Also don’t miss TacoMania, Sad Karaoke, Yallternative Prom, Pittsburgh Weekend of Urbanism and more.
byJennifer Baron
With so many major events converging on the last weekend in April, we’re switching up our Weekend Event Guide format to highlight five top events, followed by 25 other terrific events not to miss.
Get out those calendars — you have some decisions to make.
What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, April 24-27? Find out here. Know of a cool event?Email us.
Thursday, April 24: JFILM Opening Night at the Oaks Theater
6:30 p.m.
The largest Jewish cultural event in the region gets underway tonight with a Swinging Sixties twist. Opening night for JFILM is must-do affair for cinephiles and Fab Four fans alike. Be among the first to see “Midas Man,” Joe Stephenson’s musical biopic examining the life of Brian Epstein, who managed the Beatles from 1961 until 1967 during their meteoric rise. Dubbed the “fifth Beatle,” the visionary Jewish manager is portrayed by Jacob Fortune-Lloyd in the biographical film featuring a “nostalgic soundtrack and kaleidoscopic backdrop.”
The event kicks off with a 1960s-themed cocktail reception. Showcasing the best of independent Jewish-themed cinema from around the globe, this year’s festival includes 18 films, from dramas to comedies to documentaries. Standouts include feature films from France, Germany and Argentina. The screenings in Oakmont and Oakland are augmented by filmmaker Q&As, scholar-led discussions and virtual screenings. Schedule and buy tickets.
Thursday, April 24: Purple Party at The Circuit Center
6:30-9 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s largest sober celebration is back! Strike a pose on the purple carpet to “celebrate recovery, resilience and hope,” support one another and raise crucial funds for life-saving addiction treatment services. The royal affair will honor three remarkable POWER alums and present the prestigious Seeds of Hope Award to Robert Levin and Dr. Kerry Bron. Sip mocktails and gourmet coffee, nosh on light bites and “mark every victory in recovery” with a special countdown. Dance the night away with DJ Femi, make lasting memories at the Selfie Station, 360 Photo Booth and more. Tickets.
Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27: Pittsburgh Weekend of Urbanism
Various times
As the spring temps warm up, it’s the perfect time to share your love for city living. Join the Carnegie Mellon University Transportation Club for this unique weekend promoting urbanism initiatives throughout the Pittsburgh area. Aiming to forge lasting connections between students and the Pittsburgh community, the weekend-long event features programming with a slate of local community partners, advocacy groups and nonprofits. Hop on two wheels for the Le Tour de Donut led by POGOH, take a guided tour of the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum and explore our region’s light rail “T” system by taking rides with with Pittsburghers for Public Transit. Don’t miss the event’s keynote address by Ray Delahanty, aka YouTuber “CityNerd.” Information.
Saturday, April 26: Pittsburgh VegFair at Rockwell Park
11 a.m.-4 p.m.
While we’re all building up an appetite for the annual August festival on the North Side, we can eat our way through the city’s best plant-based food purveyors during this spring fair in Point Breeze. Produced by Pittsburgh VegFest, the event presents more than 70 vegan vendors representing the region’s thriving plant-based scene. Mainly held indoors, the event also includes DJs, children’s activities, booths highlighting local nonprofits, food trucks and a water bottle refilling station. The first 250 attendees to visit the The East End Food Co-op table get a free reusable tote bag. Information.
Saturday, April 26, & Sunday, April 27: Art All Night at 929 Beaver Ave.
4 p.m.-2 p.m.
When they say all night, they mean it. The big news this year? The beloved event is moving across the river and transitioning back to an industrial location. You may have seen the building make its debut in the popular TV show, “Mayor of Kingstown.” Now you get to attend a 22-hour art party there.
Built in 1926, the distribution warehouse was formerly home to Donahoe’s grocery store. Setting up shop in the sprawling 53,000-square-foot site in Chateau, the Burgh’s biggest DIY art happening gets underway at 4 p.m. on Saturday and keeps the creative momentum going strong with continuous programming until 2 p.m. on Sunday. If you’ve ever wanted to exhibit your own art — or buy an affordable piece to start a collection — this is the place. For more than a quarter-century, dedicated volunteers have produced this egalitarian exhibit that still lives by its original motto of “no fee, no jury, no censorship.” Appealing to early birds and night owls alike, the populist party will fill the warehouse with around-the-clock experiences for all ages. Along with 1,000 pieces of original art on display, the site will be animated by music, dance and spoken word performances on multiple stages. Smashing boundaries between artists and audiences, the grassroots festivities feature live painting, auctions, participatory installations and exclusive games. Kiddos will love the Children’s Area with a mural wall, “Cardboard City” craft sculpture and make-your-own-button activities. The new location has plenty of parking, is bike-accessible via North Shore Riverfront Trail and is close to the Allegheny T station and PRT stops. Information.
