If you’re looking to fill your weekend with all things arts and culture, there is no shortage of events happening in and around the city this weekend. From performances that reflect the beauty of the African diaspora to the Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh’s Summer Picnic, start planning out your weekend with a few of the events below.
Collections in Black: A Celebration of Black Comic Book Culture
5:30 p.m. Friday at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Downtown
This event examines the African American experience within comic book culture and celebrates African American writers, artists and collectors who have made an impact on comics.
Open Dress Performance Dance Africa
7 p.m. Friday at the New Hazlett Theater, North Side
Legacy Arts Project is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year and its 12th annual Dance Africa Pittsburgh. Before the official kickoff to the weekend, an Open Dress Performance at the New Hazlett Theater will take place. The theme this year is “Heart to Heart,” with dancers and choreographers from the area sharing the creativity of their heart’s desires.
PA Humanities Presents: Voices of History Story Circle
6 p.m. Friday at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, East Liberty
Voices of History is an initiative of PA Humanities in partnership with the August Wilson House. Inspired by Wilson’s plays about Pittsburgh, the project aims to collect stories that celebrate the lives of everyday Black people. Local residents will have the opportunity to share stories from their family history or memories. Some participants may also be selected to be included in a statewide digital archive.
The 12th Annual Dance Africa Pittsburgh
3 p.m. and 7 p.m. shows on Saturday and Sunday at the New Hazlett Theater, North Side
The two-day festival Dance Africa Pittsburgh, presented by Legacy Arts Project in Homewood, features international drumming and youth and adult performances that pay homage to the African diaspora. There will also be an African marketplace, panel discussions and opportunities for community building.
Brown Mamas Weekend
Saturday and Sunday at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Downtown
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Founded by Muffy Mendoza, the two-day event is set to be the ultimate empowerment weekend, celebrating Brown Mamas everywhere. The event will bring inspiring storytelling through the Brown Mama Monologues on the first day. Expect to hear from wellness experts through the Womb, Wealth & Wellness Summit on the second day. On both days, there will be a Brown Mamas Marketplace and a wellness lounge.
Black Men’s Wellness Day
7 a.m. Saturday at Westinghouse Park, Point Breeze
The event, presented by the African American Male Wellness Agency, will include a 5K walk, health screenings and community resources. The mission of the event is to bring awareness to holistic wellness and to help Black men lead healthier and longer lives.
Homewood Block Party for Vice President Kamala Harris
2-5 p.m. Saturday at Baxter Park, 7618 Frankstown Ave., Homewood
The event is a celebration of Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy and a day of community fun, fundraising and mobilizing according to the event’s website.
Meditation Garden Series: Meditation for Grounding/HeArtwork
10 a.m. Saturday at the Carnegie Museum of Art, Oakland
The Rest Stop Meditation with Sheba Gittens is an invitation for all to pause, rest and bring bodies into movement through breathwork and stillness. All are welcome to find anchor and safety within themselves.
Filipino American Association of Pittsburgh Annual Summer Picnic
11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday at Blueberry Hill Park, Maple Grove Pavilion, Franklin Park
Come out for a day of community fun. Folks are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, desserts, bottled water and sodas to share. They will have a volleyball tournament, with the winner taking home a Ticzon Cup, named after Richie Ticzon, who had an inspiring career with the Philippine Basketball Association as a basketball player and coach. Expect Filipino foods and games. Registration for the picnic is not required, but organizers are requesting guests fill out the picnic form.
Up All Night: presented by Black Dream Escape
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11 p.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday at 5530 Penn Ave., Bloomfield
Though they won’t literally be up all night, the event at 5530 Penn Ave. is a calming event for those struggling with sleeplessness, night anxiety and insomnia. The event boasts free mocktails, bedtime stories, live lullabies and all the things to ensure a good rest. Check out more here.
Community Fest: The Archives
1-8 p.m. Sunday at the Mattress Factory, North Side
The occasion will be a day of fun and culture. Museum admission will be free from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. A short film will be shown from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. It’s an event for all ages, promising free ice cream, art activities and a vintage vendor fair. There will also be musical performances by artists Formosa, 14A, Gina Glory, BRNDA and Glam Hand. Learn more here.
Shaylah Brown is a TribLive reporter covering art, culture and communities of color. A New Jersey native, she joined the Trib in 2023. When she's not working, Shaylah dives into the worlds of art, wellness and the latest romance novels. She can be reached at sbrown@triblive.com.