What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, May 9-15? Find out here. Be sure to visit each organization’s website and social media for Covid protocols. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Tuesday, May 10: Gab Bonesso and Friends at Brillobox
8 p.m.
Bloomfield’s beloved bar is back, and so is this monthly showcase. Produced by award-winning Pittsburgh-based comedian Gab Bonesso, the show features seven comedians hailing from the Burgh and New York. Buy tickets.
Wednesday, May 11: World Affairs Council’s Globally Grounded
6-7:30 p.m.
This new series provides much-needed opportunities for self-identifying BIPOC community members to join conversations about global issues in a safe space. Tonight’s talk will surely be inspirational, as the series welcomes innovative educator Michelle King. A middle school teacher who has taught locally for 22 years, King’s practice combines her passion for game-based learning, design, social justice, the environment and teacher empowerment. Register for free.
Wednesday, May 11: “This Much I Know to Be True” at the Harris Theater
8 p.m.
Fans of Australian musician Nick Cave can’t miss Andrew Dominik’s new documentary. Shot in London & Brighton, the film documents Cave’s collaboration with British comic book writer Warren Ellis. Capturing the pair’s first-ever performances of two albums, the film includes an appearance by legendary British musician Marianne Faithfull. Buy tickets.
Thursday, May 12: Farmers’ Market in Market Square
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Downtown’s vibrant market ushers in the season of fresh produce and outdoor shopping. Bursting with regionally grown produce, organic products, small-batch foods and fresh lunch options from 30 vendors, the rain-or-shine market also includes the Just Harvest Fresh Access program, free bulbs from Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and live music by Byron Nash.
Thursday, May 12: Remake Learning Days in Western PA
Various times
Where can kids build robots, direct films, conduct experiments, compose music and use 3-D printers? For 12 days, kids, youth, families, caregivers and educators will explore innovative learning that’s taking place across our region. The educational open house boasts 175 events (almost all are free!) at accessible locations, including K-12 schools, parks, universities, museums, community centers, libraries and nonprofits. View a schedule.
Thursday, May 12: Gwen’s Girls Gala at the Wyndham Grand
5-8 p.m.
It’s been 20 years since the late Commander Gwendolyn Elliott founded Gwen’s Girls to champion local Black girls and women. Fast forward to 2022 and the nonprofit serves 350 girls throughout the region by offering holistic, gender-specific programs at sites in Wilkinsburg, Clairton and the North Side. Celebrate its historic milestone at a Roaring 20’s-themed gala where you’ll be supporting a permanent new home for Gwen’s Girls and a safe space for women and their families. Buy tickets.
Thursday, May 12: Live Virtual Gallery Night: SLAY
7 p.m.
Join the Frick Pittsburgh for this behind-the-scenes look at one of Pittsburgh’s most significant art presentations. Chief curator Dawn Reid Brean and consulting curator Kilolo Luckett will take viewers on a virtual gallery tour, sharing their observations and insights into powerful paintings by Artemisia Gentileschi and Kehinde Wiley on display in SLAY — a first-of-its-kind exhibition pairing of masterpieces depicting the same subject painted 400 years apart. Buy tickets.
Friday, May 13: Cocktails & Cuisine at The Woodlands
6-10 p.m.
Foodies will gather under the stars to support victims of domestic violence when Crisis Center North’s fundraiser returns. Emceed by Court TV’s Julie Grant, the outdoor event features 24 of the region’s top restaurants, chefs, dessert specialists and beverage purveyors. While sipping and grazing, attendees will watch a Chef Showdown and be treated to jazz music. Buy tickets.
Friday, May 13: Pittsburgh Wine & Spirits Festival at Rivers Casino
6-10 p.m.
Calling all cocktail connoisseurs and vino enthusiasts to the North Shore. Sample 200 curated wines and spirits from around the globe, meet vintners, distillers and brand ambassadors and enjoy dinner at the Grand View Buffet. The event also includes bottle signings and an on-site store. Buy tickets.
Friday, May 13: “Misery” at barebones productions
8 p.m.
Welcome one of Pittsburgh’s most adventurous theater companies back to the stage. Based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel, William Goldman’s adaptation of “Misery” will thrill audiences within barebones’ Braddock theater. Directed by the company’s founder Patrick Jordan, the gripping story follows romance novelist Paul Sheldon, who wakes up from a car crash to find himself in the home of his “number one fan,” Annie Wilkes. Buy tickets.
Saturday, May 14: Regent Square Yard Sale
8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Whether you’re a haggling pro or looking for an outdoor social activity, this grandmother of all neighborhood yard sales is worth the trip. The event will also include food trucks and specials at local businesses. Before you go, check the website for a virtual map and sale list.
Saturday, May 14: EQT Children’s Theater Festival in Downtown Pittsburgh
Various times
Families will rejoice when this outstanding festival returns to in-person programming for the first time in three years. During the festival’s 36th annual edition, the region’s youngest theater fans will fall in love with engaging professional performances from France, South Korea, Switzerland, and the U.S. From a magical theater piece about constellations and a hip-hop remix of favorite fables, to breathtaking acrobatics and a visual trek through the ocean — it’s all about immersive experiences and using your imagination. Buy tickets.