25 more things to do this weekend, April 24-27:
Thursday, April 24: The Alchemy of Space, Value & Spirituality at ALMA | LEWIS
5:30-7:30 p.m.
ALL STARS artists María de los Angeles Rodríguez Jiménez, Yaw Owusu and Tajh Rust will share how their work explores themes of transformation, identity, the environment, value, materiality and cultural memory during this free discussion event moderated by Alyssa Velazquez, assistant curator at Carnegie Museum of Art. Register.
Thursday, April 24: ON DEC 2025 at Carnegie Museum of Art Music Hall
9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Acclaimed designer, businesswoman and philanthropist Bunny Williams — a leading figure in contemporary decorative arts and the author of eight books — is this year’s featured speaker for the ON DEC fundraiser hosted by the Women’s Committee of the Museum, which includes a talk, luncheon and book signing. Tickets.
Thursday, April 24: John Waters: The Naked Truth at City Winery
7:30 p.m.
Film icon John Waters turned 79 this week, and you’re invited to the party as he presents his brand-new “fast-moving, part-confessional, part-inquisitional comic spoken word show.” Tickets.
Thursday, April 24, & Friday, April 25: “Dragonfly Dawn” at the New Hazlett Theater
8 p.m. & 10 a.m.
Be transported to a “mystical forest lake” via this CSA premiere performance by choreographer Joanna Abel featuring aerial arts, live music and fantastical creatures, which takes inspiration from “The NeverEnding Story” and “Labyrinth.” Tickets.
Friday, April 25-Sunday, April 27: “Escape the Deep” at KST Alloy Studios
7 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Dreams of Hope’s theatriQ queer and trans youth performing arts ensemble premieres its newest play, “Escape the Deep,” which follows the aftermath of a flood ravaging the beloved town of Mortimer Harbor in the year 2030. Tickets.
Friday, April 25: STARMAKERS Gala at the Pittsburgh Playhouse
5:30-10 p.m.
After a 15-year hiatus, the beloved STARMAKERS Gala returns to celebrate the Pittsburgh Playhouse’s legacy and usher in the next era of innovative performances, with exciting previews, hosts Mikey Hood and David Highfield, a silent auction, an elegant dinner on the stage of the PNC Theatre stage, dancing and dessert, and even boast the city’s largest cookie table. Tickets.
Friday, April 25: SkyWatch at Carnegie Science Center
9-11 p.m.
Stargazers are invited to enjoy a warm spring evening up on the Science Center’s rooftop to peer through high-powered telescopes and then head indoors to catch an enchanting Buhl Planetarium show and experience hands-on astronomy activities. Tickets.
Friday, April 25: Youth Infestation at The Andy Warhol Museum
5-10 p.m.
Celebrate the next generation of pop art stars when The Warhol Museum’s Youth Arts Council hosts this free “insect-inspired” festival featuring live music, silkscreen printing, art activities, food, a teen “flea market” and more. Register.
Friday, April 25: Pittsburgh Honky-Tonk at Spirit Hall
7-11 p.m.
Join Jon Bindley of Bindley Hardware Co. for this toe-tapping honky-tonk experience featuring lessons with 412Step, an opening act acoustic set and the Pittsburgh’s own Honky-Tonk Band performing country classics and deep cuts. Tickets.
Friday, April 25, & Saturday, April 26: Super Monster-Rama at Riverside Drive-in
Dusk
If you are brave enough, spend the weekend camping out at a haunted drive-in nestled in the woods along the Kiski River for this spooktacular event boasting four horror films each night — all kicking off with Wes Craven’s iconic film, “A Nightmare on Elm Street.” Read more about the event in NEXT. Schedule and tickets.
Saturday, April 26: Independent Bookstore Day at multiple locations
Various times
A one-day party that takes place at indie bookstores across the country on the last Saturday in April, Independent Bookstore Day is a perfect time for bookworms and shoppers alike to support our city’s fantastic book shops.
Saturday, April 26: “Pittsburgh’s Hidden History” the Heinz History Center
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Heinz History Center is unlocking the vault to unveil a treasure trove of rarely and never-before-seen artifacts, which means you get to finally check out the Vampiress from Kennywood’s defunct Le Cachot ride, a 1910 Honus Wagner trading card and much more. Tickets.
Saturday, April 26: Bark and Brunch at Hazelwood Green
11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The Burgh’s furriest friends and their loyal hooman companions are invited to kick off the season of outdoor fun at Hazelwood Green, with everything from a DareDevil Dogs Frisbee Show, a Doggy Costume Contest, weiner dog race, dog caricatures, food trucks and more. Information.
