March is marching in, and whether you’re still happy to bundle up and be cozy or you’re longing for spring, there’s fun stuff to do around town this weekend. Here are some events to make your weekend brighter.
Spirits of the Burgh Festival
Get dressed up and enjoy some of the best spirits that the region has to offer.
The event will include samples of libations and craft cocktails from local distilleries, local wines, beers and ciders, as well as non-alcoholic beverages; and food trucks with tasty food available for purchase. There will also be music to sway to while you sip. Featured spirit makers will include 7th Ward Spirits, Top Dog Cocktails and Wigle Whiskey, among many others.
The event will take place at The Pennsylvanian from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday. General admission tickets are available, as are tickets specifically for designated drivers. Learn more at beersoftheburgh.com.
Rascal Flatts
Decades-experienced country stars Rascal Flatts will be heading to PPG Paints Arena Friday night on their “Life is a Highway Tour.” With several certified platinum albums and hit songs including “Bless the Broken Road” and their cover of “Life is a Highway,” they’re still filling arenas 25 years after their Nashville start.
The show starts at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit ticketmaster.com.
The World Oddities Expo
Are you a collector or a hobbyist in all things strange, artisan and interesting? This weekend’s World Oddities Expo may be for you. The traveling convention is packed with all-inclusive small businesses and vendors bringing the strange and fascinating.
The marketplace will offer taxidermy, jewelry, art, home goods and more strange and scintillating items for off-kilter tastes. The expo will also feature tattoo artists, live entertainment, guest speakers and more to round out your experience.
The expo will be held Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with VIP early access tickets available for 10 a.m. entry, all at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. For tickets, visit worldodditiesexpo.com.
Pittsburgh Opera’s ‘Time to Act’
This engrossing world premiere from Pittsburgh Opera will cause conversation and musically fascinate audiences this weekend. “Time to Act,” composed by Lauren Kaminsky, follows a high school group putting together a production of “Antigone” with a new student who has a bombshell secret.
The show tackles difficult subject matter such as school violence while being empowering and uplifting, bringing a new generation of voices to the challenges of our day.
A performance will be held at the Bitz Opera Factory in the Strip District on Saturday at 7 p.m., with further performances through March 8. To learn more, visit pittsburghopera.org.
Flamingo Fest
In all this gray and white, a pop of pink is a refreshing sight. Head to the National Aviary on the North Side this weekend to celebrate all things flamingo.
Visit the Flamingo Discovery Zone in the Learning Center, where attendees can make crafts, take photos, do “flamingo yoga,” learn about flamingo conservation and more. There will also be timed feedings, the chance to see a bird ambassador live and expert talks. Don’t forget to explore the Aviary and participate in the scavenger hunt.
A full schedule of events will be held between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the National Aviary. Most activities are included with admission. See the full slate at aviary.org.