If you have an Allegheny County library card, you have access to weekly discounted tickets or free admission to regional cultural attractions through RAD Pass. Apply for your free library card to start using your RAD Pass today!
Pittsburgh Art Events: December 18-24
Explore Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts and culture scene with this week’s event recommendations, featuring Latin American holiday music, a Festivus guitar night, WQED favorite Rick Sebak, and more!
Monday, December 18
Musiq Soulchild. Concert featuring hip-hop soul artist Musiq Soulchild, who got his start in the 90s R&B scene. City Winery Pittsburgh. 1627 Smallman St., Strip District. 6:30 p.m. citywinery.com
Searching for Sense in Senselessness with Ahmed Naji. A reading by writer, journalist, and documentary filmmaker Ahmed Naji who was sentenced to prison for two years in 2016 for “violating public decency,” after an expert of his novel reportedly caused a reader to experience heart palpitations. City of Asylum @ Alphabet City. 40 W. North Ave., Pittsburgh. 7 p.m. cityofasylum.org
Tuesday, December 19
George Jones New View Quartet. Join self-taught percussionist George Jones, “the finest conga player in the area,” for a free performance. Greer Caberet Theater. 655 Penn Ave., Downtown. 5 p.m. trustarts.org
Storytime Spotlight with Kayla Froelich. August Wilson African American Cultural Center’s virtual educational series introducing young children to books written by Black and Brown authors who feature stories, songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. Zoom webinar. 6:30 p.m. awaacc.org
Holiday Brass Spectacular. Join the brass section of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for this performance, featuring your most-loved holiday tunes. Heinz Hall. 600 Penn Ave., Downtown. 7:30 p.m. pittsburghsymphony.org
A Very Merry RICK SEBAK Screening! Featuring WQED favorite Rick Sebak, a screening of “Happy Holidays in Pittsburgh,” and more. Bottlerocket Social Hall. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. 7:30 p.m. bottlerocketpgh.com
Wednesday, December 20
TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition. Reserve your spot for a trip back in time with this educational and entertaining exhibit, featuring full-scale room recreations and authentic artifacts. Carnegie Science Center. One Allegheny Ave., North Side. 10:15 a.m. carnegiesciencecenter.org
Festivus Experimental Guitar Night. The annual holiday “for the rest of us” meets a lineup of experimental guitar and stringed performers. The Government Center. 715 East St., North Side. 7:30 p.m. thegovernmentcenter.com
Thursday, December 21
Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra. The musicians of the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra render a new treatment on holiday classics. Co-produced with MCG Jazz. PNC Theatre. 350 Forbes Ave., Downtown. 7 p.m. playhouse.culturaldistrict.org
Friday, December 22
Ordinary Days. The Collective, a pre-professional theater academy “cultivating the next generation of young artists,” presents this fully student-produced musical. Carnegie Stage. 25 W. Main St., Carnegie. 7 p.m. thecollectivepgh.ludus.com
Benji. Pittsburgh hip-hop artist, songwriter, and producer Benji. celebrated wide-range success following the release of "Smile, You're Alive!" Now the popular musician hosts a hometown show with support from Cam Chambers and Will Juergens. Bottlerocket Social Hall. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. 8 p.m. bottlerocketpgh.com
Saturday, December 23
Sounds for the Season: Camerata 33. Experience Camerata 33’s orchestra of stringed instruments as they celebrate the traditional holiday music of Latin America for a free show in CMOA’s Hall of Architecture. Carnegie Museum of Art. 4400 Forbes Ave., Oakland. 2 p.m. carnegieart.org
Ralphie's Roundup. Free family holiday party following the final matinee performance of the Pittsburgh Public Theater’s A Christmas Story: The Play, featuring cookies, music, games, and entertainment hosted by Miss Cassidy Creates. O’Reilly Theater. 621 Penn Ave., Downtown. 4 p.m. ppt.org
A Holiday One Act Burlesque Show. fireWALL Dance Theater presents a holiday show featuring over 20 acts showcasing burlesque, dancing, singing, strip teasing, and more. As their promo materials note, “Get ready to watch these performers SLEIGH!” Thunderbird Cafe and Music Hall. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. 7 p.m. thunderbirdmusichall.com
The Christmas Eve Eve Comedy Show. Holidays got you stressed? Enjoy a night full of laughs with some of Pittsburgh’s best comedians including Amanda Averell, Marcus Cox, Don Arner, and Host Dave Stewart. Arcade Comedy Theater. 943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. 8 p.m. arcadecomedytheater.com
Sunday, December 24
Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden. Haven’t visited Phipps’ gorgeous annual flower show and light display? There’s no better time than Christmas Eve to get you into the holiday spirit. Make sure you reserve your spot before others catch on. Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. One Schenley Park, Oakland. Reservations accepted between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. phipps.conservatory.org
