16 things to do this weekend, from Three Rivers Film Festival to the Winter Warmer Beer Festival
Nov 13, 2024
What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Nov. 14-17? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.Thursday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 17: Three Rivers Film Festival at the August Wilson Center, Harris Theater and The LindsayVarious timesThe 43rd annual Three Rivers Film Festival kicked off last night bringing compelling stories with strong Pittsburgh ties to three venues. With 12 days of screenings, talks and after-parties, the lineup showcases 21 feature films, with four available virtually. Five films have Pittsburgh connections, including director Melissa Martin’s “Basic Psych” starring David Conrad and Michael Cerveris. Read more about 3RFF in NEXT. Schedule and tickets.Thursday, Nov. 14: An Evening with Amy Sedaris at the Byham Theater7:30 p.m.Somehow it seems like a hilarious evening with Amy Sedaris is exactly what we all need right now? The acclaimed comedian, actress, writer (and even chef), who has graced stages and screen large and small, will participate in a moderated conversation in the Cultural District. Her distinct blend of irreverence, charm, wisdom and wit is sure to please longtime followers and endear her to new fans alike. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Vigilance Theater Group.Thursday, Nov. 14-Sunday, Nov. 17: “4.48 Psychosis” in Point Breeze8-9:30 p.m.For its latest production, Vigilance Theater Group reimagines the final work written by English playwright Sarah Kane (1971-1999). Equal parts raw, intimate and affirming, the immersive adaptation explores issues around mental health. With Harper York in the director’s seat, theater-goers will be “guided through a non-linear and disjointed tale of loss, turmoil and uncertainty.” The location will be provided after tickets are purchased.Photo courtesy of Kennywood.Friday, Nov. 15: Holiday Lights at Kennywood Park5-9 p.m.Kennywood shines brighter than ever with its biggest holiday season open through Jan. 1, 2025. That means more days, more rides and a brand-new Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer walk-through experience with iconic Christmas Town characters. Pennsylvania’s tallest Christmas tree will greet merry-makers, while thousands of animated lights and synchronized sounds will transform the Lagoon into a winter wonderland. Savor seasonal treats and hop on any of the 25 open rides — including the new Potato Smash and three rollercoasters. Explore a massive model train display, mail a letter to the North Pole and build your own stuffed animal at the Bear Factory. You can even have dinner with Santa. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Photos Paul g. Wiegman.Friday, Nov. 15: An Enchanted Winter’s Eve at Phipps6:30 p.m.Enter a land of enchantment in the newly restored Phipps glasshouse, where the “Holiday Magic” winter flower show will soothe your soul. Be among the first to stroll through luminous gardens, whimsical props and 21 varieties of poinsettias. Head outdoors to watch ice sculpture carvings and bask in the glow of iridescent flora and shimmering spheres. Brand-new features include magical unicorn topiaries, serene swimming swans and 50 Japanese lanterns. Read more about the Winter Flower Show in NEXT, and don’t miss Boaz Frankel’s tour behind the scenes at Phipps on the new episode of Yinzer Backstage Pass coming Monday, Nov. 18. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Contemporary Craft.Friday, Nov. 15: Weave-a-Thon at Contemporary CraftNoon-midnightAfter its successful debut last year, Contemporary Craft is reviving its fresh new “spin” on the age-old telethon. During the one-of-a-kind craftacular, 33 local textile artists will complete 127 hours of weaving. Participants will make dish towels to sell at the center’s CRAFTED holiday shopping event on Nov. 22. Proceeds support the artists and upgrades to make Contemporary Craft’s Weaving Studio more accessible. Cheer on the weavers in person from 12 to 9 p.m. or watch the livestream on Instagram. Information.Photo courtesy of Sweetwater Center for the Arts.Friday, Nov. 15: Artisan Exhibition at Sweetwater Center for the Arts5-8 p.m.To close out 2024, Sweetwater is hosting an arts “invitational” showcasing local artists, each selling 10-20 handmade works. Participating artists include Norma Ramella, Alchemic Print, Randi Morgan, Winter Pickle Press and many others. The opening reception is free with refreshments provided. Part shop, part exhibit, the gallery display is open through Dec. 13. Information.Friday, Nov. 15: Wild Illuminations: A Holiday Lantern Experience at the Pittsburgh Zoo & AquariumVarious timesA wild new light display will roar into the holidays when the beloved Asian Lantern Festival gets a fresh reinvention. A million twinkling lights will enhance the site’s biggest and brightest holiday glow fest yet. Marvel at an all-new luminous lineup, including colossal Christmas-themed lanterns, shimmering snowflakes, towering trees, candy canes and a surplus of Santas. Step into a fantastical forest to encounter unicorns, griffins, snow monsters and ice dragons. A mystical dream tunnel and spectrum of zodiac animals will light a path into the Lunar New Year. Running on select nights until Jan. 