Saturday, April 26: August Wilson Birthday Celebration Block Party at the August Wilson House
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Celebrate the 80th birthday of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Pittsburgh native August Wilson outside of his childhood home, where this fun-filled festival will animate the Hill District block with 185 vendors, lip sync battles, live performances, children’s activities, basketball competitions, theatrical monologues and even a Mac & Cheese Contest. Read more about the event in NEXT. Information.
Saturday, April 26: Earth Day at the Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall
12-3 p.m.
Head to the historic “Carnegie Carnegie” for this free Earth Day celebration featuring animal encounters, games and eco-crafts, music, climate simulator demonstrations, bagpipe performances and much more. Information.
Saturday, April 26: TacoMania – Brawl at the Brew House at Pittsburgh Brewing Co.
2-8 p.m.
The Beers of the Burgh crew is taking the taco action up the Allegheny to Pittsburgh Brewing Co.’s new HQ in Creighton. Read more about the event in NEXT. Tickets.
Saturday, April 26: Disco Sunday Disco at Trace Brewing
3-9 p.m.
Wind down from the weekend and groove your way into Monday with this free, open-air dance party along Graffiti Alley featuring local DJs BusCrates, Trackland and Hoagie Dreams, who will spin “life-affirming jams and the deepest cuts on this side of town,” while raising funds to support the Trade Institute of Pittsburgh. Information.
Saturday, April 26: Monster Energy AMA Supercross at Acrisure Stadium
6:30 p.m.
Take a seat for the adrenaline rush of 17 Supercross races and 11 Pro Motocross races — returning to Pittsburgh for the first time in 40 years — as the world’s top two-wheel racers converge on the North Shore for one action-packed event expected to draw 50,000 fans and 3,000 crew members. Tickets.
Saturday, April 26: Sad Karaoke Vol. 4: Sad Strikes Back at Golden Age Beer
7 p.m.
Sing along with Andrea Laurion and Matt Buchholz, who are reuniting to host another round of Sad Karaoke — and raise funds to support the Equality Center — at Golden Age. Information.
Saturday, April 26: Yallternative Prom at Spirit
7 p.m.
Don your best throwback prom attire for this variety show hosted by Bonnie and the Mere Mortals featuring dancing, drag performances, musical guests, palm readings, the crowning of the event’s gender-inclusive prom royalty, plus more activities and surprises in store. Tickets.
Saturday, April 26: Comedy at the Carnegie Gameshow Night at Carnegie Library of Homestead
7:30-9:30 p.m.
LOL to support Carnegie Library of Homestead’s education and community programs during this benefit bash featuring comedians Kevin Horton, Aaron Kleiber and Derrick Knopsnyder. Tickets.
Saturday, April 26: Commonwealth Press Beer Barge on the Gateway Clipper
7-10 p.m.
OK, so it’s not a barge, but there is lots of beer — and you will want to hop aboard the Gateway Clipper vessel for three hours of river revelry including local breweries, live music by Slag Mountain, Mellow Honey and DJ Lolla Belle and more surprises hosted by the local print maestros at Commonwealth Press. Tickets.
Saturday, April 26: “On The Run” at Greer Cabaret Theater
8 p.m.
Find out what transpires when the “irresistible Criminettes weave a thrilling web of sex, lies and rock ‘n’ roll” in this FireWALL Burlesque Co. production blending seduction, scandal and passion at Downtown’s beautifully renovated Greer Cabaret Theater. Tickets.
Saturday, April 26: “Woman With Eyes Closed” at the Bitz Opera Factory
8 p.m.
With three different endings, Pittsburgh Opera’s newest world premiere — Jennifer Higdon and Jerre Dye’s “Woman With Eyes Closed” — was inspired by the real-life theft of seven modernist paintings from Rotterdam’s Kunsthal in 2012 — and named after one of them by Lucian Freud. Tickets.
Sunday, April 27: Vanka Block Party at St. Nicholas Croatian Church
12-3 p.m.
Head to Millvale to explore one of the region’s most significant cultural landmarks —which needs our support more than ever after having its Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant revoked by the Trump administration — during this free community event featuring bookmaking, mural and button activities for all ages, a selfie station, guided tours with docents, conservators and educators, local food and drink, and more (come say hi to me behind the DJ table!). Register.
Find more April events andthings to do in Pittsburghwith NEXT, including live music, gallery exhibitions, outdoor recreation and family activities.
Jennifer is co-creator of the award-winning book, "Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania" and was author of a long-running column on historic signs for Western Pennsylvania History Magazine. For 15 years, she was co-coordinator and marketing director for Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's first and largest independent craft fair. She makes music as The Garment District and is a founding member of The Ladybug Transistor. Jennifer previously served as Education Director at the Mattress Factory, and also worked at the Brooklyn Museum and SLB Radio Productions.
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