Mother’s Day weekend is here. Whether you want to do something special with Mom or something special for yourself, there’s so much to do around town. Here are a few options.
August Wilson birthday celebration
This will be the 10th year that the August Wilson House and Dollar Bank celebrate the birthday of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and well-known Hill District native August Wilson. The free block party will have fun for all ages.
From children’s activities to a foam party to a lip sync battle and a mac and cheese contest, this celebration has created its own traditions that bring people flocking to the Hill District every year. There will also be live music performances, a poetry slam and much more.
The party will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the August Wilson House in the Hill District. To learn more, visit augustwilsonbirthdaycelebration.com.
Bottlerocket Prom
It’s also prom season, and for those who didn’t get to enjoy their high school milestones — or those who want to relive them — Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown will be holding this all-ages prom event that will have attendees dancing through the decades.
A series of DJs will spin tunes from every era throughout the night, and you can take photos, enjoy spiked punch, vie for your place in the prom court and more. Pull out your most extravagant evening wear, don’t forget the corsage and come out for a night to remember.
Doors will open at 5 p.m. Saturday and the dance will start at 8 p.m. at Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown. Get tickets at bottlrocketpgh.com.
Steel City Duck Derby
This unique event uses a race of rubber ducks to raise money for the Partners for Quality family of agencies. You can buy ducks online, or on race day if there are remaining ducks.
The race will take place at Allegheny Commons Park on the North Side, and the ducks will be launched at 1 p.m. The first five to go through the finish line win prizes. Don’t forget to check out Family Duck Fest in the park for the two hours before launch.
The event will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday at Allegheny Commons Park. You can sponsor one duck for $5, six ducks for $25 and a “quacker’s dozen” of 12 for $50. Check out those and other options at duckrace.com/Pittsburgh.
Pittonkatonk
This two-day global music festival is a can’t-miss experience for Pittsburghers. From marching bands to bras bands to punk rock and world music, this festival will expand your horizons and have you dancing all over the park.
There will also be food vendors, merchandise and an enjoyable time with the whole community. Don’t forget your reusable water bottle, a blanket or camp chair to sit in and your boogie shoes for a great time.
The festival is free and will be held starting at 7 p.m. on Friday and staring at 1 p.m. on Saturday at the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Schenley Park. To learn about the bands and vendors, visit pittonkatonk.org.
‘Jitney’ in Italian
Speaking of August Wilson, don’t miss this unique, one-weekend-only experience of seeing Wilson’s play “Jitney” translated into Italian (with supertitles), thanks to Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company.
“Jitney” is a part of August Wilson’s “Pittsburgh cycle” of 10 plays that mostly take place in Pittsburgh throughout the 20th century. It takes place in the Hill District, focusing on a jitney company in the neighborhood. This company originated in Italy, with a production directed by Renzo Carbonera, and is now traveling the United States to show Wilson’s pay in a new light.
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Madison Arts and Entertainment Center in the Hill District. For tickets and more information, visit pghplaywrights.org.
