7 Things to Do in Pittsburgh This Weekend
Celebrate the grand reopening of Row House Hollywood, take a trip to “Hell’s Kitchen” at the Benedum or see a one-time-only jazz ensemble at Pitt.
“Hell’s Kitchen”: Iconic singer and songwriter Alicia Keys has won 14 Grammy Awards throughout her storied career. (That’s more than Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Eminem or Johnny Cash.) No wonder, then, that her first foray into musical theater received raves. The show, which features Keys hits such as “Girl on Fire” and “Empire State of Mind” as well as original songs, received 13 Tony nominations; Variety called it “a sparkling story paying homage to New York, to that beautiful and heartbreaking transition between girlhood and womanhood and to the women who hold our hands through it all.” While still running on Broadway, the first National Tour of “Hell’s Kitchen” is underway; the show makes its Pittsburgh debut this week. “Hell’s Kitchen” continues through Sunday at the Benedum Center; act fast, as tickets are nearly gone.
Grand Opening of Row House Hollywood: It takes a lot of time to make a century-old cinema new again. After Row House Cinemas bought the famed Hollywood Theater in Dormont, they began a massive renovation project, reinventing the theater from top to bottom — with a massive screen, four times the size of its predecessor, as the crown jewel. While some elements of the revitalized cinema (including an intimate second screen) are still forthcoming, they’ll celebrate a Grand Opening this Thursday night with a screening of the scifi classic “Metropolis.” That show is sold out, but you can get your first glimpse of the new Hollywood through Sunday, as the theater is also showing the new release “Bugonia,” starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons.
WeihnachtsMarkt in Harmony: Sure, your pumpkins are still on the front stoop, but it’s November: The time for holiday markets has arrived. At the annual WeihnachtsMarkt, a German-inspired holiday market, you can get a jump on your seasonal shopping — and take the opportunity to explore the quaint and historic town of Harmony, Pennsylvania, as self-guided tours of a half-dozen landmarks will be available. Family activities and horse-drawn carriage rides are also scheduled, and you can grab a glass containing the true joy of the season: mulled wine. The event takes place this Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Pitt Jazz Week: The annual celebration of jazz is underway at the University of Pittsburgh, as musicians from around the world are converging in Oakland. Seminars and community events are scheduled throughout the week, culminating in the 55th annual Pitt Jazz Concert, set for Saturday night. This year’s theme, a “Percussion Discussion,” will feature a reunion of members of M’Boom, the influential jazz drumming ensemble assembled by Max Roach in 1970. The iconic concert takes place at Pitt’s Bellefield Hall Auditorium; tickets are $20, or just $8 for students.
Pittsburgh Pet Expo: The Pittsburgh Pet Expo may be just as appealing for your pet as it is for you. Your four-legged companion, who is more than encouraged to end this weekend’s convention, will enjoy sniffs, treats and plenty of curious meetings with fellow furry friends; you’ll watch adorable and thrilling events including the performing pigs of the Pork Chop Revue and the annual Dachshund Races. You’ll also likely leave with some new toys — meaning Rover can take the joy of the event home. The expo runs Friday-Sunday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
North Mississippi Allstars: Sitting at the intersection of blues, Southern rock, country and jam, the North Mississippi Allstars offer a sound that will be irresistible even to newcomers. If you head to Jergel’s Rhythm Grille this Thursday night, you’ll find out why the band has garnered four Grammy nominations — despite never being signed to a major label — throughout their 30-year career.
“Mr. Edgar A. Poe Presents:” Who says spooky season ends on Oct. 31? Prime Stage is bringing one of America’s masters of the macabre to life in “Mr. Edgar A. Poe Presents: Tales of Mystery, Horror & Imagination.” A quartet of short stories — including favorites “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart” — will come to life at the New Hazlett Theater this weekend and next.
Looking for more things to do? Check out our complete list of events in Pittsburgh for today, tomorrow and the weeks ahead.

