12 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, from Light Up Night to FashionAFRICANA to the Sticker Fair
Nov 20, 2024
What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Nov. 21-24? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.Thursday, Nov. 21: FashionAFRICANA Gala at Ice House Studios6-10 p.m.After debuting with great fanfare last year, Pittsburgh’s most stylish event is back with a new location. Rock star designer Kiya Tomlin is serving as co-chair of this glam gala celebrating African-inspired culture, fashion and creativity. The night’s marquee fashion show spotlights Lafalaise Dion, the renowned brand created by Dion Dewand and Marcia Lafalaise. Receiving this year’s AFRICANA Icon Legacy Award is Tony-winning actor, director and producer Kenny Leon. The festivities also feature performances by MAYCE and Che “Rhymefest” Smith and a post-runway dance party. Proceeds benefit the AFRICANA Initiative supporting Black youth creatives.Tickets.
Thursday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 24: Pittsburgh Shorts and Script Competition at the Harris TheaterVarious timesFollowing right on the heels of the Three Rivers Film Festival, the Pittsburgh Shorts and Script Competition proves that sometimes less can be more. Showcasing 80 short films in 14 curated film blocks, the festival brings dramas, comedies and “Chiller Theater” selections to the Downtown venue. Six film blocks are available virtually. Beyond the screen, the festival hosts a three-day Filmmaker Conference with a keynote talk by indie film producer Christine Vachon plus script readings by leading Pittsburgh actors. Opening night features eight film screenings followed by an after-party in the Peirce Studio. Tickets.Holly earrings by Diane Wilson; incline mosaic by Stevo Sadvary; pine tree print by Allison Glancey.Friday, Nov. 22, & Saturday, Nov. 23: Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh Holiday Market at Union Project5-9 p.m. & 10 a.m.-5 p.m.There’s a brand-new holiday market to add to your shopping rounds. We’re already fans of their long-running A Fair in the Park event, and now, the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh is launching its own Holiday Market with 22 of its artists. A diverse range of artisan products will be for sale, including jewelry, custom knives, ceramics, mosaics, hand-cut paper, silkscreened works, mixed-media pieces, woodworking and handwoven fiber goods. Founded in 1944 by a small group of potters, the guild plans to expand its offerings to present shows throughout the calendar year as well.Information.Friday, Nov. 22: The Glow Ball at The University Club6:30-10:30 p.m.The sparks will fly when this glowing gala kicks off GLOWLAND — three weeks of dynamic programming with four signature events happening across Oakland. Dress to shine for a Studio 54-style soiree in 21st-century Oakland. Marking Oakland Business Improvement District’s silver anniversary, Glow Ballers will be treated to entertainment, music from DJ Arie Cole and themed cocktails celebrating the neighborhood as a cultural hub and a top Pennsylvania destination. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Contemporary Craft.Friday, Nov. 22: CRAFTED: Home for the Holidays at Contemporary Craft5:30-8 p.m.Like it or not, the holiday shopping season is upon us. Contemporary Craft is one of our favorite places to find one-of-a-kind treasures for everyone artsy on our lists. Equal parts shopping market, open house and holiday mixer, CRAFTED showcases a stunning selection of handmade tableware perfect for the season of holiday giving, entertaining and dining. Light refreshments will be provided. Every purchase supports Contemporary Craft’s free exhibitions and programs. Tickets.Victory Brinker as The Little Prince, left, and Daniel Teadt as The Pilot. Photo by Ivan Plazačić.Friday, Nov. 22, & Sunday, Nov. 24: “The Little Prince” at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library and Music Hall7:30 p.m. & 3 p.m.You only have two chances to catch the Pittsburgh premiere of “The Little Prince” at the Carnegie landmark. Whether you read the book in French class (I still find comfort in the powerful quote: “What is essential is invisible to the eye”), or you’re now reading it to your own kids, this opera adaptation seems like the perfect lead-up to the holidays. Based on the beloved book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the family-friendly production stars 12-year-old “America’s Got Talent” sensation and Pittsburgh native Victory Brinker. Academy Award-winning composer Rachel Portman gives the timeless tale the full operatic treatment. Bond with family and friends as you revisit the uplifting story of hope. Tickets.Neapolitan presepio. Photo courtesy of Carnegie Museum of Art.Saturday, Nov. 23: Carnegie Trees Opening Celebration at Carnegie Museum of Art10 a.m.