It’s understandable if you feel the post-holiday lull hit extra hard this week, especially after frigid temperatures and pesky snow. But this is the best time to get out and see what the city has to offer. Here are a few events to check out this weekend in Pittsburgh.
Phipps Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show
If you really need to chase away those winter blues, head to Phipps Conservatory in Oakland this weekend. The annual orchid and tropical bonsai show opens this Saturday and will run through March 9.
This year’s theme is “A Moment of Beauty.” Attendees can see a vast variety of orchids and classically trained bonsai trees. Flowers in vibrant colors, along with beautiful bonsai trees, butterfly sculptures and a water sequence will dazzle throughout the rooms where the exhibition is housed.
Phipps Conservatory is open from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday and from 9:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Learn more about this show and get advance-timed tickets at phipps.conservatory.org.
Pittsburgh RV Show
Have you been fantasizing about hitting the open road? Whether you’re seriously looking into purchasing an RV or just want to make your daydreams more vivid, the Pittsburgh RV Show is for you.
Opening Saturday and running through Jan. 19, the RV Show at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center will feature more than 400 RVs, plus products and accessories related to the vehicles. They’ll have the latest in technology and the coolest related equipment.
General admission tickets are $15. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For more information, check out pittrvshow.com.
Science Center 21 Night: Happy New Yinz
Bring back the glamour and fun of New Year’s Eve at the Carnegie Science Center on the North Shore Friday night. Their monthly 21 Night will run from 6 to 10 p.m.
This month, they’re welcoming 2025 with all things Pittsburgh. Join Loose Cannon Comedy to play Pittsburgh-themed Jackbox games including Quiplash. Meet Joe Long, entertainer, influencer and creator of characters “Don and Deb.” Participate in fun activities from Pittsburgh institutions such as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Andy Warhol Museum and Fred Rogers Productions. And, of course, try your hand at engineering a bridge to add to the Pittsburgh skyline.
It wouldn’t be a 21 night without some tasty ‘Burgh-themed cocktails. Plus there will be lots of themed games and the whole Science Center to explore.
Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Learn more at carnegiesciencecenter.org.
Debussy’s ‘La Mer’
Do you feel the ocean calling you? This weekend, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be performing a program including Debussy’s “La Mer” and other sea-themed music, including two pieces that the PSO has never performed before.
All of the music will evoke the atmospheric moods of the sea. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday and at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Heinz Hall in Downtown Pittsburgh. Learn more about the music and get tickets at trustarts.org.
Bowie Ball
If you’d prefer to dance to some pop music this weekend, head to Belvederes Ultra-Dive in Lawrenceville to mark the ninth anniversary of rock legend David Bowie’s passing. They’ll be partying with tunes from throughout Bowie’s discography, from radio favorites to deep cuts to collaborations.
This is the third annual event, and they’re going all out, with a free glitter shot to the first 30 revelers who show up dressed on theme. The party will run from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., with $7 admission before 10 p.m. and $10 admission after. Learn more about the bash at the Facebook event page.