12 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, including holiday markets, productions and festivals
Dec 11, 2024
What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Dec. 12-15? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.Thursday, Dec. 12: Women of Excellence Awards Dinner at the Wyndham Grand 6 p.m.Celebrate our region’s trailblazing Black women when the New Pittsburgh Courier hosts its 2024 Women of Excellence event. Honoring local African American women who “inspire others through their vision and leadership, exceptional achievements and participation in community service,” the uplifting evening includes a dessert reception, live music and an awards ceremony. View this year’s honorees. Tickets.Friday, Dec. 13: Winter Pottery Pop-Up at the Union Project5-9 p.m.You only have a few days left to shop for everyone on your list, so don’t miss this cozy market featuring handmade ceramics that will add charm to any home or office space. Shop for locally made pottery from nine Union Project member artists and teaching artists while enjoying warm beverages and snacks in the Union Project studio. Information.Photo courtesy of Women Who Rock.Friday, Dec. 13: Taylor’s Birthday at the Women Who Rock Pop-Up Store6-9 p.m.Calling all Swifties, rock stars and last-minute holiday shoppers to the South Side! Find exclusive Taylor apparel, holiday gifts and accessories in this special Women Who Rock Pop-up Shop. Rock your best look for the “Fearless to Midnights Era”-themed costume contest. Share your favorite lyrics on the “Love Story” wall, make friendship bracelets and decorate birthday cards for Taylor. Nosh on pink cupcakes, shake it off during a dance party and get inked with temporary Taylor tattoos. Tickets.Friday, Dec. 13-Sunday, Dec. 15: “A Musical Christmas Carol” at the Byham TheaterVarious timesIf you loved him as soap star Shane Donovan on “Days of Our Lives,” Maxwell Sheffield on the hit sitcom, “The Nanny” or the voice of Dennis the Goldfish on the animated Disney series, “Stanley,” you can’t miss Charles Shaughnessy when he re-creates the iconic role of Ebenezer Scrooge. The award-winning British actor joins Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and a host of ghosts for a fresh take on the Dickens’ classic directed by Scott Evans. Tickets.Friday, Dec. 13: Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra Holiday Concert at Pittsburgh Playhouse7 p.m.Take a break from your hectic holiday preparations for this beloved Burgh tradition. Featuring a festive new twist on holiday classics, this year’s performance spotlights NYC-based guitarist, songwriter and band leader Allan Harris. It’s a must-see during the holiday season with soulful melodies, collaborations showcasing legendary jazz artists and heartwarming merriment for the whole family. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Rose Colored Creative.Saturday, Dec. 14-Sunday, Dec. 15: Holiday Spectacular at SouthSide WorksVarious timesWith so much to do all weekend, make SouthSide Works your holiday HQ for merrymaking fun. In the Town Square, Kingfly Spirits will debut a collaborative pop-up outpost. Sip warming cocktails while you shop for seasonal spirits and gifts. The festivities also include free live music and visits from Santa. Head to the I Made It! Bright Holiday Market where 50 local vendors will peddle their distinctive wares throughout SouthSide Works. Information.Erel Fiber Arts. Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media.Saturday, Dec. 14: Winter Artist’s Market at Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media10 a.m.-4 p.m.Give the gift of locally made art this holiday season. Stroll throughout the PCA&M studios to shop for one-of-a-kind pieces and find something for every art lover on your list. This year, the annual market is collecting donations of dry goods, canned foods and hygiene products for Wilkinsburg Community Ministry. See the list of participating artists. Information.Image courtesy of the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.Saturday, Dec. 14: Holiday Community Day at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center12-4 p.m.Looking for a creative way to enjoy the holiday season together as a family? This community event is packed with free festive fun for all ages. Engage in enriching Kwanzaa activities highlighting cultural traditions and enjoy lively performances. Shop from a diverse array of vendors offering one-of-a-kind gifts and snap holiday photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus as you make lasting memories. Information.Saturday, Dec. 14: Penny Arcade at Arcade Comedy Theater2-3 p.m.Have a budding actor, playwright or director in your brood? Try something different this holiday season and get their creative juices flowing! Designed for kids ages 4 to 8, this interactive comedy experience encourages children and their parents to channel their imagination and sense of humor. The one-of-kind show adapts to each individual, while fostering collaboration, listening skills and “silliness” through an accessible hands-on approach to theater. Tickets.Photo courtesy of Glowland.Saturday, Dec. 14: Illuminate Your Imagination along Oakland Avenue3-6 p.m.Don’t miss the culmination of Glowland, the three-week series that’s been lighting up Oakland with innovation, art and entertainment. Step into an enchanting event filled with engaging and educational activities, performances and experiences. From a musical parade around to a glow in the dark puppet show to live ice sculpting, you’ll feel the spark of creativity and wonder. Information.Saturday, Dec. 14: Naughty or Nice Holiday Bar Crawl on the South Side5 p.m.-midnightIt’s time to slip into your favorite ugly sweater. For its eighth annual edition along Carson Street, this popular holiday crawl is bigger and merrier than ever. Along the route, enjoy exclusive drink specials, Instagram costume contests, professional photographers and an after-party. Check in at Linx (1713 East Carson St.). Information.Saturday, Dec. 14: BOOM Concepts Presents: Collective Legacy II at the Frick Environmental Center6-9 p.m.As part of its milestone 10-year anniversary celebration, BOOM Concepts is presenting an intergenerational retrospective of Black artists from throughout Western Pennsylvania. Highlighting five decades of Black arts in the region, the “Collective Legacy II” exhibition reflects diverse creative practices, experiences and influences. The process for curating the new exhibit involved research, an exploration of institutional archives and studio visits with contemporary artists across the Greater Pittsburgh area. Select works will be for sale at the event. The free opening reception includes light refreshments. Information.Find more things to do in Pittsburgh with NEXT, including live music, outdoor recreation, movies and family activities, plus our December event guide.The post 12 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, including holiday markets, productions and festivals appeared first on NEXTpittsburgh.