Here are the events you need to know about this week in Pittsburgh: September 14-17. Know of an interesting event? Email us here.
Monday, September 14: RADical Days at Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall
10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Kids need a new distraction? Make a beeline for the Andrew Carnegie Free Library to test your skills as a family with a sidewalk obstacle course. Balance on a log over hot lava, jump over a river and roar like a dinosaur as you conquer the course. The outdoor fun is part of RADical Days, which features free cool stuff to do at regional destinations through November. View schedule.
Tuesday, September 15: Age of Nature Sneak Preview with WQED
12 p.m.
There’s never been a more crucial time to understand nature and our place within the planet. Join WQED and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for a sneak preview of “The Age of Nature,” a new video series showcasing rare archive material, breathtaking imagery and inspiring contributors. The free screening will include a Q&A.
Tuesday, September 15: Outdoor Boot Camp at the South Park Fairgrounds
6-7 p.m.
Move your workout into the Great Outdoors during this high-octane class utilizing battle ropes, slam balls and bands. Open to all fitness levels, the session combines strength training, cardio intervals and muscular endurance. Buy tickets.
Tuesday, September 15: Jazz Poetry Festival with The Jaak Sooäär Trio
7 p.m.
Be transported from your couch to a jazz club in Estonia during City of Asylum’s Jazz Poetry Festival. Tonight’s one-time-only, live collaborative event will showcase a musical trio led by acclaimed guitarist Jaak Sooäär along with award-winning poet Kai Aareleid. Register for free here.
Wednesday, September 16: Learning Bird Song with the National Aviary
10-11 a.m.
Can’t tell a chirp from a caw? Tune in to the wondrous world of birdsong during this virtual workshop led by National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill. In no time, you’ll learn to identify the unique songs and calls of birds commonly encountered in backyards and local parks. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, September 16: Yoga in the Square
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Elizabeth Matenkoski of Town Place Fitness will lead a socially distant yoga practice including a variety of routines and styles in the heart of Market Square. Register now to secure your spot.
Wednesday, September 16: Jazz Poetry Festival with Off Minor Jazz
7 p.m.
City of Asylum’s Jazz Poetry Festival heats up tonight with a tribute to the one and only Nat King Cole. Featuring Dwayne Dolphin (bass), Tom Wendt (drums) and Deanna Witkowski (piano) — along with international poets Mónica Teresa Ortiz, Grace Shuyi Liew, Mansur Rajih and Sara Borjas — the performance will highlight Cole’s jazz trio and piano music. Register for free here.
Wednesday, September 16: Drive-In Arts Festival at Hazelwood Green
8 p.m.
Experience classical music under the stars when City Theatre’s Drive-In Arts Festival continues at the sprawling Hazelwood Green site. Along the Mon, festival-goers will be treated to a classical music ensemble concert presented by Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Buy tickets.
Thursday, September 17: Carnegie Science Awards Celebration
6:30-8 p.m.
Honor local trailblazers working on the cutting edge of Pittsburgh’s science, technology, manufacturing and education during this live virtual celebration. The event will feature videos spotlighting awardees, science demonstrations and a showcase of the next generation of STEM innovators. Register for free here.
Thursday, September 17: ReelQ presents Kanarie
7 p.m.
Set in South Africa in 1985 against the backdrop of apartheid, religion and war, Christiaan Olwagen’s film “Kanarie” is a coming-of-age musical drama centered on a teen boy who experiences “hardship, camaraderie, first love and the liberating freedom of music.” The free screening is hosted by the Reel Q Pittsburgh LGBT Film Festival.
Thursday, September 17: PlayTime with Pittsburgh Public Theater
7 p.m.
Experience a new twist on Shakespeare’s classic comedy about history, romance, gender roles and deception with this newly commissioned adaption by Pittsburgh native Steven Wilson. Kicking off Pittsburgh Public Theater’s Classics N’at season, “Much Ado About Nothing” is set in Messina, Italy during the tumultuous events of WWII. Buy tickets here.
Thursday, September 17: Drive-In Movies at South Park: Toy Story 4
7 p.m.
Toy Story fans won’t want to miss seeing the fourth installment of the computer-animated Pixar flick. Follow the adventures of Woody and Bo Peep on South Park’s giant outdoor screen. All movies are free and first come, first served.
Thursday, September 17: Calliope presents Scott Ainslie
7 p.m.
Renowned acoustic blues guitarist Scott Ainslie will fill your living room with the rich sounds of American roots music — from traditional, old-time ballads to banjo and fiddle songs to blues tunes from across the South. Presented by Calliope, Ainslie’s performance will be broadcast via Facebook Live. Buy tickets.
Thursday, September 17: In Conversation: Trevor Paglen and Dan Leers
7:30 p.m.
Take a virtual tour of Trevor Paglen: Opposing Geometries, a new exhibition at Carnegie Museum of Art that features a site-specific commission, sculpture that doubles as a WiFi hotspot and images used for surveillance and artificial intelligence. Join Paglen and curator Dan Leers as they lead the behind-the-scenes event and discuss the exhibit’s themes. Register for free.
Thursday, September 17: Phipps Environmental Film Series: Living Soil
8 p.m.
Did you know that soils support 95 percent of all food production? Discover how soil literally is the foundation of biodiversity during this online film screening and discussion with horticulturalists from Phipps. Spotlighting rural and urban farmers from Maryland to California, “Living Soil” chronicles the soil health movement and its pioneers. Register for free.
Thursday, September 17: Drive-In Arts Festival at Hazelwood Green
8 p.m.
Two of the program’s featured ensembles — Dwayne Dolphin Trio and Tony DePaolis Quartet — will take the Hazelwood Green stage tonight during City Theatre’s outdoor Drive-In Arts Festival. Buy tickets.
For more events, go here. Know about an interesting event? Email us here.