Where to See the Best Fireworks This Weekend
A world-renowned display that wowed audiences at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney is coming to Pittsburgh.
Photo by SJ Photography
Fire in the sky
From New Year’s Eve to Labor Day and every holiday in between, Americans love a good fireworks display. Being that we’re obsessed with colorful bangs of gunpowder in the sky, it may be safe to say that we’re “pyros” ourselves. And this holiday weekend means loads of festivities in the Pittsburgh area, including the annual PyroFest presented by Pyrotecnico at Hartwood Acres.
Saturday offers a range of events, including the return of “Rock Loves,” featuring new effects and imagery synced to a rock ‘n roll soundtrack. Another highlight to note is the U.S. premiere of the award-winning Spanish fireworks of Ricardo Caballer Ricasa — a world-renowned display that wowed audiences at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. The event also includes a special military salute, music (say hello to The Clarks for us), food and fun kid-friendly activities.
(200 Hartwood Acres, Indiana Township; $13-$60, kids younger than 6 years get in for free; 800/854-4705, pyrofest.com)
Blockbuster is gone, but your favorites are on the big screen
It’s a tradition that’s all but vanished — heading to the video store to rent an old favorite or a never-seen cult classic for a movie night with friends. While the Netflix queue has replaced the Blockbuster card in our minds and hearts, it’s easier than ever to catch a retro hit on the big screen. In this week’s edition of After Dark, we’ll take a look at the beloved Moonlit Matinees series at The Oaks Theater, as well as some of the old-school flicks screening at AMC and Cinemark theaters. Put some popcorn in the microwave and check out this week’s edition of After Dark!
Beer on the rocks
While it’s blasphemy in certain Pittsburgh dives, we’re going to share a secret with you this week: Sometimes, there’s more to a beer than just beer. Take Crabbie’s Original Alcoholic Ginger Beer, for example: The preferred serving is over ice, with a slice of lemon or lime. Not convinced? Head to Hough’s this evening to try the resulting beverage, a refreshing middle ground between beer and soda, for $4 as part of a special tasting event. Bartenders will mix up Crabbie’s cocktails and pair the drink with ginger wings, ginger-barbecue pulled-pork sandwiches and more. Even if your regular style is an unadorned bottle of Bud, we’re sure you’ll leave refreshed (and enlightened).
(563 Greenfield Ave.; 6 p.m.; 412/586-5944, houghspgh.com)
In theaters: It’s a typically packed Memorial Day weekend at the multiplex. The Hangover Part III arrives to conclude the bad-behavior trilogy; Fast & Furious 6 has more stars, more cars and more twisted metal; and Epic is your 3-D animated adventure du jour. PM Film Editor Sean Collier will appear on the 102.5 WDVE Morning Show Friday at 7:15 a.m. to review The Hangover and Fast & Furious; he was slightly disturbed by both flicks, but only one managed to actually entertain. To find out which is a winner, tune in to 102.5-FM or DVE.com!
Saturday and Sunday, stop by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Arts Education Center for the "Best of Creative Nonfiction Conference," a celebration of memoir, magazine and essay writing, and more. Click here for more info.
Members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be performing Sir Paul McCartney’s North American Premiere of NOVA, which McCartney adapted and composed for his late wife, at Heinz Hall. Click here for details.
