It’s the first weekend of November. Here are some ways to spend it.
Pet expo
Organizers call it the “largest pet expo in the U.S.” It is happening from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.
There will be competitions, demonstrations, giveaways and photos with Santa as well as high-flying dogs, performing pigs and racing turtles. It’s all packed into two acres with more than 250 exhibitor booths and numerous shelter and rescue organizations. Be sure to check out the pet costume contest on Sunday afternoon.
Tickets are $12, $10 for seniors and active military and $6 for children 6-16 years old. Children under 6 are free.
Details:pghpetexpo.com
Inked
The Ink For Impact flash tattoo event is Sunday at Spirit in Lawrenceville. Featuring 16 tattoo artists, the event benefits Pittsburgh Action Against Rape. People can get tattoos on-site.
Each artist has attended training by a Pittsburgh Action Against Rape educator to ensure they are enabled with the appropriate skills in how to respond to disclosures of sexual violence to create a safe space for their clients.
The event is free to attend. Artists will determine the cost of a tattoo. Prices start around $100.
Details: spiritpgh.com
Go for a run
The EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler and 10K begins at 7:25 a.m. Sunday. Organizers are expecting a record crowd of 5,000 participants. The race features three bridges and views of Downtown. It passes Acrisure Stadium and PNC Park on the North Shore. Live bands and cheer groups will line the course.
For the first time, there is a 10K walking division.
The prize purse is $11,000
The 10-mile start line is on West Carson Street near Highmark Stadium in Station Square. The 10K course starts on the North Shore near PNC Park. Both races finish on Liberty Avenue, Downtown.
Prices start at $59.99
Details:Pittsburgh10Miler.org
Blues & Heritage Festival
The sixth annual Highmark Blues & Heritage Festival is Friday and Saturday at The August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Downtown.
This year’s event showcases two generations of blues stars, Bobby Rush and Eric Gales, on Friday. On Saturday, grand masters of Latin music — percussionist Pete Escovedo featuring Nestor Torres, and singer and original member of the Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo — will perform.
Escovedo, 88, and Portuondo, 92, both say this will be their final tour.
Performances both days begin at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $60 per night.
Details:awaacc.org
Designer Days
The 53rd annual Designer Days, a shopping event of high-end clothing, shoes, jewelry and accessories, is Friday through Sunday at Thriftique in Lawrenceville.
The event is sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Pittsburgh Section. The theme is “There’s a Place For Us.”
Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Half-off pricing on Sunday.
Details:ncjwpgh.salsalabs.org
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne by email at jharrop@triblive.com or via Twitter .