There’s a great crop of events happening all over Pittsburgh this weekend. From pretty performances to delicious food to maybe something a little weird, it’s a great time to try something fun or a little out there. Here are some ideas.
Pittsburgh Ballet Under the Stars
Hartwood Acres Middle Road Concert Area will host Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre Sunday for a free program of ballet and music. The evening begins with food and beverage trucks starting at 5:30 p.m., as well as fun pre-show activities like crafts and dance lessons. Then, the program starts at 7:30 p.m.
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre artists will perform a wide array of pieces, including excerpts from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Peter Pan,” “The Nutcracker Suite” and “The Rite of Spring.”
There is also a ticketed wine-and-dinner event pre-show that includes the chance to meet some PBT artists, starting at 5:30 p.m.
Bring blankets and chairs to get comfortable while you enjoy the show. Learn more and register at pbt.org.
Oddities and Curiosities Expo
Looking for something a little spooky, strange or unusual? The David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh will host the Oddities and Curiosities Expo on Saturday and Sunday.
There, you can find vendors selling unique items like animal bones, horror-themed clothing, gothic decor, antiques and plenty of other unusual items. The expo is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
For tickets and answers to any questions, go to odditiesandcuriositiesexpo.com.
PedalPGH
Get ready for Bike Pittsburgh’s biggest ride of the year, the UPMC Health Plan PedalPGH! The annual fundraiser ride on Sunday begins and ends with celebrations at Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side.
Starting at 7 a.m. and ending at 3 p.m., about 3,000 riders of all ages will take to the streets on their bicycles to raise money for making our streets better for bicycles — and walkers, too. Riders can choose their route, and there are aid stations and signage along the way. Registered riders will get an assortment of perks at the finish line celebration.
Day-of registration is available but may sell out. Learn more at pedalpgh.org.
Shadyside Art Festival
After 27 years, the Shadyside Art Festival has become a tradition in the East End neighborhood, and it’s back for another year this weekend. The festival will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Walnut Street will be alive with artists and vendors, in addition to its plethora of available dining and shopping options for attendees to visit.
Learn more at artfestival.com.
Flavors of Liberia Celebration
Come out for a terrific afternoon of food at the Flavors of Liberia Celebration at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Homewood.
The event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday and is hosted by Kpo’ma Women. Home-cooked foods from the West African country — including joloff rice, chicken, fish and fried plantains — will be offered. There will also be raffle baskets and the opportunity to learn more about Liberia and how to support rural women in the country.
Get tickets and details at kpomawomen.org.