various times
You’ve invited to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Kids Kingdom with daily animal enrichment experiences, plus giveaways from Busy Beaver, all week long at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. From alpacas, sea lions and kangaroos, to otter and beavers — you’ll explore the diverse wonders of the animal kingdom.
Monday, September 21 through Thursday, September 24: Bike to Campus Week
Various times
What started last year as a one-day event with Pitt and CMU is now a weeklong celebration of biking, walking and alternative modes of transportation for college-goers. Online activities include sessions with bike shops, bike commuters, group ride leaders and certified instructors. Log on to gain new skills and trek along the new campus bike routes connecting Pitt, CMU and Chatham.
Monday, September 21 through Thursday, September 24: Pittsburgh Fashion Week
Various times
Forget the runway, Pittsburgh Fashion Week is moving its haute couture happenings online. Hosted by the Downtown Community Development Corporation, the weeklong celebration packed with everything from internet fashion shows, dance videos and studio tours, to music performances, photoshoots at local landmarks and film screenings. Fashionistas from all parts of the industry can also check out hands-on tutorials, panel discussions and podcasts about sustainability. View a complete schedule.
Monday, September 21: Harris Theater @ Home Virtual Panel Discussion
7 p.m.
The event will start with a nationwide screening of the riveting new documentary, John Lewis: Good Trouble. After the film, join a live virtual panel discussion with director Dawn Porter and civil rights advocates, who will talk about the legacy of the civil rights icon and how we can all help to continue his campaign for justice. Rent the film and register for the panel discussion.
Tuesday, September 22: Virtual Nature Stories: Daniel Finds a Poem
4 p.m.
Budding naturalists and poets alike should not miss this storytelling event hosted by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for children ages 4 to 9. Find out what happens when a young boy hears about a poetry contest in his local park and turns to nature for inspiration. Listen to a reading of Micha Archer’s book, Daniel Finds a Poem, then create your own nature-inspired poem. Register for free.
Tuesday, September 22: Digital Photography with Phipps
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Ready to point and shoot? Kicking off tonight, this weekly online course taught by Phipps instructor Don Orkoskey will cover topics such as camera settings, composition, image transfer and viewing preparation. Subjects like white balance, jpegs, raw formats and histograms will be demystified and you’ll receive feedback on photographic assignments. Buy tickets.
Tuesday, September 22: Jazz Poetry Festival featuring Mihály Borbély Quartet
7 p.m.
City of Asylum’s Jazz Poetry Festival heads to the legendary Budapest Jazz Club for its next broadcast. The acclaimed Mihály Borbély Quartet — a jazz piano quartet that fuses Slovak, Gypsy, Jewish and German folk influences with classical jazz — is teaming up with Hungarian poet Tibor Zalán — for a one-of-a-kind artistic commission. Register for free.
Tuesday, September 22: After Dinner Conversations with Bekezela Mguni and Mi’Jan Celie
7-7:30 p.m.
For its next After Dinner Conversations event, the Office of Public Art is welcoming queer Trinidadian artist and librarian Bekezela Mguni, who founded The Black Unicorn Project, and cultural leader and oral historian Mi’Jan Celie, who runs the New Mexico Women of Color Nonprofit Leadership Initiative. During the free Instagram Live discussion, the pair will talk about the theme of storytelling in their work.
Wednesday, September 23: Tyke Hike with Venture Outdoors
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Takes your kids to Frick Park to hunt for insects, plants and rocks. This easygoing stroll will explore the fields and forests surrounding the Frick Environmental Center. Bring snacks and blankets to enjoy a picnic on the lawn after hiking. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, September 23: Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures presents Rebecca Senf
6 p.m.
Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures is teaming up with the PGH Photo Fair, Silver Eye Center for Photography and Carnegie Museum of Art to present a talk by writer and curator Rebecca Senf. In her new book, “Making a Photographer: The Early Work of Ansel Adams,” Senf provides an “unprecedented and eye-opening examination of the early career of one of America’s most celebrated photographers.” Copies of the book are available from White Whale Bookstore. Register for free.
