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 25-31
Explore Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts and culture scene with this week’s event recommendations, featuring Kwanzaa celebrations, a magical holiday show, New Year parties, and more!
Monday, December 25
Don’t celebrate Christmas, or just want to get out of the house? Head to the movies!
Chinese Food and Movies. Featuring screenings of everyone's favorite Christmas movie (don't @ me) Die Hard (12 p.m. and 8 p.m.), The Muppet Christmas Carol (3 p.m.), and Elf (5:15 p.m.), paired with orders from Chinese Food & Sushi. Row House Cinema. 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville. rowhousecinemas.com
The Color Purple. A bold new take on the beloved classic, directed by Blitz Bazawule and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, and Quincy Jones. The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center. 418 Walnut St., Sewickley. 1, 4, and 7 p.m. thelindsaytheater.org
Society of the Snow. The survivors of a chartered flight filled with members of the Old Christian Club Rugby team en route to a match in Santiago, Chile, face terrifying choices as they battle the cold depths of the Andes. Spanish language with English subtitles. Harris Theater. 809 Liberty Ave., Downtown. 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. trustarts.org
Tuesday, December 26
Dwayne Dolphin Fo’tet. Free show from Pittsburgh jazz mainstay Dwayne Dolphin Fo’tet. Lounge at the Greer Cabaret. 655 Penn Ave., Downtown. 5 p.m. trustarts.org
Wednesday, December 27
Kwanzaa Celebration. Featuring a Kwanzaa Black Market, kid-friendly crafts, and a CommUnity Dinner including an African drum and dance presentation from Balafon West African Dance Ensemble. Sto Rox Library. 420 Chartiers Ave., McKees Rocks. facebook.com/ryanartscenter
Pewter Casting Workshop. Kids getting restless during the school break? This youth metalworking workshop teaches kids 10 and over how to create a miniature sculpture using polymer clay, then cast in pewter – both which they get to take home. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. 10 Children’s Way, North Side. 2:30-4:30 p.m. pittsburghkids.org
Holiday Late Nights. In addition to experiencing birds in their tropical habitat after hours, enjoy dance performances from The Shining Stars, featuring dancers aged 6-17. National Aviary. 700 Arch St., North Side. 6 and 7 p.m. aviary.org
Thursday, December 28
I Laugh in the Face of Magic! Pittsburgh magician Michael Misko combines comedy and sleight-of-hand for an evening of “pee-in-your-pants entertainment.” Liberty Magic. 811 Liberty Ave., Downtown. 7:30 p.m. Continues through January 14. trustarts.org
Friday, December 29
Jazz on Webster, Bedford & Wandless Pittsburgh Jazz Series. Celebrate Kwanzaa with a free evening of jazz featuring some of Pittsburgh’s best jazz musicians. Love Southern food? Purchase a Taste of New Orleans meal and pair your jazz with some red beans and rice and a slice of sweet potato pie. Morgan-Lee Arts Centre. 2900 Bedford Ave., Hill District. 5-8 p.m. 5678HDAT.org
A Magical Cirque Christmas. A holiday variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Benedum Center. 237 Seventh St., Downtown. 7 p.m. Continues on Dec. 30. trustarts.org
Joey Spehar Surprise 40th Birthday Party. Join 91.3 FM WYEP in celebrating Morning Mix host Joey Spehar at a party including surprise performances. Bottlerocket Social Hall. 1226 Arlington Ave., Allentown. 7 p.m. wyep.org
Mani Bahia & The Mob Live Performance and Open Jam Sessions. Enjoy an electrifying live performance from alternative funk and R&B band Mani Bahia & The Mob, followed by an open jam session. The Forge Urban Winery. 210 E. Seventh Ave., Homestead. 7 p.m. eventbrite.com
Saturday, December 30
Honky Tonk Juicebox. Jon Bindley adapts his popular Honky-Tonk Jukebox series into a kid-friendly country singalong featuring dancing, singing, and hands-on crafts for youth ages 2-7. Sunburst School of Music. 5843 Forbes Ave., Squirrel Hill. 10-11 a.m. eventbrite.com
Well Known Strangers: Coulda Woulda Shoulda. Taking inspiration from “coulda, woulda, shoulda” prompts from audience volunteers, veteran improv team Well Known Strangers presents a New Years improv about what might have been. Arcade Comedy Theater. 943 Liberty Ave., Downtown. 8 p.m. arcadecomedytheater.com
Sunday, December 31
First Night. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s annual NYE celebration featuring visual art, a parade featuring giant puppets, and performances from Alumni Theater Company, “The Goddaughter of Soul” Lyndsey Smith, Zuzu African Acrobats, The Flow Band, and more. (Plus fireworks, of course.) Cultural District, Downtown Pittsburgh. 6 p.m. - 12 a.m. firstnightpgh.trustarts.org
Beauty Slap & Big Blitz. Brew Gentlemen presents a funk-driven NYE party featuring live music from Beauty Slap, The Big Blitz, a special DJ set, and more. Thunderbird Music Hall. 4053 Butler St., Lawrenceville. 8 p.m. thunderbirdmusichall.com