12. Tickets.Friday, Nov. 15: “Reification” Opening Reception at the Mattress Factory6-8 p.m.Multi-disciplinary artist Eugene Macki, who grew up in East London, transformed everyday objects such as cardboard and rubber during a residency at the North Side museum. Now it’s on display. Macki’s work “evokes archaeological sites, activates the exhibition space through movement and repurposes practical materials.” Be among the first to see the large-scale project, which integrates performance, sculpture and installation art. The opening reception is free with refreshments provided. Information. Christian Warner. Photo courtesy of Corey Hanes Photography.Friday, Nov. 15-Sunday, Nov. 17: “Locating Lucidity” at Attack Theatre7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.Created in collaboration with NYC-based choreographer/performer Christian Warner, Attack Theatre’s latest genre-bending production takes viewers on journey through “intersections of movement practice, artistic research, community integration and creative wellness.” The culmination of Warner’s participation in Attack’s inaugural Artistic Research Exchange Residency, the world premiere production investigates neuroplasticity, personal narratives, curiosity and the body’s power to enact change. As audiences enter the studios, they’ll be surrounded by dancers performing solos throughout the space. Next, they’ll take their seats to experience a work inspired by banned books and choreographed by Attack co-founders Michele de la Reza and Peter Kope. A VIP reception offers 30 minutes of early access to the solo performances plus reserved seating. Tickets.Saturday, Nov. 16: I Made It! for the Holidays at The Block Northway10 a.m.-4 p.m.Start making a dent in that shopping list with hundreds of exclusively handcrafted products — from 2-D art, clothing, toys and wellness products, to gifts, home decor, pop culture, antiques and more. Read more about the market in NEXT. Information.Photo courtesy of West Overton Village.Saturday, Nov. 16: Whiskey Smash at West Overton Village6-9 p.m.Now that the Monster Mash is over it’s time to do the Whiskey Smash! Celebrate the past, present and future of whiskey with 16 distilleries from across the Keystone State. Inside the former 1859 distillery site that’s now a museum, you can try samples while learning all about the unique brands and products. The festival also features bites from Mission BBQ, handcrafted confections and live music. New this year is the chance to tour the renovated James B. Beam Pennsylvania Whiskey Heritage Center — which houses the largest public collection of PA whiskey artifacts — and sip cocktails in the retro Overholt Stateroom. Tickets.Saturday, Nov. 16: Winter Warmer Beer Festival at The Pennsylvanian6-10 p.m.Why imbibe in a bar when you can sample seasonal beers inside a Downtown Beaux Arts landmark? Cozy up by the fire pits to enjoy spiced cider, hot toddies and mulled wine. DJ Hoagie Dreams heats up the night spinning a “Saturday Night Fever” dance party. Read more about the event in NEXT. Tickets.Saturday, Nov. 16: PSO Disrupt: Walk on the Wild Side at Heinz Hall7:30 p.m.Oktoberfest is leaving the beer hall and heading into the concert hall. Take a “Walk on the Wild Side” with the PSO — from lively Bavarian beer halls to the scenic peaks of the Alps. The days of the stuffy symphony are over, because this night starts with a pre-show party around Heinz Hall, where concert-goers will be treated to Bavarian brews, Biergarten cocktails and music-themed activities. Ascend to new sonic heights with “An Alpine Symphony,” written by German composer Richard Strauss in 1915. Listen for the awe-inspiring elements of nature as 100 musicians perform the single-movement tone poem with 22 phases that runs approximately 50 minutes. Tickets.Saturday, Nov. 16: Expanded Cinema Night at the Glitterbox Theater8 p.m.Setting up shop at the newly opened Glitterbox Theater in Homestead, this Sync’d Presents series pairs Pittsburgh-based multimedia artists who blur boundaries between cinema, video, film, sound and music. Featured artist duos are: Michael Maraden with Good Dude Lojack, Sarah Katherine Moore with Ian Cartwright and Christopher Smalley with Stephen Boyle. Heightening the immersive nature of the experience will be live projections created by Dayton, Ohio-based SOS Lightshow. Information.Saturday, Nov. 16: Avant-Garde Fashion Outlet Mad Recital at The Space Upstairs8 p.m.Cutting-edge couture and choreography collide in the Point Breeze warehouse loft dubbed The Space Upstairs. Be among the first to see Mad Recital’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection at this “haunting new fashion show and collaborative evening” featuring performance and sound accompaniment by slowdanger. Mad Recital has designed original garments for numerous productions by slowdanger, the Pittsburgh-based multidisciplinary performance duo of taylor knight and anna thompson. The night will unveil Mad Recital’s new collection inspired by folklore, earth tones, sculptural elements and nocturnal themes. Tickets.Find more things to do in Pittsburgh, including live music, outdoor recreation, festivals and family activities.The post 16 things to do this weekend, from Three Rivers Film Festival to the Winter Warmer Beer Festival appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.