Welcome to 2026! Time for new beginning, new goals and new experiences all over Pittsburgh. Here are a few ideas for new things to do this weekend to get your year started right.
Laser shows at Buhl Planetarium
For fans of blockbuster Netflix show “Stranger Things” or pop superstar Taylor Swift, this is the weekend for you to get out and see a show at the Buhl Planetarium at the Kamin Science Center on the North Side.
The “Stranger Things” show will include the iconic score of the show as well as hit nostalgic ’80s tunes, all set to a visual show of lasers and colors. The 35-minute-long show will happen at 2 p.m. Friday, as well as 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Taylor Swift fans will see visual laser representations of her music while listening to favorite songs from a variety of her eras, from upbeat jams to ballads and beyond. The runtime is also 35 minutes, and shows will be held Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m.
Tickets to every show are $7 for non-members and $6 for members. To learn more and get tickets, visit kaminsciencecenter.org.
RuPaul’s Drag Race watch party
Reality competition series “RuPaul’s Drag Race” returns Friday for its 18th season, pitting some of the mot talented drag queens in the world against each other in a gamut of hilarious challenges and cheer-worthy lip sync battles. It’s a perfectly fun show to watch on your own, but why not make a party of it?
Starting Friday — and for every Friday during this season of the show — LGBTQIA bar 5801 Video Lounge and Cafe in Shadyside will hold “RuPaul’s Drag Race” watch parties, hosted by Calipso and Chi Chi DeVivre. The show will play on the big screen, and there will be drink and food specials throughout the night. Then, stick around after for late night drinks and dancing with DJ music.
The show starts at 8 p.m. Friday but make sure to get to 5801 early to get a good seat. Learn more at the Facebook event here.
‘Clue’ live onstage
Colonel Mustard? In the library? With the candlestick? Who knows? Find out whodunit at this stage adaptation of the laugh-a-second 1985 comedy film “Clue.” This play will delight and engross any theatergoer.
“Clue” will be in town this weekend as part of he Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series at the Benedum Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. Not only is it a taut mystery with many twists and turns, it’s a compact 90 minutes that will keep you guessing and laughing the whole way through.
Shows will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m. To get tickets, visit trustarts.org.
The Space Jam
Come on and slam! Those of us who remember the ’90s will want to put on our best neon workout clothes and Jordans to head out to this retro dance party at Bottlerocket Social Hall in the Allentown neighborhood.
The Space Jam will be filled with classic jock jams, hip hop classics and more from the era when Michael Jordan ruled both the court and the screen. Hear danceable favorites from artists including Coolio, SNAP!, Salt-N-Pepa and more.
The party will start at 8 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 5 p.m. The party is all ages. Learn more at bottlerocketpgh.com.
The Jacksons tribute
For even more throwback nostalgia, check out this tribute to everything Jacksons: Michael, Janet, the Jackson 5 and everywhere in between. This national touring act will bring a high energy and fun show to City Winery in the Strip District.
Hear your favorites, from “ABC” to “Thriller” to “Escapade” and many, many more. The show will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at City Winery Pittsburgh in the Strip District. Tickets start at $30. Get yours at tickets.citywinery.com.