-5 p.m.This weekend marks the official kickoff to the holiday season all around town. One beloved Burgh tradition that’s dazzling to experience up-close is being unveiled at Carnegie Museum of Art. Stroll into the Hall of Architecture to encounter majestic Fraser firs trimmed with baubles, lights and glistening snow. Since 1961, the installation has been the signature event of the museum’s Women’s Committee. This year’s theme is “Iconic Pittsburgh,” with decorations highlighting five local themes: Pittsburgh Artists Featured at Carnegie Museum of Art; Black & Gold Champions; Flavors of Pittsburgh; Greetings from Andy Warhol; and Living Waters: The Rachel Carson Tree. Step up to the Neapolitan presepio — one of the world’s most remarkable nativity scenes. Handmade by artists in the Royal Court of Naples between 1700 and 1830, the presepio includes exquisitely modeled human, animal and angelic figures and architectural elements. Tickets.Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.Saturday, Nov. 23: Highmark Light Up Night in Downtown Pittsburgh5-10 p.m.Ever wanted to attend a holiday happy hour on a bridge? Light Up Night will grant your wish. Exciting new highlights for the expanded 63rd-anniversary celebration include the “5 at 5” happy hour party on the Sixth Street Bridge and a dynamic light show illuminating Pittsburgh’s Three Sister Bridges. After a headlining performance by The Fray, cap off your night with a supersized Zambelli fireworks finale. The fun kicks off early with four grand opening festivities on Friday, Nov. 22, including the Peoples Gas Holiday Market and Merry Karaoke. Read more about Light Up Night in NEXT.Saturday, Nov. 23: Pittsburgh Sticker Fair at 321 Pennwood Ave.11 a.m.-4 p.m.If you missed the debut of Pittsburgh’s newest pop culture festival last year, you’ve got a second chance to experience this event. Setting up shop at WorkshopPGH’s Wilkinsburg warehouse, 40 vendors who love, collect, make, trade and sell stickers will share their passion for these pint-sized pieces of printed matter. In the sticker swap area, you’ll be transported to youthful days decorating your favorite Trapper Keeper. Channel your inner crafter at the sticker-making station. Information.Saturday, Nov. 23: I Made It! for the Holidays at The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon10 a.m.-4 p.m.As part of its fall and winter market series, I Made It! for the Holidays heads south to Lebo to present 80-plus local makers plus small-batch food purveyors. The mix of exclusively handmade products ranges from cards, 2-D art, clothing, toys and wellness products, to home decor, ceramics, collectibles and more. Read more about I Made It! Market in NEXT. Information.Saturday, Nov. 23: Holiday Eco-Market at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve10 a.m.-4 p.m.Looking to shop small AND sustainably this holiday season? Head to Fox Chapel for this market specializing in nature-themed products made from repurposed, upcycled and sustainable materials. Shop for handcrafted birdhouses, rustic frames, laser-cut artwork, fine art, felted goods and more. The event also features bird-friendly java tastings with Building New Hope Coffee and live music. There will even be an eco-friendly DIY gift wrapping station. Information.Saturday, Nov. 23: All Stars: A Constellation of 10 Resident Artists at Alma I Lewis6-8 p.m.Alma I Lewis has a lot to celebrate as it wraps up three years on Lynn Way. You’re invited to help mark the occasion when the contemporary art space presents its first-ever artists residency group exhibition. Organized by Alma I Lewis Founding Executive Director and Chief Curator Kilolo Luckett, the exhibition features work by 10 artists who have participated in the gallery’s residency program since the fall of 2021. It’s a unique opportunity to see the work and meet the featured artists, who will be on hand to discuss their creative practice with attendees. Information.For more holiday happenings, check out 13 holiday light displays to visit in the Pittsburgh area and our guide to holiday house tours.The post 12 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, from Light Up Night to FashionAFRICANA to the Sticker Fair appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.