What’s going on this week in Pittsburgh, June 14-20? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Tuesday, June 15: Open Mic in Schenley Plaza
6-9 p.m.
Local musicians and spoken word artists: your 15 minutes (well, actually 20) are here! Fill the Oakland green space with your voice, instruments and passion for performance during this first-come, first-served open mic event hosted by Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Register for free.
Tuesday, June 15: Brew House Association Virtual Artist Talk
7 p.m.
If you haven’t seen the new Change of Course exhibition at the Brew House yet, this is the perfect chance to experience the work and hear firsthand from the artists from the comfort of your own home. The online event will feature an exhibition tour, a live discussion with the six featured artists and an audience Q&A. The Brew House will also announce the newest artists selected for its Distillery residency.
Buy tickets.
Thursday, June 17: CivicCLP Speaker Series
4-5 p.m.
Don’t miss the launch of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s new virtual speaker series addressing some of the most significant civic topics of our era — including the First Amendment, social and racial justice and politics. The thought-provoking series kicks off with award-winning journalists Bofta Yimam and Brian Cook, who will discuss the power of storytelling, the importance of investigative journalism and how today’s news landscape is raising awareness about bias and inequity. Register for free.
Thursday, June 17: Pittsburgh Public Theater’s When We Fall
7 p.m.
For the PlayTime Classics N’at series finale, Pittsburgh Public Theater is presenting the winner of its 2021 New Play Contest. Written by Emma Gibson, “When We Fall” explores loneliness, storytelling and “finding friendship in unexpected places” via a cast of five actors. Buy tickets.
Friday, June 18, through Sunday, June 20: People’s Pride PGH
Various times
Produced by SisTers PGH in partnership with the Pittsburgh Equality Center, this year’s virtual celebration is focused on bringing together, empowering and elevating TLGBQIA+ and other marginalized communities. The three-day festivities feature a Self-care Day, the LGBTQ Pittsburgh’s Best Award Ceremony and the Pittsburgh Pride Virtual Parade & Artist Festival. Register here.
Friday, June 18, through Sunday, June 20: Juneteenth
Various times
This major celebration is underway across the region, packed with two weeks of in-person and virtual events. Anchoring the holiday festivities is the Juneteenth Freedom Days Celebration and Pittsburgh Black Music Fest at Point State Park featuring Big Daddy Kane, Rakim and Roy Ayers. Additional highlights include a Black Tie Honors Gala, Juneteenth-Jubilee Re-enactment Parade and the Minority Vendors Economic Impact Market. You can even help set a Guinness Book of World Record for the longest Soul Train Line Dance. View a schedule.
Friday, June 18: Art as Liberation: Celebrating Black Art in Pittsburgh at 320 Sampsonia Way
4-8 p.m.
1Hood Media is teaming up artist Mikael Owunna, curator Larry Ossei-Mensah, Orange Barrel Media and the Pittsburgh Glass Center to host this not-to-miss Juneteenth celebration. A queer Nigerian-Swedish American multi-media artist, Owunna is working on public art projects in residence at the Glass Center. Happening as part of City of Asylum’s new Summer on Sampsonia series, the outdoor festivities will showcase 15 local Black artists, interactive workshops, DJs, performances and free food. Register for free.
Friday, June 18: Botanical Beverages: Cocktails and Mocktails from the Garden
6-7:30 p.m.
The season of outdoor living — and imbibing — is here. During this virtual garden cocktail workshop, Drew Cranisky of Independent Brewing and Hanna Mosca from Grow Pittsburgh will show you how to craft a basil gimlet, a Kentucky buck and a cucumber Collins — while highlighting tip for using and growing fresh seasonal herbs, fruits and vegetables at home. Buy tickets.
Friday, June 18: Calliope Roots Cellar @ Home
7 p.m.
Folk music fans can’t miss this virtual concert with Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and author Mary Gauthier. Her latest album, “Rifles & Rosary Beads,” was co-written with U.S. veterans and their families, and her songs have been covered by everyone from Tim McGraw to Jimmy Buffett. Buy tickets.
Saturday, June 19: Atlatl Competition at Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
What’s an atlatl, you say? Discover how prehistoric hunters carved this high-velocity spear-thrower from wood, antler or bone and used it to hunt for deer, elk and other large animals. Master proper throwing techniques as you try out this precursor to the bow and arrow, then watch some of the world’s top atlatl competitors test their mettle. Buy tickets.
Saturday, June 19: Persad Center’s Step Ball Change in Lawrenceville
10-11 a.m.
Summer’s hottest new workout craze is here. Kick your pride into high gear during this free drop-in event blending fitness and drag. You’ll move to awesome music, loosen up your muscles and remember how much fun it is to be together. Led by Pittsburgh’s Fairweather Drag Family, the event will occur every Saturday throughout the summer in Persad’s Center’s parking lot.
Saturday, June 19: Juneteenth Concert in Frick Park
12-2 p.m.
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s lineup of Juneteenth events culminates with a concert at the Frick Environmental Center. Bring a picnic and blanket and gather on the lawn to enjoy live music by local Black artists Najj Andrea, Diarra Imani and Jrouz3 on ZeroFossil’s solar-powered stage. Concert-goers can also participate in educational activities and take a tour of the Slavery to Freedom Garden. View a complete schedule of Juneteenth events hosted by the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.
Saturday, June 19: Magnificent Motown! Art Inspired by the Music at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater
12-8 p.m.
Head to East Liberty for an exhibition opening and Juneteenth celebration. The theater is teaming up with Women of Visions to mark their 40th anniversary with an exhibition of works that interpret the titles of beloved Motown songs as physical artworks. See the new artwork, attend an opening reception and shop from local Black makers at the ORIGINS pop-up market. Buy tickets.
Saturday, June 19: Night Market in Market Square
5-10 p.m.
Downtown is buzzing again with the return of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Night Market. Shop for artisan goods from 60-plus independent vendors selling art, fashion, jewelry, home decor and small batch food. Providing your shopping soundtrack will be a free Mr. Small’s AcoustiCafé concert featuring Najj Andrea.
Sunday, June 20: Dad’s Day Kayaking in North Park
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Celebrate Father’s Day gliding across tranquil North Park Lake. Learn the basics of paddling a solo or tandem kayak with expert guides from Venture Outdoors as you bond in a beautiful and relaxing setting. Buy tickets.
Sunday, June 20: Arcade Comedy Theater’s Pride Celebration at the Trust Oasis
7 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Show your pride and LOL with Arcade Comedy Theater. First, Donatella co-presents the city’s first improv comedy jam since the pandemic shutdown. The queer improv jam will feature short-form comedy from performers from around the Burgh. The laughs continue late-night with the Not So Straight Comedy Show hosted by Matty Malloy featuring four stand-up comics. Buy tickets.
Sunday, June 20: Allegheny County Summer Concert Series at Hartwood Acres
7:30 p.m.
The magical music of the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s will fill the Hartwood Acres Park Amphitheater when Pure Gold shares its timeless sounds and four-part harmonies. Creating festival-like vibes will be beer from Hop Farm Brewing and a rotating food truck lineup. View a schedule.