5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: May 13-15
We’ve made it to the weekend. Here are some ways to spend it.
Pittonkatonk
The eighth annual Pittonkatonk Mayday Brass BBQ & Potluck music festival is from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday at the Vietnam Veteran’s Pavilion in Schenley Park. It’s a full day of music from local, national, and international performers from Mexico, Colombia, Ethiopia, and beyond. It began as a branch of the “Honk festivals” welcoming mobile marching bands from across the country.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a dish that celebrates their cultural heritage for the potluck between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. East End Brewing, Co. in Larimer created a special brew. Food vendors include Shado Beni, Casa Brasil and Spirit Pizza.
Admission is free.
Details: pittonkatonk.org
Book it
The inaugural Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books is Saturday, in several venues throughout Pittsburgh’s East Liberty neighborhood. More than 30 local and national authors and poets will speak during the daylong event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The theme is “Pittsburgh Through the Pages.” It will feature hands-on children’s activities and entertainment, and exhibitions from bookstores and publishers.
Performer Billy Porter, a Pittsburgh native with Emmy, Tony and Grammy awards to his name, will be discussing his new memoir, “Unprotected,” at noon in the Kelly Strayhorn Theater. His session is filled.
All events are free. Online registration is required.
Details: pittsburghbookfestival.org
Children’s theater
The 36th annual EQT Children’s Theater Festival is Saturday and Sunday throughout the Cultural District, Downtown. The event features arts groups and performers from France, South Korea, Switzerland and the U.S.
Shows include “Starshine,” a magical immersive theater piece about the constellations, and “Flutter,” which explores the seasons through a sensory journey of visuals, sounds, objects, some language and play.
“Grimmz Fairy Tales, includes a hip-hop remix of fables. “Won’Ma Afrika” will perform acrobatics. “Doodle POP!” is a visual adventure through the ocean and “PSS PSS” is a silent physical comedy piece.
Details: pghkids.trustarts.org
Wine and spirits festival
The Wine and Spirits Festival is from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh on the North Shore.
It will feature more than 200 wines and spirits from around the world. There will be a meet and greet with winemakers, distillers and brand ambassadors and a dinner at the Grand View buffet.
Tickets are $95. Attendees must be 21.
Details: pittsburghmagazine.com
Brunch and beer festival
Pittsburgh-based Fueled By Hops, an online brand for craft beer enthusiasts, will host Best Brunch Ever, on Saturday at Hop Farm Brewing in Lawrenceville.
The event will feature more than 20 breweries, some local, showcasing brunch-inspired craft beers from candied bacon beer to waffle beer to fruit-covered fried soda bread beer. Food items will include choices from The Coop food truck, Marino’s American Eatery and Hop Farm Brewing.
Pittsburgh disc jockey DJ Scottro will provide entertainment.
There are sessions from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Limited tickets available at the door.
Details: fueledbyhops.com/bestbrunchever
Today we are working with @BrewingUnion and Waffles Incaffeinated to brew up the Megaberry Sour. Look for it at the Best Brunch Ever event by @FueledByHops and in the taproom next month!#pabeer #CraftBeer #drinklocal #supportlocal pic.twitter.com/SgQ2NZioer
— MondaysBrewing (@MondaysBrewing) April 22, 2022
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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