Get cozy or go crazy? It’s the debate we all have with ourselves every winter weekend. And don’t worry — whatever you’re feeling at the end of this week, there’s a local event to check out. Here are some options!
Soup Contest
Get ready to taste some delicious soups for a good cause. Celebrating its 20th year, the South Side Soup Contest brings together a variety of local restaurants and a group of South Side vendors to curate a spoon-led journey through the neighborhood.
This year’s participating restaurants include Mario’s South Side Saloon, The Urban Tap and Piper’s Pub, along with more than a dozen others. Neighborhood stops include Red Roses Floral, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh South Side and Workscape Inc.
After venturing around the South Side and sampling soups, attendees can vote in several categories for their favorites. Tickets are $50 for general admission and $100 for VIP. The general admission event will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, and has two check-in locations on the South Side. Learn more at southsidesoup.com.
Flamingo Fest
It’s about time we brighten up some of these gray Pittsburgh days. And what’s brighter than flamingo pink? Head over to the National Aviary on the North Side this Saturday to celebrate all things flamingo.
Ooh and ahh at all of the Aviary’s bird offerings and enjoy Flamingo Fest free with your admission. Head to the Wetlands habitat for a “Fancy Flamingo Talk” at 10:30 a.m. In the learning center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Aviary will have all kinds of crafty, educational flamingo activities, including flamingo finger puppets, a fact guessing game and kid-friendly yoga.
But that’s not all! Wander through the whole Aviary on a flamingo-themed scavenger hunt from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are many other great activities throughout the facility. To learn more about the full schedule of events and add-ons, visit aviary.org.
Spirits of the Burgh Festival
If you’d rather get a little crazy, head to the Spirits of the Burgh festival at the Pennsylvanian, Downtown.
The event will include craft spirits and cocktails from local distilleries, as well as other beverages such as beer, wine, cider and mocktails. It’s not a good idea to drink on an empty stomach, so make sure to sample the local light food that will also be available. And there will be some groovin’ tunes from a DJ to fuel your Saturday night dance moves.
The party will go from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. Both general admission and designated driver tickets are available. Get yours at beersoftheburgh.com.
Fun-a-Day Showcase
Throughout the month of January, a cohort of local artists endeavors to work on a new project every day to get into the habit of creativity for the new year. Now, it’s time for these artists to show off what they made last month at this super-fun showcase!
While the art will stay up until March 2, the opening of the exhibit at Velum Fermentation on the South Side will be held Friday night. There will be snacks available, and Velum will have drinks for purchase. The event is free to attend.
The opening event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday. Learn more at facebook.com/funadaypgh.
Iliza: The Get Ready Tour
Get ready to laugh with Iliza Shlesinger, whose hilarious observational comedy has earned her hit specials on Netflix. She’s also appeared in films including “Spenser Confidential” and “Pieces of a Woman.”
In addition to stand-up comedy and acting, she’s also delved into the world of writing and is a published author, and she even has a podcast, “AIA: Ask Iliza Anything.”
Shlesinger will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Benedum Center. To get tickets, visit trustarts.org.