Here are the events you need to know about this weekend in Pittsburgh: November 27-29. Know of an interesting event? Email us here.
Friday, November 27 through Sunday, November 29: The Black Market Holiday Edition Downtown
11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Support Black entrepreneurs at this pop-up market at 623 Smithfield Street. More than 29 Black vendors and artisans will be selling handmade products — from jewelry, fashions and natural body care products to gourmet foods and hand-poured candles.
Friday, November 27: Holiday Kidsplay in the Heinz Hall Courtyard
11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
This free drop-in experience has been reconfigured to provide safe outdoor fun with a holiday selfie garden. Strike a pose in front of colorful backdrops and standees of cherished characters from Fred Rogers Productions’ children’s shows.
Friday, November 27: Peoples Gas Holiday Market and Santa Zoom Downtown
11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.
This weekend, the annual Market Square attraction is unveiling its newly reconfigured layout for safe outdoor shopping. Artisans from around the globe will sell one-of-a-kind handmade gifts in charming chalets, while local musicians will perform nearby. And the kids can chat with Santa during a real-time video and broadcast activity.
Friday, November 27: Downtown Holiday Lights Walking Tour
4 p.m.
Surrounded by festive holiday lights and decorations, you’ll sip hot beverages, stroll through public plazas and squares and learn about local architecture in the Walk the Burgh tour– plus score coupons from participating restaurants. The finale is a stop at the towering 65-foot PPG holiday tree. Buy tickets.
Friday, November 27: Zoo Lights at Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Various times
Start a new holiday tradition by cruising through the zoo at night. Guided by a seasonal audio tour, you’ll be dazzled by thousands of eco-friendly LED lights transforming the site into a winter wonderland. See themed displays and classic frosted characters, sing carols as you go and spread cheer to your favorite animal friends. Buy tickets.
Friday, November 27: Virtual Encore of Quantum Theatre’s Wild
8 p.m.
Missed this virtual theater experience about whistleblower Edward Snowden? Don’t sleep on this limited-run, encore engagement performed by actor couples inside a 25-by-25 hotel room set outfitted with cutting-edge camera, audio and broadcast technology. Reserve tickets.
Saturday, November 28: Holiday Shopopoly Downtown
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
This socially-distanced city excursion inspired by the world-famous board game is being revived just in time for the holidays. Visit 25 shops and support Small Business Saturday while collecting stamps to win thousands of dollars in prizes.
Saturday, November 28: Holiday Mart Virtual Preview Party with Sweetwater Center for the Arts
Various times
Sweetwater is bringing its annual Holiday Mart right to you starting with this virtual kick-off party. Buy tickets to get early access to the online market, a 10% discount and a raffle ticket. Then log on to shop for handcrafted gifts including jewelry, knitwear, mugs, artwork, ornaments and much more.
Saturday, November 28: Handmade Arcade Virtual Marketplace
Various times
Rather than one weekend at the convention center, the independent craft fair is spanning nine days with a virtual market featuring 130 makers, artists and crafters from around the country. The online holiday shopping experience will also offer behind-the-scenes studio tours, hands-on demonstrations and Meet the Maker activities.
Friday, November 27: The Skin I’m In with Alumni Theater Company
2 & 7 p.m.
Sharon G. Flake’s award-winning novel comes to life on the virtual stage via this adaption directed by Kim El. A story about a 13-year-old girl whose classmates make fun of her dark skin and clothing, the critically acclaimed play examines colorism, self-esteem and identity. Buy tickets.
Saturday, November 28 and Sunday, November 29: Shop Holiday Handmade
Various times
Pittsburgh’s I Made It! Market has teamed up with the Cleveland Bazaar and Akron’s Crafty Mart to launch an online rustbelt market showcasing 130-plus curated makers, artists and small businesses. The collaborative event also includes meet-the-maker profiles and videos, and shoppers can peruse the vendor catalog before the market goes live.
Saturday, November 28: Suite Life with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater
6 p.m.
This year, the East Liberty theater is honoring its namesakes together for the first time. The virtual benefit concert will spotlight the timeless compositions of Billy Strayhorn along with toe-tapping music performed by Gene Kelly. Directed by legendary drummer Poogie Bell, the performance will feature a star-studded lineup of musicians and singers. Buy tickets.
Saturday, November 28: A Christmas Carol with Pittsburgh Public Theater
Various times
The past, present and future will converge in thrilling new ways when Tony Award-winning actor Jefferson Mays stars as Ebenezer Scrooge in this must-see adaptation of Dickens’ iconic classic. The exclusive streaming production will benefit Pittsburgh Public Theater and regional and community theaters across the country. Buy tickets.
Saturday, November 28: A Virtual Christmas Vacation With The Griswolds
8 p.m.
Join everybody’s favorite Christmastime couple, Ellen and Clark Griswold, for this virtual tribute to the 1989 movie hit. Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo will lead audiences through a live event, as they show fan-favorite clips from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” share memories of making the movie franchise and answer audiences questions. Buy tickets.
Sunday, November 29: Story Sunday: Be a Maker by Katey Howes
11 a.m.
Join Alyssa Velazquez, curator of Carnegie Museum of Art’s new of Locally Sourced exhibition, for a story hour designed to inspire the next generation of makers. Velazquez will read Katey Howes’ book, “Be a Maker” and lead a creative activity for children ages 12 and under. Buy tickets.
Sunday, November 29: Mister Rogers Sweater Drive with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
Various times
Participate in this beloved annual tradition and give back by helping those in need. Drop off new or gently-used sweaters in the museum’s lobby or at additional sites around the city and region. Learn more.
For more events, go here.