The Top 10 Things to Do in Pittsburgh in August
This month's best bets in the 'Burgh.
PHOTO: Andy Warhol, "Andy Warhol, Martha Graham and a birthday cake," 1981, The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, © The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc.;
Aug. 4/ If Andy Warhol were still alive, he’d turn 90 on Aug. 6. Celebrate the pop artist’s life, work and day of birth (a few days early) at The Warhol at Andy’s 90th Birthday Party, a family-friendly event offering activities throughout the museum. (The Andy Warhol Museum, 117 Sandusky St., North Shore; 412/237-8300, warhol.org)
Aug. 2/ It’s been 21 years since the lyrically suspect, incredibly catchy song “MMMBop” first graced our ears. The Hanson brothers, Taylor, Zac and Isaac, are now 35, 32 and 37 respectively, and are celebrating their band’s 26th birthday. (I’m sorry for how old I just made you feel.) The brothers will make their Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra debut with HANSON String Theory, Live with the PSO, described as a “musical manifesto” that will feature new and career-spanning works. (Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown; 412/392-4900, pittsburghsymphony.org)
photo by Rick Armstrong
3 Aug. 16/ The National Aviary’s Penguins & Pajamas event lets guests explore the Aviary after hours. You can catch a movie, make a craft and help put the African penguins to bed with a story. Humans can come in pajamas, but the penguins will be wearing their finest black tie apparel. Get it? Tuxedos? Never mind. I’ll see myself out. (700 Arch St., North Side; 412/323-7235, aviary.org)
PHOTO by John Ramspott
Aug. 4/ The Pittsburgh Pancakes & Booze Art Show promises to be an experience unlike any other. There will be more than 200 pieces of artwork from more than 60 local artists, featuring everything from pop art to fine art to photography. The 21+ event also offers live body painting, craft beer and cocktails, and best of all — free pancakes. (Spirit Lodge, 242 51st St., Lawrenceville; 412/586-4441, pancakesandbooze.com)
Aug. 17/ The Carnegie Science Center’s 21+ Beer Night is the perfect way to relive your childhood with a brew in hand. At the event, guests can explore the chemistry of beer, enjoy free samples from local breweries, play a game of GIANT beer pong and explore four floors of exhibits — all kid-free. (One Allegheny Ave., North Shore; 412/237-3400, carnegiesciencecenter.org)
Aug. 4-5/ There’s a whole lotta regatta going on this weekend. Held on the south shore of Moraine State Park, the annual Lake Arthur Regatta is celebrating its 20th year. Full of free events and land and lake activities for all ages, recent installments have seen as many as 20,000 visitors. (225 Pleasant Valley Road, Portersville; 724/687-0707, lakearthurregatta.org)
Aug. 5/ Start at the Col. James Anderson House and work your way through Manchester at this year’s Manchester House & Garden Tour. The diverse North Side neighborhood offers a variety of home styles, and the tour gives you a chance to take a glimpse inside some of the most interesting while enjoying live music.
(412/447-8692, manchesterhistoricsocietypa.com)
Aug. 7/ You can love her or hate her, but you have to admit that Taylor Swift is a superstar. She returns to Heinz Field with her Reputation Stadium Tour and is sure to play many of her annoyingly catchy, perfect-to-sing-along-to hits. Swift is joined by former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello and Charli XCX. If you can brave the throngs of teenage fans, the 10-time Grammy winner’s show is sure to keep you dancing, even if you don’t want to. (100 Art Rooney Ave., North Shore; heinzfield.com)
Aug. 24-25/ The Second City comedy theater boasts an alumni list with some of the biggest names in the industry — Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Stephen Colbert, Bill Murray and Keegan-Michael Key, just to name a few. The company brings its Made in America show to the Pittsburgh Public Theater. Now’s your chance to see comedians before they’re famous and forever be able to say, “Remember when they came to Pittsburgh?” (O’Reilly Theater, 621 Penn Ave., Downtown; 412/316-1600, ppt.org)
Aug. 25/ It seems like every 5K nowadays has some sort of fun theme — as they should, because running is terrible, and if you’re going to do it you should have multiple distractions. The Bubble RUN is no exception, allowing walkers, runners, joggers and mosiers to enjoy a 5K with no competition (except to see who has the most colored foam on them in the end.) Proceeds benefit the nonprofit A-T Children's Project. (Hartwood Acres, 4070 Middle Road, Allison Park; 412/767-9200, bubblerun.com)
