TGIF! Music, food and fun can be found around town this weekend. Here’s what you can do to unwind before Monday.
Millvale Music Festival
With 330 music acts, 28 stages, all within 0.6 miles, the Millvale Music Festival is back this Friday and Saturday — and it’s got more than just music. This year’s festival will include comedy, spoken word, visual artists and more.
The festivities will take place in Millvale beginning at 6 p.m. on Friday. Shows and performances are spread over a range of venues in the area. Some are all ages and some are 21+, so check before you go. There will be performances throughout the day on Saturday, too. Admission is free.
Food trucks will also be on-site for the festival. For a full map and schedule, and to download the festival’s official app, visit millvalemusic.org.
Mattress Factory exhibition opening
The Mattress Factory, the North Side museum focused on installation art, will open a new exhibition by Ghanaian artist Akwasi Afrane on Friday. The 6 to 8 p.m. event is free and open to all.
Afrane’s work examines the relationship between humans and electronics.
Drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic, will be available for purchase. There will be limited parking in the Mattress Factory lot, as well as street parking. The museum is located at 500 Sampsonia Way.
Register and find out more at mattress.org.
Mac and Cheese Festival
Get ready to carb-load this Saturday at the Pittsburgh Mac and Cheese Festival. The event will feature more than 30 kinds of macaroni and cheese, as well as beverages like wine, beer, cider and whiskey. There will even be a new-this-year Bloody Mary and mimosa pavilion.
Live entertainment is also on the menu, and attendees will get to vote for the best macaroni and cheese at the festival — with a $300 prize granted to the winner.
General admission tickets are $45 and VIP tickets, which allow for entry an hour early and some private areas and other perks, are $60. The event is from noon to 5 p.m. at 3 Crossings, 2865 Railroad St., Strip District.
Upcoming Local Events
Tickets are available here.
Children’s Theater Festival
All weekend long, Pittsburgh’s Cultural District will be alive with theatrical performances for all ages. This year’s festival, in its 38th year, will feature performances from around the world — including South Korea, Quebec and others.
Venues where performances will be held include the Byham Theater, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and the Pittsburgh Playhouse. Many shows will have sensory-friendly performances.
Tickets for individual events are available online, and free activities will take place on Saturday and Sunday.
Maps, more information and tickets can be found at ctf.trustarts.org.
Park til Dark in South Park
Engage in a plethora of fun outdoor activities this Saturday at Park ‘til Dark. This event will take place throughout South Park from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Activities include sunrise yoga, clinics on mountain biking and dek hockey, tree planting and tai chi, plus some informational chats and tours with Penn State Extension Master Gardeners and Allegheny County Parks Foundation representatives. These programs are free.
From 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., the Parks Foundation will hold Pour at the Park, a fundraiser held at the South Park Fairgrounds that includes “brews and spirits,” food and live entertainment, plus a basket raffle and children’s activities.
Tickets are $60 for those 21+, $25 for designated drivers and children over 16, and $10 for kids aged 6 to 15. Children under 6 are free.
Register for activities, purchase Pour at the Park tickets and learn more here.
Alexis Papalia is a TribLive staff writer. She can be reached at apapalia@triblive.com.