If you’re in search of a more lowkey day out and want to avoid the Arts Festival crowds, there’s still plenty to do around town this weekend. Here are five events to check out instead.
‘The Shark is Broken’ at barebones productions
“Jaws” was the original blockbuster film in the summer of 1975, but the only thing that’s busted in this behind-the-scenes play is the film’s cast — and, well, the mechanical shark.
“The Shark is Broken,” written by Ian Shaw and Joseph Nixon, is a comedy that takes a peek at the terrible conditions of the filming of one of this great American movie. The play will run this weekend and next at barebones black box theater in Braddock.
Performances will be held at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and at 2 and 5 p.m. Sunday — extra shows have been added thanks to demand. To purchase tickets and see more info. visit barebonesproductions.com.
3 Rivers ComiCon
Get your geek on this weekend at the 3 Rivers ComiCon at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. The convention will feature cosplay contests for adults and kids, a wide selection of creators, artists and vendors, and some fascinating panel discussions.
Panel sessions include conversations on anime, cryptids and other creatures, Star Wars costuming, Superman and many more. Tickets are available for both days — Saturday and Sunday — or single days. They even have an exclusive festival beer, the Snow White Stout, which will be the center of several events throughout the weekend.
The con will run Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For tickets and more info, visit 3riverescomicon.com.
Bonsai show
As hobbies go, bonsai can be intense — it’s the Japanese art of shaping miniature trees in containers for aesthetic purposes. This Saturday, the Pittsburgh Bonsai Society will be showing off their hard work at the Bonsai Show.
The event will display a wide range of bonsai trees in all shapes, sizes, styles and species. It’s a great chance to learn about this fascinating art form. Experienced members of the Bonsai Society will be on hand to answer questions and perform some demonstrations as well. You can even find trees, tools and bonsai-related goods for sale, in case your interest is piqued.
Upcoming Local Events
The Bonsai Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Millvale Community Center. To learn more about the Pittsburgh Bonsai Society, visit pittsburghbonsai.org.
Jon Pardi concert
Modern country star Jon Pardi will bring his decade-long discography on his Honkytonk Hollywood Tour to the Petersen Events Center in Oakland on Friday night.
This Nashville phenom has charted more than a dozen singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and has released five studio albums since 2014. This Californian isn’t afraid of some fiddle and steel guitar, and he’s even wrangled himself a couple of CMA and ACM Awards.
The show will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at the Petersen Events Center in Oakland. For tickets, visit ticketmaster.com.
The Neighborhood Flea
Take advantage of a fair weather Sunday morning and head to the South Side Works for this season’s second Neighborhood Flea. The market will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Browse a variety of sellers with goods of all types and some special attention to vintage vibes at this decade-long traditional market. The pop-up will have plenty to offer, and don’t forget to enjoy brunch, coffee and drinks in the South Side before and after your shop.
To learn more about the Neighborhood Flea, go to neighborhoodflea.com.