There’s no doubt that this is the hardest time of year to live in Pittsburgh, with all the dark, cold and snow. But when you venture out to have some fun, it’s always a great time to live in Pittsburgh. Here are a few events to remember why the city rules.
Pittsburgh Opera’s ‘Curlew River’
Pittsburgh Opera will continue its 2025-26 season with “Curlew River” by Benjamin Britten, a tragic story adapted from the Japanese noh play “Sumidagawa.” This story of a mother’s grief was morphed into a Christian parable and set to music in the style of monastic plain song.
It’s appropriate, then, that “Curlew River” will be performed at Calvary Episcopal Church in Shadyside. The show will be held this Saturday at 7 p.m. at the church, and additional performance dates will be held in the following week. Tickets are $65. To learn more, visit pittsburghopera.org.
World of Wheels
Automobile lovers will be in heaven at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh this weekend for the 65th annual World of Wheels.
This car show will encompass hot rods, customs, trucks and motorcycles, bringing hobbyists and pros together for a fun and productive three days. There will even be celebrity appearances, including actors from “The Dukes of Hazzard” and a founding member of the band Foreigner. Attendees also have a chance on all three days to see MegaMorph, the transforming robot car.
The show will be open from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. General admission tickets are $28 at the gate, with children from ages 6-12 costing $8 and children 5 and under getting in for free. Learn more at autorama.com.
Con Alma fundraising gala
Jazz spot, eatery and cocktail bar Con Alma’s owners have been up front about their financial issues and campaign to keep their doors open over the past couple of months. They’ve seen a wave of support from the city through online fundraising, but now there’s a chance to enjoy a gala and help to raise money for the cause of jazz.
The gala will be held on Sunday night and hosted by Bill Crawford. Sean Jones and Friends will perform throughout the evening, bringing in many special guests. Food and drink will also be available, as well as a silent auction.
The gala will run from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Con Alma in Downtown Pittsburgh. To learn more, visit conalmapgh.com.
Penguin-Palooza
Especially in Pittsburgh, penguins deserve lots of appreciation. This weekend, the National Aviary on the North Side will bring these flightless birds to the forefront with Penguin-Palooza on Saturday and Sunday.
This fun and educational event will be included with admission. Visit Penguin Point to watch these feathered friends get fed, then head to the Penguin Discovery Zone. There, guests can learn about penguin adaptations, nest burrows and more. There will also be games, crafts, penguin trivia and a penguin book nook. Then, explore the rest of the Aviary and participate in a penguin scavenger hunt.
Activities will happen throughout the day on Saturday at the National Aviary. See the full schedule of events at aviary.org.
Hip-hop and R&B bingo
Classic hip-hop and R&B fans will have a blast at this unforgettable event. Tom Swoope’s nationwide hit game is coming to City Winery Pittsburgh in the Strip District.
It’s like bingo meets “Name That Tune.” The DJ plays a song, and you identify it and look for it on your bingo card. If you get a bingo, you yell it out and win. Plus, you get to groove to great songs the whole time. While Bingo winners get prizes, players should also dress up in their most fun costumes, and a prize for Best Costume.
There will be two sessions, with a bingo brunch at noon and the evening program starting at 7:30 p.m., both on Saturday at City Winery Pittsburgh. For tickets, check out citywinery.com.