Saturday, May 14: Car Bazaar Drag Brunch at Forbes & Smithfield Parking Garage
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Rev your weekend engine when local drag queens pull into the Car Bazaar. Adding a fab flair to the weekly parking garage flea market, the event kicks off a monthly drag series taking place the second Saturday of each month. Equal parts drag performance and delish brunch, the event features MTO food and cocktails from The Speckled Egg. Created in partnership with S&S Productions, the shows are free to all ages at 11 a.m., 12 p.m. and 1 p.m.
Saturday, May 14: Family Day at Contemporary Craft
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Make your way through Saturday at this free family day packed with hands-on activities. Get crafty with jewelry making and weaving, watch woodturning demonstrations and participate in a community needle punch project. Be the first to see the new Fiberart International 2022 before it opens to the public in June.
Saturday, May 14: Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books in East Liberty
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Pittsburgh has a venerable literary history with illustrious writers who have grown up, lived or worked here so it’s easy to see why this festival is debuting here. It’s the first free event celebrating a love of reading and highlighting the region’s outstanding literary heritage and talent. Don’t miss Emmy, Tony and Grammy-winning, star and Pittsburgh native Billy Porter as he joins 75 renowned authors with Pittsburgh ties to share their work at six venues. There are countless ways to dive in — readings, discussions, signings, activities, performances, exhibitors and more. View a schedule.
Saturday, May 14: Dress For Success Cookie Table Drive-Thru at Hartwood Acres
11 a.m.-2 p.m.
You don’t need a wedding to enjoy a Pittsburgh cookie table. Enjoy cookies for a cause as you support women who are reentering the workforce. Drive up decked out in black and gold to indulge in cookies from the local woman-owned bakery The little Kitchen. Kid- and pet-friendly, the event includes a cookie scavenger hunt, food trucks, music by DJ Jess, and the Magnolia on Main’s mobile boutique. Buy tickets.
Saturday, May 14: Freaky Fair at Monroeville Mall
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
We can think of no better location for this market than the storied mall where George Romero’s zombie classic “Dawn of the Dead” was filmed. Peruse 50 vendors selling handcrafted horror-themed items, check out live entertainment and pop into the Living Dead Museum (if you dare!). Other eerie activities include tarot readings, raffles and face painting. Buy tickets.
Saturday, May 14: PA Brewery Running Series at Allegheny City Brewing
11:30 a.m.
Combine your love of fitness and froth and when this creative series kicks off its 10th anniversary season. Participants can walk or run a 5K course and then drink beer (it’s that easy!). Benefiting local nonprofits, the event features live music, food trucks, giveaways, a collectible pint glass and swag. Buy tickets.
Saturday, May 14: Golden Age Lager Fest at THIS IS RED
1-4 p.m. & 6-9 p.m
Calling all lager heads to Munhall where the golden libation will flow inside the landmark 100-year-old former St. Michael Church. Savor tastings from 20 brewers all striving to craft the perfect lager. Featured local breweries include 11th Hour, Allegheny City, Cinderlands, Dancing Gnome, East End, Grist House, Trace, and more. For day drinkers, the afternoon session will feature live music by Sierra Sellers and Buffalo Rose, while Natural Rat and The National Reserve will rock the evening session. In a perfect pairing, the event will keep patrons nourished with pierogies and sausages. Buy tickets.
Saturday, May 14: Pittontatonk Brass Festival in Schenley Park
4-11 p.m.
Stomp, honk and cheer your way into summer with one of Pittsburgh’s most cherished — and coolest — grassroots events. The spirit of May Day, community building and creative expression will propel this celebration which merges a music festival and potluck vibe. Featured acts include Son Rompe Pera, Gili Yalo & Anbessa Orchestra, Kiko Villamizar, Undertown Brass Band, Detroit Party Marching Band, Bitch Thunder and Afro Yaqui Music Collective. It’s as diverse a lineup you’ll find anywhere, with sounds spanning Balkan brass, cumbia, hip-hop and big band, and musicians hailing from Mexico City, Ethiopia, Israel, Canada and Colombia.
Saturday, May 14: Pour at the Park at South Park
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Raise a glass to help improve, conserve and restore Allegheny County’s nine beautiful parks. Head south to join the Allegheny County Parks Foundation for an evening under the stars honoring mother nature. Enjoy tastings of beer, spirits and cuisine along with live music by The Turpentiners and Through Binoculars. Bring the kiddos, who can play in the “ultimate sports zone” created by Dave Gray of CDG Sports Events. Buy tickets.
Saturday, May 14: State to State Hip Hop Showcase at Level Up Studios
8 p.m.
Level Up Studios joins forces with Team Currency to present this new showcase featuring hip hop artists from Pittsburgh, Atlanta and North Carolina. Hosted by Cease, the festivities will also feature HotxxMagOnlineRadio Host Tara J, food by Fast Eddibles, vendors, and more. Buy tickets.
Sunday, May 15: Yoga in Market Square
10-11 a.m.
We can all exhale, because Pittsburgh’s favorite free yoga series is back. Grab your mat, help Downtown rebound after the pandemic and get rejuvenated with a class led by Meeraj Moosa of Inhale Yoga. Arrive early to secure your spot!
For more things to do in Pittsburgh, read 11 May events not to miss in Pittsburgh, from a chalk fest to a lager fest.
For more live music, read 19 concerts coming to Pittsburgh this May, including Pittonkatonk and the Millvale Music Festival.