5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Aug. 23-25

Sunny skies and cooler temperatures are on the way this weekend. Here are some suggestions for how to spend your time.

Art appreciation

Head over to Walnut Street for an art extravaganza.

The 23rd annual Shadyside … The Art Festival on Walnut is Saturday and Sunday. The event features 150 local, regional and national artists and includes paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics, glass, wood, handmade jewelry, collage and mixed media.

The festival shows original artwork selected by an independent panel of expert judges.

Details: artfestival.com/festivals/shadyside-the-art-festival-walnut-street-pittsburgh

Fresh vegetables

The 15th annual Tomato and Garlic Day is Sunday at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Oakland. There will be a selection of foods as well as fresh fruits, vegetables, garlic, olive oils, pastas and a variety of specialty goods from area vendors. Make a donation of fresh produce to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to receive free conservatory admission.

There will also be bath and body products, ceramics, succulents and other garden goodies. Trib Total Media’s Doug Oster of Everybody Gardens will dish up delicious samples of ultimate garlic lovers’ soup

Kids can participate in pot-a-plant activities and meet the tomato mascot. Gardening questions will be answered by asking Dr. Phipps.

The event is free.

Details: phipps.conservatory.org

On the river

The 20th annual Riverlife’s Party at the Pier fundraiser celebration is Friday at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh. This year’s “Bold Paradise” theme pays tribute to the bold vision of Riverlife’s founders to create an urban oasis of riverfront parks, trails, public open space and real estate investment on Pittsburgh’s riverfronts.

Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, creative craft cocktails, complimentary boat rides on the Gateway Clipper Fleet, and dancing, right on the waterfront. The suggested dress code is bold, colorful summer cocktail attire inspired by nature. Think flowers, birds, butterflies, fish, animals and other elements. Tickets are $80-$250.

Details: partyatthepier.com

Now thru July 23, Riverlife and @surmesur are teaming up to provide one lucky winner with a Bold Menswear prize package. Here's your chance to upgrade your wardrobe for Riverlife's #PartyAtThePier celebration on August 23. More details here: https://t.co/TiIC3dJbXA #riverlifepgh pic.twitter.com/Er75mAnGKR

— Riverlife (@RiverlifePgh) July 16, 2019

The Empress

Seven-time Grammy winner Gladys Knight takes the stage on Friday at Heinz Hall, Downtown, for An Evening with Gladys Knight. She has No. 1 hits in pop, gospel, rhythm and blues and adult contemporary. She is one of Rolling Stone magazine’s Top 100 greatest singers of all time. She has two No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 Singles — “Midnight Train to Georgia,” and “That’s What Friends Are For.”

Details: pittsburghsymphony.org/production/65495/an-evening-with-gladys-knight

2019 show dates. I hope to see you there! More dates to follow. ?❤️ pic.twitter.com/KcBMIgdExs

— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) June 23, 2019

On the road

Piano Day Pittsburgh is Saturday and Sunday throughout the city. This annual event was created by piano technician Peter Stumpf. He will bring an 800-pound, seven-foot, concert semi-grand Steinway & Sons “836” piano, valued at over $100,000, on an open-bed trailer to Mt. Lebanon at 10 a.m., the Hill District at 1 p.m. and by PNC Park on the North Shore at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The Hill District stop includes an event at the former Crawford Grill.

On Sunday from noon to 8 p.m., the piano will make its way to Market Square for open play as well as Heinz Hall Gardens, PPG Place and River Vue Patio where musicians will play.

Details: pianodaypgh.com