Are you ready for Valentine’s Day? Be honest. Did you procrastinate making reservations or buying a gift? No worries. Here are some events where you can take someone special for the holiday weekend.
Symphony Dances from ‘West Side Story’
The classic musical “West Side Story” is based on the tragic love story of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” so what better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this weekend than by hearing Leonard Bernstein’s legendary score performed live?
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be playing symphonic dances from the musical, from “Maria” to “Tonight” to “America.” In addition, they will open the program with Arturs Maskats’ “Tango,” Mozart’s “Violin Concerto No. 5” and Barber’s “Adagio for Strings.”
Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at Heinz Hall. There are also romantic ticket add-ons, including chocolate covered strawberries, truffles, charcuterie boards and Italian sparkling wine for an additional cost. Learn more at pittsburghsymphony.org.
21 Night: Seductive Science
Get flirty and nerdy with the Kamin Science Center’s monthly 21 Night, this month covering the science of seduction. This adults-only after-hours event will be fun for couples and singles alike.
Sip themed cocktails (or mocktails), get ready to cook for someone special with a dessert demonstration, learn about the anatomy of pleasure, take a quick dance lesson and enjoy a romantic evening under the stars at Buhl Planetarium. Plus, the grown-ups will have the run of the whole Science Center, so enjoy looking at all the exhibits.
The event will be held from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday at the Kamin Science Center. Tickets will be sold at the door as the Science Center is transitioning to a new online ticketing system. Learn more at kaminsciencecenter.org.
PBR’s Unleash the Beast
Get ready for an awe-inspiring weekend at PPG Paints Arena with Professional Bull Riding’s Unleash the Beast. Spectators will watch world-class bull riders go head-to-head with bucking bulls in an electrifying program.
For some romance added in, much-loved ex-Steeler Brett Kiesel will officiate weddings right on the dirt track on Saturday as part of PBR’s “Till Dirt Do Us Part” campaign.
Events will be held at 7:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights at PPG Paints Arena. Two-day packages are also available for purchase. Find your tickets at ticketmaster.com.
Dead of Winter Birding Walk
After being postponed multiple times due to the seemingly endless cold snap, this Saturday will finally see the Three Rivers Birding Club’s Dead of Winter Walk. You may think that February is a silent time for birders, but that’s not true — you’ll just see some different species from what you’re used to in the normal months.
The walk will encompass the Frick Environmental Center and its surrounding trails, where birders will follow leader Mike Fialkovich to look (and listen) for Carolina Wrens, Northern Cardinals and Song Sparrows.
The event will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Frick Environmental Center. Learn more at 3rbc.org.
Step Afrika!
This step dance company will bring energy and culture to the Byham Theater this weekend. The more than 30-year-old dance company blends percussive dance with gorgeous visuals, especially in their signature program, “The Great Migration.”
The program charts the migration of African-Americans from the South to the Industrial North to escape the suffocation and oppression of Jim Crow laws, all inspired by Jacob Lawrence’s 60-panel artwork of the same name.
The performance will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Byham Theater. To get tickets, visit trustarts.org.