According to a ground hog, it is time to celebrate! The best way to celebrate? Leaving the house!

Come out of your Pittsburgh winter hibernation and check out what the city has to offer this weekend. In case you want to make it a family affair, there are a handful of family friendly ideas on the list this weekend, too.

ENJOY!

Friday February 5, 2016

StormFest

• Where: Carnegie Science Center – North Shore
• When: Friday February 5 10:00am-2:00pm and Saturday February 6 10:00am-5:00pm
• Cost: Free with museum admission
• StormFest demonstrates various aspects of weather and geosciences through numerous hands on activities, including a tornado in a jar. This is a family friendly event, but from 6:00pm-10:00pm on Friday night the museum will be hosting their special 21+ Night for all of us the kids at heart (along with a cash bar).

Casual Friday at Dreadnought Wines

• Where: Dreadnought Wines- Strip District
• When: 5:30pm-7:30pm
• Cost: FREE
• Head over to this Strip District winery for a free sampling of wines paired with breads and cheeses. You’ll get a little bit of a wine education while you’re there, too. Afterwards, head next door to The Church Brew Works for some dinner to wrap up the night.

After Dark

• Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History- Oakland
• When: 6:00pm-10:00pm
• Cost: $12 or $10.50 for Carnegie Museum members
• This installment of the museum’s 21+ series is all about the birds and bees. Take a look at some very unique mating rituals around the animal kingdom, and also get some dating tips from ancient civilizations on picking up a partner. As an added bonus, the science of aphrodisiacs will be explained. All of this, plus drinks and a DJ will make for a unique night.

Mardi Gras at the Barrelhouse

• Where: Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse- Northside
• When: 6:00pm-9:00pm
• Cost: Free- but advance registration required
• As a part of the Northside’s 1st annual Mardi Gras celebration, Wigle Whiskey will be hosting a party with music, absinthe tastings, and BBQ from Pittsburgh Smokehouse.

The Ultimate Oscars

• Where: Heniz Hall- Downtown Pittsburgh Cultural District
• When: Various Shows February 5-February 7
• Cost: Tickets start at $24
• Spend an evening (or afternoon) with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra as they put their own spin on some classic Oscar-winning movie scores. Before or after the show, grab a bite to eat at Olive or Twist (their buffalo chicken dip is life changing).

Saturday February 6, 2016

barre3 at Fleet Feet Sports

• Where: Fleet Feet Sports- Upper St. Clair/Mt. Lebanon area
• When: 11:00am-12:00pm
• Cost: FREE but you must preregister
• Want to test a new workout? New to Pittsburgh, barre3 offers a total body workout that incorporates yoga, Pilates, and ballet. Come take a preview class to see what it is all about before barre3 opens their location in Southpointe. Bring a yoga mat and water if you attend.

I Made It! Mine

• Where: The Waterfront Town Center- Homestead
• When: 12:00pm-5:00pm
• Cost: Free, but donations are welcome and benefit Beverly’s Birthdays
• Looking for a unique Valentine’s Day gift or just something for yourself? Make a plan to check out this artist market for some local crafts. While you’re there, enjoy carriage rides, s’mores, and painting activities with Paint Monkey.

Iceoplex and BLVD Craft Fair & Brew Fest

• Where: Iceoplex- Southpointe
• When: 2:00pm-8:00pm
• Cost: Free
• Head out to Washington County for the afternoon to support some local artisans. Displays will include jewelry, pottery, photography, home decor, and much more. While you’re there, indulge in some craft beer samples, too.

February Food Truck Roundup

• Where: The Brew Gentlemen Beer Co.- Braddock
• When: 5:00pm-10:00pm
• Cost: FREE
• Come grab a beer and some food from a handful of Pittsburgh’s food trucks. There will be BBQ, tacos, gyros- basically whatever you’re in the mood for. DJ Wayne Smith will be handling the entertainment.

Sound Scene Express Best of 2015

• Where: James Street Gastropub and Speakeasy- Northside
• When: Doors at 8:00pm show at 9:00pm
• Cost: $10
• Pittsburgh’s version of a music award show. Awards will be given for Best Concert, Best EP, Coolest Music Event/Series, and 6 more categories. Performances by Nevada Color, The Commonheart (personal favorite), Balloon Ride Fantasy, and Chase The Monkey. Danny Rectenwald of the Bastard Bearded Irishmen will be the host for the event. This is an all ages show!

Sound Series: The Red Western

• Where: The Warhol- North Shore
• When: 8:00pm
• Cost: $10 or $8 for students/museum members
• The Warhol is hosting a special album release party for Pittsburgh folk/alt-rock band The Red Western. As an added bonus, enjoy free parking in The Warhol Lot.

Sunday February 7, 2016

Yoga in the Square

• Where: PPG Wintergarden – Downtown Pittsburgh
• When: 10:00am
• Cost: FREE
• Shake up your workout routine with a change of scenery. Classes are open to all ages and skill levels. Afterwards, check out The Yard and their new Market Square location. Gourmet grilled cheese, Bloody Mary Bar, and Bottomless Mimosas…need I say more?

5-2-1-0 Day

• Where: Phipps Conservatory- Oakland
• When: 11:00am-2:00pm
• Cost: Included with admission
• Phipps will feature an afternoon of games, dancing, and healthy food tasting to promote the 5-2-1-0 Movement for a healthy lifestyle geared especially towards children.

WYEP’S Alternative Souper Bowl

• Where: Carnegie Library Main- Oakland
• When: 12:00pm-3:00pm
• Cost: FREE- but non-perishable food/household item donations to benefit HEARTH are encouraged!
• Before you prepare for a night of commercial watching, head to the library for some free music and fun while supporting a worthy cause. Performances will include Jim Donovan and the Sun King Warriors, City Dwelling Nature Seekers, and Lofi Delphi.

Weather Permitting

• Where: Spirit- Lawrenceville
• When: 3:00pm- 8:00pm
• Cost: $10
• Weather Permitting and City of Play have collaborated to bring you a way to stay active this winter. This event includes beer, music, and various games of skill (Door, Searchlight, Stump). Games are mostly intended for an older audience, but children are welcome at the event.

Oscar Nominated Short Film Series

• Where: Regent Square Theater- Regent Square
• When: 5:15pm and various other days/times until February 11
• Cost: $9 for General Admission/$7 for Seniors/$5 for Pitt students
• This program features all of the nominees in the Live Action short film category for this years Oscars.  Films cover a variety of topics and were filmed in locations all over the world. There are no ratings, but based on the film descriptions, I would say this would be more appropriate for adult audiences.

 

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There you have it- a huge listing of events, and there is bound to be something for everyone. Liven it up a little and check them out! Having fun while supporting local businesses and artists-all in a weekend’s work.

As for me, Matt and I have tickets for a concert hosted by Sofar Sounds this Friday. The catch? I don’t find out where it is or who is playing until tomorrow! I am so pumped for this.

Whatever you do- have fun! We’ll catch up on Sunday night to try and make the upcoming work week more bearable with some excuses to stay out late on a work night.