There’s no getting around it, this has been a cold week. You may be tempted to stay inside away from the wind all weekend. But you could warm up with some of these events instead.
Irwin Cookie Tour
Delicious cookies are a hallmark of the holiday season, and Irwin is offering a chance to taste some while also promoting local shopping Friday night at the Irwin Cookie Tour. Head out to Downtown Irwin to get free cookies at a number of local businesses while you shop.
In addition to shopping and snacking, you can enjoy live Christmas music, horse-drawn carriage rides, a chance to meet Santa and engaging activities for kids.
The tour will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. It’s free and open to everyone. To learn more, visit facebook.com/discoverdowntownirwin.
‘The Sound of Music’
This beloved musical is often associated with Christmas, making this holiday season a great time to check out The Theatre Factory’s production.
Following a flighty ex-nun named Maria as she works for the von Trapp family in pre-World War II Austria, this charming show includes classic songs such as “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain.” Great for all ages, this is a show that will delight audiences whether they’re seeing it for the first or 50th time.
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Trafford Performing Arts Center, 235 Cavitt Ave., Trafford. Tickets are $20-$25, and the show’s runtime is two and a half hours. There also will be performances next weekend. Get tickets at thetheatrefactory.org.
Holly Jolly Christmas in Latrobe
Latrobe is brightening the long winter nights with a holiday themed weekend festival Friday and Saturday. The main event is the Saturday Festival, which will include a huge array of cheery activities.
Meet Santa, and have a story time with Mrs. Claus; shop farmer’s market vendors and artisan makers; enjoy the “Naughty or Nice” bash and vendor market; bop along to live entertainment; and join activities including international holiday crafts, Polar Express barrel train rides, cookie decorating and more with local businesses and institutions.
The festival will take place 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Latrobe Art Center, 819 Ligonier St., Latrobe. To learn more about the other events in Latrobe, visit hollyjollylatrobe.com .
Holiday Makers Market
Christmas is less than three weeks away, so time is ticking to get all of the names crossed off of your list. Why not get a few of those gifts taken care of at this local makers market at West Overton Village?
The market will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with different vendors on tap each day. Entrance and parking are both free. Food trucks will be on hand to fuel your shopping trip. Make sure to visit the wide variety of crafters, bakers, growers and more that will be available with their goods.
Head to West Overton Village, 109 W. Overton Road, East Huntingdon, to shop this weekend. Learn more and see a list of vendors at westovertonvillage.org.
Christmas Brasstacular
The sounds of the season are all around, but rarely are they as exuberant and enjoyable as when they’re played on brass. This Saturday night, The Palace Theatre will ring with River City Brass’ versions of classic holiday tunes.
They’ll also reach into pop culture with new arrangements of film scores including “Home Alone” and “A Christmas Carol.” Timeless pieces old and new will enchant listeners with this professional brass band’s talent.
The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg. To learn more, visit westmorelandculturaltrust.org.