The year 2020 was like a lump of coal in a stocking. We all deserve a gift in 2021, so why wait until December to spread some cheer? Many local businesses are decking the halls for Christmas in July with special events, food and beverages. Have you been good?
The PA Market, 108 19th Street, Strip District
Get a jump on your holiday shopping by visiting The PA Market on Thursday, July 22.
From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the market’s courtyard will be filled with vendors, including Lola’s Eatery, Straight Line Boutique, Armful of Flowers, SweatNET Pittsburgh, PSquare Scents and more. Grab a drink from the Market Seller while you pick out one-of-a-kind gifts.
DiAnoia’s Eatery, 2549 Penn Avenue, Strip District
The restaurant is dishing out a seasonal spin on the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a multi-course Italian seafood dinner traditionally served on Christmas Eve. The event will be held on Sunday, July 25 at 6 p.m. Diners will be seated with their party and served a family-style meal. Tickets are $65 and are available online.
The menu features Pesci Fritti Calabrian and Caviar Mayo; Tuna Crudo Tonnato; Swordfish Salad; Octopus Arrabbiata; Paccari pasta with spicy pepperoncini and tomato sauce; Squid Ink Lasagna with scallop and shrimp filling, garlic and chive bechamel; Whole Branzino with potato and baccala puree; and more. Optional wine and cocktail pairings and dessert choices will be available.
“Especially since we couldn’t gather in-person to enjoy this feast over the holidays, we thought it would be a fun twist to bring the tradition back for Christmas in July,” co-owner Dave Anoia says. “Summer is prime time to source seasonal, responsibly caught seafood like branzino, shrimp and octopus.”
Inner Groove Brewing, 751 E. Railroad Street, Verona
Forget milk and cookies; Santa wants beer!
Inner Groove Brewing is hosting a holiday bash on Thursday, July 29, from 5 to 10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to wear an ugly holiday sweater and bring their own Christmas albums to spin (the brewery is named for the spot on a vinyl record where bands lay hidden tracks).
In addition to old Bing Crosby tunes, visitors are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Lower Valley Athletic Foundation, which is collecting gifts for local kids in need.
If you’re nice, Santa will raise a glass as you snap a selfie for your next Christmas card.
5801 Video Lounge & Café, 5801 Ellsworth Avenue, Shadyside
Don your gay(est) apparel for Jingle in July on Sunday, July 25.
The festivities will start with The Ladies Who Drag Brunch featuring Blade Matthews, Dixie Surewood, Chi Chi de Vivre and Dynasty. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and performances will start at noon.
Bring a non-perishable food item to be entered into a raffle to win a holiday gift basket. Food and monetary donations will benefit Pittsburgh Youth Haven. Your kindness will be rewarded with holiday drink specials and giveaways throughout the day.
Sewickley Confectionery, 600 Beaver Street, Sewickley
Sewickley Confectionery and the Sewickley Valley Chamber of Commerce are ho-ho-hosting the Sewickley Sundae 5K Fun Run/Walk on Sunday, July 25. The race, which will be held rain or shine, starts at 10 a.m. Registration must be completed by 9:30 a.m.
Burn calories while you consume them by sprinting for sundaes, jogging for jingle bells and frolicking in foam at the finish. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Keep the Lights on Project, which helps independent business owners recover from 2020 with lights for business districts during community events.
For more things to do in Pittsburgh, check out our weekly event guide.