Wednesday, September 23: In Conversation: Driving While Black with Dr. Gretchen Sorin
7 p.m.
A fascinating new book by Gretchen Sorin examines how the automobile has fundamentally reshaped African American life, including and how cars have allowed Black families to avoid the dangers of racism and to enjoy the freedom of the open road. Sorin will discuss her new book during this virtual conversation with The Frick Pittsburgh’s new executive director, Elizabeth Barker. Sorin’s book, Driving While Black, is also the basis for a new documentary film by Ric Burns, which will be broadcast on WQED October 13. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, September 23: Of Lungs and Leaves by Mita Ghosal & Sue Abramson
7 p.m.
Photographer Sue Abramson and choreographer Mita Ghosal will premiere their new work, Of Lungs and Leaves, as part of an artist residency with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. The “pay what makes you happy” performance showcases video, dance, narrative and sculptural photography. Following the online screening, the artists will join a live virtual discussion with KST Senior Producer Ben Pryor. Buy tickets.
Thursday, September 24: Yoko Suzuki Quartet: The Music of Geri Allen
7 p.m.
Tonight’s Jazz Poetry Festival presentation pays tribute to the pioneering pianist and composer Geri Allen. This performance by the Yoko Suzuki Quartet is a rare chance to hear Allen’s intricate music live and to understand the legacy of one of the most important figures in contemporary jazz. During her 35-year career, Allen wrote 100-plus songs and served as director of Pitt’s prestigious Jazz Studies program. Register for free.
Thursday, September 24: Portraits in Icing: The Intersection of Representation, Race and Cookies
7 p.m.
Sweet treats, historic portraits and social justice will converge during thus virtual program featuring Pittsburgh-based artist and cookie activist Jasmine Cho. During the event held in conjunction with the History Center’s Smithsonian’s Portraits of Pittsburgh exhibit, Cho will lead a cookie portrait demonstration and a conversation about her creative process. Attendees will learn how the Food Network champion uses cookies to spark conversations about race. Buy tickets.
Thursday, September 24: Drive-In Movies at South Park
7 p.m.
The first week of fall is an ideal time for a drive-in movie night. Cruise on over to the South Park Ice Rink to enjoy Disney’s 3D fantasy film Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. The event is free and first-come, first-served, and movie-goers can order snacks online from Ekernally Yours Popcorn.
Wednesday, September 23: So Now What? Virtual Series
7-7:30 p.m.
Don’t miss this virtual workshop led by national experts in education and childhood development from PBS Kids, Common Sense Media, Learning Heroes and UPMC Children’s Hospital. Learn tips for navigating distance learning, finding a healthy balance while using technology, keeping your kids safe online and more. Register for free.
Thursday, September 24: Virtual Emerald Evening with Green Building Alliance
7-9 p.m.
The Green Building Alliance is hoping to create a night of meaningful connections online via its signature fall fundraiser. This is your chance to support one of the country’s oldest regional green building organizations — which empowers people to create environmentally, economically and socially vibrant built environments. The online eco-gala will feature award presentations, networking breakout rooms, live raffles and decadent dessert deliveries. Buy tickets.
Thursday, September 24: The Dragon of Polish Hill presented by the New Hazlett Theater
8 p.m.
Wrapping up its Community Supported Art Performance Series, the New Hazlett Theater is presenting a virtual work by Dave English and Will Schutze. Exploring friendship within a changing urban neighborhood, the production chronicles an unexpected encounter between a 115-year-old man with dementia and a performance artist. The donation-based event includes a live Q&A with the artists. Register here.
Thursday, September 24: Meeting of Important People at the Drive-in Arts Festival
8 p.m.
Pre-game your weekend at the Drive-in Arts Festival. Presented by 91.3 FM WYEP and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the night will feature the catchy pop-rock of celebrated Pittsburgh band, Meeting of Important People, who will fill the outdoor at Hazelwood Green stage with their blend of upbeat, pop, folk and garage rock. Buy tickets.
For more events, go here. Know about an interesting event? Email us here.
