The colder days are coming, and they are bringing along some fun activities. Pittsburgh has a reputation for being a very active city, with plentiful activities for residents and visitors. This city is one of those few cities in the US that have an identity independent of their state. Though it is the second largest city in Pennsylvania, compared to other US cities, it is only mid-sized. Despite its size, there is never a dull moment in this city.
Keystone Newsroom is a news outlet owned by Courier Newsroom and it has put together a list of fun events coming up in Pittsburgh this winter. Read on to find out more about these events and learn more about this amazing city.
Pittsburgh Indie Rock Fest
Saturday, Nov. 12.
This festival celebrating local artists started six years ago and continues to attract big crowds. For those of you that like to support the local music scene, this year’s Indie Rock Fest is the place to be. This year’s event is being hosted at the Thunderbird Café and Music Hall in Lawrenceville. For a small price of $15, you get to enjoy the entire lineup. What’s more, all the proceeds go to the local musicians, which is a great way to support them.
Pittsburgh Polish Festival
Sunday, Nov. 13
Pittsburgh’s Polish community has added to the city’s diversity and left a lasting impact on its history and culture. This festival honors those contributions through food, music, games, folk art, and cooking demonstrations, among others. The iconic Cathedral of Learning is the venue for this festival. For those of you interested in how the Poles have contributed to the rich history of this city, head on over to the festival for a great time.
Three Rivers Film Festival
Thursday, Nov. 10 to Wednesday, Nov. 16
This festival has been a staple of the Pittsburgh events calendar for the past 40 years. The festival is known for its wide range of film genres and has something for everyone. Screenings vary from indie films to local flicks and foreign-language films to documentaries. During the 2022 edition, a whopping 18 films will be screened, making it this year’s largest film festival. Tickets range from $15 per screening to $150 for the full festival. Screenings will be held at The Tull Family Theater, Pittsburgh Playhouse, and the Harris Theater. It is highly recommended that you stay back after the screenings for captivating discussions with the cast and crew.
Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival
Thursday, Nov. 17 to Sunday, Nov. 20
If you prefer keeping it short and sweet, the Pittsburgh Shorts Film Festival is for you. This event starts one day after the Three Rivers Film Festival. Over three days, they will be screening multiple short movies and documentaries with a runtime of 30 minutes or less. Tickets cost $15 per screening and $125 for the full festival.
Light Up Night
Saturday, Nov. 19
Nothing quite adds a festive feeling to the long winter lights like Christmas lights. In Pittsburgh, the winter is welcomed with its annual Light Up Night. This festival has marked the start of winter in the city for the last 61 years. This year, huge crowds of people will flock to watch the giant Christmas tree light up, reported Courier Newsroom’s publication, Keystone Newsroom. The giant tree sits next to an ice rink, which is expected to be full of people all through winter. The event also includes food stalls, music, a holiday market, a Santa Claus, and a massive firework finale.
Broadway in Pittsburgh at the Benedum Center
Hadestown: Tuesday, Nov. 15, and Sunday, Nov. 20
Les Misérables: Tuesday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 27
If you are hoping to catch a Broadway show, save yourself a trip to New York City and invested go to the Benedum Center, Pittsburgh’s center for performative arts. This year you can see Hadestown and Les Misérables. Hadestown is about the romance between Hades and Persephone, and Orpheus and Eurydice. While Les Misérables is a love story set during the French Revolution.
Phipps Conservatory
Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden
Friday, Nov. 18 through Sunday, Jan. 8
The famous conservatory will be undergoing a massive holiday makeover. There will be different events taking place at the conservatory during the day and night. From a winter flower show during the day to a light garden show at night. Exhibits will include a thousand poinsettias, vibrant flowers, snowflakes, unicorns, and narwhals.