6. Brewtal Beer Fest at Mr. Smalls Theatre: September 9, 3 – 10 p.m.
What happens when you put head-banging heavy metal fans and passionate craft brewers together in one room for seven hours? Find out when guitar shredding and grain fermenting collide at the first-of-its-kind Brewtal Beer Fest. Underscoring the melding of its namesakes, the event is a lively mashup of independent music and handmade beer. Brewtal 2.0 is turning up the volume with 30 breweries, 10 bands, two stages and plenty of boisterousness. Headliners are the Savannah, GA-based band Baroness, whose song, “Shock Me” was nominated for 2017 Grammy. Also rocking Millvale will be a bevy of bands slaying all varieties of metal — from deathcore to thrash. Featured local and national bands include Fit For An Autopsy, Byzantine and Greywalker. Unique to Brewtal are the inventive beers created collaboratively by the breweries and bands. Brewtalers can sample limited-edition brews by Rock Bottom and See You Next Tuesday, Spoonwood and Victims of Contagion, Rivertowne and Dethlehem, and more. Pro tip: These beers are only available at Brewtal, so don’t let your tastebuds and ears go to waste. Buy tickets.
7. Art on Fire at Coterie Company: September 15, 6 – 11 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s legacy in steel is second to none. But did you also know that in the 1800s Pittsburgh was the center of American glass production? Explore this heritage, celebrate contemporary glass pioneers and enjoy one last night of hot fiery fun before the sun sets on summer. Unveiling a stunning new venue, Pittsburgh Glass Center is moving its benefit bash to Downtown’s landmark Frick Building. The recently opened Coterie Company will provide a chic penthouse backdrop for showcasing the event’s world-class auction. Bid on 100 pieces of one-of-a-kind glass art, including mosaics, sculpture, home decor and funky flame-worked jewelry. Highlights include a red guitar by Seattle-based artist Jasen Johnson, a botanical sculpture by Pittsburgh’s own Chris Clarke and a vessel by PGC co-founder Ron Desmett. Attendees will be treated to spirits from Pennsylvania Libations and will meet honorary guest artist, Richard Royal — a protege of Dale Chihuly — who created the signature auction piece. Buy tickets.
8. Next 3 Days in Carrick: September 15, 16, 17, various times
What makes Carrick tick? Get to know the neighborhood nestled along the southeastern edge of Pittsburgh atop a crest west of the Monongahela. Produced by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, City of Pittsburgh and NEXTpittsburgh, Next 3 Days showcases under-the-radar, emerging neighborhoods and promotes affordable housing. Explore and tour Carrick — from bustling Brownsville Rd. and historic Phillips Park, to 19th-century mansions and exciting new developments. If you missed Spencer Warren’s hip Miracle Bar Downtown, don’t miss the N3D kick-off and happy hour (tickets required) at the Dairy District Pavilion on Friday, where the rock star bartender will reinvent his pop-up watering hole featuring craft cocktails inspired by Carrick. Enjoy live music by The Telephone Line, sample local cuisine and participate in art activities, neighborhood photography projects and block party games. On Saturday, meet the businesses, organizations, cultural heritage groups, residents and artists that define Carrick. Join walking tours of historic homes, cheer on entrepreneurs competing in a bake-off and get a taste of Carrick’s legendary pierogi makers. Shop at Colteryahn Dairy and the farmer’s market, and treat yourself to popcorn and crafts at CornFest. Stick around for the “Bites & Brews” after-party featuring craft brews, delicious local food and live music by Radiation and Dani Rae. Don’t miss Sunday’s self-guided homebuyer tours and open houses. Stay tuned to NEXT for more details.
9. Night of 1,000 Marilyns at The Warhol Museum: September 16, 8 p.m.
Her films grossed $200 million, she was married to baseball star Joe DiMaggio and playwright Arthur Miller, and historians have dubbed her “the most photographed person of the 20th century.” After passing away unexpectedly in 1962 at age 36, Marilyn Monroe was immortalized in new ways by another 20th-century pop culture icon. Andy Warhol’s Marilyn diptychs and screenprints explore the star’s complex identity and the concept of fame via vibrant hues and clever repetition. You’ll see Marilyns en masse as you party like a Hollywood A-lister to benefit The Warhol Museum. Channel your inner Norma Jeane or come dressed as your favorite Tinsel Town idol (think: Gable, Dietrich, Garbo). Marilyn acolytes will enjoy after-hours access to the museum, getting a last look at the exhibition, Andy Warhol: Stars of the Silver Screen. Title Town DJs and a late-night drag show by Bambi Deerest will keep the mood groovy and glam. Get all dolled up by stylists from Cardamone’s Salon, and shop for Warhol and Marilyn-themed wigs and glasses. A VIP underground lounge will host casino games and portraits by caricature artist Jeffrey Harris. Your 15 minutes are here. Buy tickets.
10. Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival at Kennywood: September 24, 1 – 6 p.m.
Forget pizza toppings — what’s your favorite pierogi filling? The answer is everything under the sun that can fit on your plate at the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival. Pairing two great Burgh traditions — historic Kennywood and mouth-watering pierogies, the tribute to doughy dumplings will showcase 40-plus vendors. Traditionalists will love the offerings from Perla, S&D Polish Deli and Gosia’s, while adventure eaters will flip for the pierogi tacos, pizza and burgers. Sink your teeth into South Side BBQ’s waffle cone stuffed with macaroni and cheese, slaw and pierogies, and Las Chicas’ deep-fried dumplings topped with salsa, sour cream and avocado. Star chefs are bringing their A-game, with Kevin Sousa crafting Eastern European flatbreads and Wyatt Lash debuting his “Oscar Kowalski.” Satisfy your cravings with pierogi-inspired ice cream, cupcakes and donuts and wash it down with Voodoo brews. Buy tickets.
Check out more terrific events every week, such as these coming up in September in NEXTpittsburgh:
Shelter: Crafting a Safe Home Opening Celebration Weekend at Contemporary Craft: September 8 & 9
Silk Screen Film Festival: September 15 — 24
Third Thursday at Carnegie Museum of Art: September 21
Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District: September 22
Arbor Aid and Pawpaw Festival at Carrie Furnaces: September 23
Thrival Innovation + Music Festival: September 27 — 30
Savor Pittsburgh at Petersen Events Center: September 28
2017 Flyby 5K and 2–Mile Fun Run at Pittsburgh International Airport: September 30