6. Summit Against Racism at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary: January 20, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
If you want to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. — and you’re passionate about working to end racism and injustice on a local level — this seminal summit is a great place to start. After welcoming a record number of attendees last year, the Summit Against Racism will celebrate 20 years in Pittsburgh. Organized around the theme of “The Struggle Continues: Healing Trauma, Building Community and Inspiring Action,” the Summit will include workshops, panels, open dialogues and informational presentations. Attendees will connect with community organizers, generate ideas and learn how to take action in their everyday lives to eliminate racism and injustice. Hosted by the Metro-Urban Institute, the historic gathering aims to strengthen the justice movement in Pittsburgh and create a city that’s truly committed to “being a 100 Percent Pittsburgh for all.” Register now.
7. Good Wood Barrel-Aged Beer Fest at East End Brewing Co.: January 20, 6-9 p.m.
If you’ve consulted our guide to Pittsburgh’s best winter beers, then you know that the coldest months can produce some of the tastiest, and strongest, libations in town. The perfect place to sample them in one cozy spot is the Good Wood Barrel-Aged Beer Fest, where it’s all about the handcrafted and the homegrown. The marriage of a top Pittsburgh brewery and distillery — East End and Wigle — the libation lovers gathering will bring together leading producers of barrel-aged beers and spirits. Learn about this wintery production ritual as the dream team showcases the fine art of barrel-aged goodness. For its largest event yet, the fest boasts 20 different breweries, all setting up shop at East End’s Larimer digs. Fill up your commemorative snifter glass with the latest and greatest barrel-aged brews, which will be paired with tastings of Wigle’s signature spirits. A designated driver ticket includes a snifter glass and East End’s homemade ginger ale. Tickets are going fast, so buy yours today.
8. Pittsburgh Yoga Expo at Pittsburgh Opera: January 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Pittsburgh Yoga Expo is here to rescue us all from weeks of sugar cookies and spiked eggnog. A day dedicated to wellness, healing and mindfulness, the expo will fill the opera’s cool urban space with exhilarating workshops, hands-on demonstrations and helpful resources. Kick off 2018 on a rejuvenated note and stick to your resolution to get active this winter. Learn about the healing arts, treat yourself to a chair massage, meet owners of local yoga studios and more. Balance those chakras and stay warm during workshops led by experts from I Am Yoga, Sterling Yoga, BYS Yoga and others. Open to all, the expo was founded by Rebecca Rankin, owner of Squirrel Hill-based I Am Yoga, as a way to bring local yoga and healing arts practitioners together to share their expertise with the Pittsburgh community. New this year are ticketing options for morning, afternoon or all-day sessions. Participants will receive three raffle tickets and a goodie bag. In between sessions, shop for food, clothing and goods in the vendor market. Register now.
9. Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District: January 26, 5:30-10 p.m.
Crawl your way into 2018 with help from Downtown’s dynamic arts and entertainment scene. Unveiling all that’s new in the Cultural District, the citywide, multi-venue “open house” features U.S. premieres, international artists, live music, theater and dance, films and hands-on activities. Dozens of galleries, stages, storefronts and unique public spaces will be open for free. Be the first to experience new work by Japanese multimedia artist Ryoichi Kurokawa and Greek audio artist Novi_sad at Wood Street Galleries. Step into 3D immersive environments exploring performance, mythology and synesthesia. At 707 and 709 Penn, wander through Kristen Letts Kovak’s “museum” to see relics showcased under spotlights and preserved behind glass, and view drawings exploring atmosphere and noise. Jazz lovers won’t want to miss the ticketed concert by soulful, Cleveland-based vocalist, Chantae Cann. Crawlers can also check out 10 public art projects, see photography by Randall Coleman, shop in the Night Market and enjoy select “After Dark” attractions. View a map.
10. Janu-Scary at The Hollywood Theater: January 27-February 1
Move over Halloween, Janu-Scary is here. Seven nights packed with thrills and chills on the big screen, the fright fest will showcase the horror genre via new, old and rare works. The big draw — and a must for any fan of 1970s cinema — is the first Pittsburgh screening of the uncut Italian 35mm print of “Suspiria.” Supplied by the Chicago Cinema Society, the exceptional print was found in a shuttered Italian movie theater and hasn’t been screened since 1978. Directed by revered Italian master Dario Argento, “Suspiria” is pioneering for its use of stylized colors, composition, cinematography and music. The influential horror classic stars Jessica Harper as an American ballet student who transfers to a prestigious German academy where she’s tormented by sinister and supernatural forces. The soundtrack composed by the Italian prog-rock band Goblin has become an iconic movie score. The festival also boasts films Pittsburghers have not seen anywhere else, including Nicholas Cage’s new zombie thriller, “Mom and Dad,” “Trench 11” and ’80s favorite, “The Gate.” Buy tickets.
Check out more terrific events every week, including these coming up:
Marta Match: A Throwback of The Match Game at City Theatre: January 5
DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Kick-off Training Run: January 6
Pittsburgh Emergency Medicine Foundation’s Winter Carnivale at the Ace Hotel: January 12
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at Union Project: January 15
Let Freedom Sing concert at the Byham Theater: January 15
Lift Every Voice: Resonating Music, Words & Legacy with Phylicia Rashad at Heinz Hall: January 20
barebones productions’ Rules of Seconds: January 26, 27 & 28
