Most Pittsburghers will fall into one of two camps this weekend: those excited to attend the NFL Draft and those on “snowstorm protocol,” staying home with lots of snacks.
But never fear — there is a happy medium. Here are some events to check out if you don’t want to get anywhere near Draft chaos.
Party for the Planet
Celebrate Earth Day on Saturday at the Pittsburgh Zoo in Highland Park. What a perfect place to spotlight nature, surrounded by adorable and awe-inspiring animals.
Promoting conservation and care for all of the plants, animals and other aspects of nature, this party has a whole bounty to offer. There will be tree saplings and native seed giveaways, as well as cookie decorating activities, partner organizations throughout the park, and a schedule of special zoo events, including storytimes and animal feedings to watch.
The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. throughout the zoo and is free with admission, so don’t forget to explore and view all of the animals. Learn more at pittsburghzoo.org.
Vanessa Carlton
If you’re not making your way “Dahntahn” for the NFL Draft, check out singer-songwriter Vanessa Carlton at City Winery Pittsburgh in the Strip District. Known for a number of hits from the 2000s — including the already referenced “A Thousand Miles” — Carlton is a talented songwriter and performer.
A dollar from every ticket sold to these intimate shows will go to Save the Music. Carlton will perform at City Winery Pittsburgh in the Strip District at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For tickets and more information, visit citywinery.com.
Draft Days at Pittsburgh Glass Center
There are many other corners of the city to explore throughout the days of the NFL Draft. The Pittsburgh Glass Center is one of them, and they’re pulling out all the stops for this weekend.
Visitors can watch live glassblowing and tour the facility to see how this fascinating craft is done. You can also shop the artisan wares in the Glass Center’s store and even try out some crafting yourself with make-it-now workshops. Whether this is your first time working with glass or you’re a skilled artist, this is a great time to check out one of Pittsburgh’s gems.
Events and workshops will be held throughout the weekend at Pittsburgh Glass Center. To see a schedule and more details, check out pittsburghglasscenter.org.
Drafted in South Side: Pets, pints and pierogis
Celebrate Pittsburgh away from the football chaos with this South Side event at Velum Fermentation, which will include a pierogi-eating contest, pet contests, food trucks and live music. You can sign up for the contests, or feel free to just come down, spectate and enjoy the atmosphere of the South Side. The event is free to enter and open to all ages, so bring the whole family.
Whether from out of town and looking for some Pittsburgh flavor or a local who wants some fun without football, this is a great event. The event will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Velum Fermentation on the South Side. To learn more, visit velumfermentations.com.
Day Off at the Museum
Kids ages 6-10 can hang out at the Carnegie Museum for fun and enriching art activities this Saturday, themed around a celebration of sports.
Participants will move through the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland to view and learn about different artists, all themed around the sports scene and relating art and sports together. The day will cost $45, $35 for members of the Carnegie Museums.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Carnegie Museum of Art in Oakland. Learn more and register now at carnegieart.org.