11 Pittsburgh events you won’t want to miss in October

6. Isabelle de Borchgrave: Fashioning Art from Paper at The Frick Pittsburgh: October 13-January 6

Glancing at a colorful sculpture made by Isabelle de Borchgrave, it’s hard to believe you’re not looking at fabric. It’s the first-ever Pittsburgh exhibition to showcase the prominent Belgian artist and the artwork demands to be seen in person. Fresh on the heels of its popular fashion exhibitions exploring two wardrobe staples — shoes and underwear — The Frick Pittsburgh presents 94 objects that de Borchgrave constructed from artfully painted, pleated, crumpled and manipulated paper. Museum-goers will be transfixed by the meticulously crafted and astonishingly beautiful life-size sculptures. Spanning de Borchgrave’s career, the remarkable exhibition includes pieces inspired by Italian Renaissance costumes portrayed in Old Master paintings, modernist garments created by Picasso and Matisse, and bold fashions by iconoclastic Spanish designer Mariano Fortuny.

7. Carnegie International at Carnegie Museum of Art: October 13 – March 25

It’s been five years since the last International, so you’ve got no excuse to miss this art sensation. You’re invited to not only look at artwork, but to experience it, be part of it, make it, question it. Watch artists create paintings of titles of rejected works from past Internationals, see how the art collective Postcommodity transformed CMOA’s Hall of Sculpture into a massive work based on Pittsburgh’s industrial history and attend a “deep listening” session honoring composer Pauline Oliveros. One of the planet’s most celebrated presentations of contemporary art is bringing together 32 artists from 15 counties for six months of dynamic programs. From film screenings, jazz performances and chef-led feasts, to neighborhood installations, improv drawing workshops and one-time happenings, you’ll explore what it means to be “international.” Opening weekend will burst with cool events, including ballet vignettes, art unveilings, flamenco music and more. Read more about the exhibit curated by Ingrid Schaffner in NEXTpittsburgh.

8. Pittsburgh Zine Fair at Union Project: October 14, 2-8 p.m.

PZF is back for the eighth time to make Sunday Funday all about the zine. Though the word is short for magazine, zines are so much more. They’re self-published works of art, infused with creativity, quirkiness and important messages. More than 53 vendors will set up shop, showcasing eclectic collections of computer-printed typeface, comic books, hand-scrawled text, poetry chapbooks and more. With two-thirds of the vendors being new to this beloved Pittsburgh event, returning fans will see lots that’s fresh. The free fair is sure to inspire attendees to roll up their sleeves and go wild with glue sticks, staplers and glitter in crafting their own zines at the activity stations.

9. Phipps at 125: A Glasshouse Celebration: October 18

Phipps is throwing the party of the century — and the biggest in its illustrious history. Revelers will travel through time inside the landmark’s iconic glasshouse, which will be decked out to represent different decades of Phipps’ 125 years in Oakland. Select a showstopping getup from your favorite epoch and raise a glass of bubbly to Phipps’ shimmering past and very bright future — from its Victorian founding in 1893 to its 15 acres of stunning natural wonders to its forward-thinking Center for Sustainable Landscapes. Glasshouse-goers will enjoy interactive experiences, music by the Gatsby Gang Jazz Band, tarot card readings, strolling magicians, a DIY Old Fashioned bar and zombie cocktails. The crown jewel will be the unveiling of the newly-restored Palm Court ogee — where 5,300 panes of glass which are being meticulously restored using a century-old technique. Buy tickets.

10. Brewtal Beer Fest at Mr. Smalls Theatre: October 20

Heavy metal music goes well with so many things in Pittsburgh: there’s metal and vegan fare at Onion Maiden, metal and java at Black Forge Coffee House, and even metal and vinyasa at BLACK YO)))GA. The masters of mashing up heavy metal music and refreshing craft beer are the inventive minds behind Brewtal. Redefining the concept of the beer fest, Brewtal will serve up a righteous lineup of 10 bands and 30 breweries. Dishing out heart-pounding music will be Dying Fetus, Black Tusk, Greywalker and more. Pouring limited-edition collaborative releases will be Bone Up Brewery, Dancing Gnome, Helltown, Rock Bottom, Spoonwood, Strange Roots and many others. Buy tickets.

11. The Silence of the Lambs Exhibit at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum: October 26, 6-8 p.m.

If ever a fictional character could evoke sheer terror, it would be Hannibal Lecter. Long before Batman made Pittsburgh Hollywood East, a terrifyingly brilliant film called “The Silence of the Lambs” captivated audiences and nabbed the “Big Five” Oscars. Think you’re brave enough to relive Lecter’s spine-tingling escape from his holding cell? See a replica of Lecter’s iconic cage created by Hundred Acres Manor while actors recreate Jonathan Demme’s masterpiece right where the scene was shot. Get a ghoulish look with Face Paint Pittsburgh, hear spooky stories from Thomas White and meet actor Stephen Coleman. Suzanne Bishop will read your tarot cards, psychic medium Dr. Debbie will share clairvoyance and caricaturist Howard Bender will turn you into your favorite Halloween character. Buy tickets.

Check out more terrific events every week in NEXTpittsburgh including these: