5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: March 15-17
It is St. Patrick’s Day weekend, which includes the annual parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Downtown. The Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show is happening all weekend and the Penguins host games on Saturday and Sunday, so plan accordingly. Here are some ways to spend it.
Go to the movies
The Rangos Giant Cinema, in the soon-to-be Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center on the North Shore, will show the film “Ireland,” narrated by Liam Neeson.
Showtimes are 12:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The film features Ireland’s natural landmarks such as the giant Cliffs of Moher, the volcanic wonder of Giant’s Causeway, and the rugged Skellig Islands. The 43-minute show follows Irish writer Manchán Magan, violinist Patricia Treacy, and four Irish teens on a cross-country adventure.
It is presented by Tourism Ireland. Tickets are $10.
Details: CarnegieScienceCenter.org
Spring flowers
Two flower events are happening this weekend.
The Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania is hosting “Orchid Obsession” from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the Crowne Plaza Suites Hotel in Bethel Park.
The show’s theme recognizes the joy these plants bring and celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Orchid Society. The National Garden Bureau selected the orchid as Houseplant of the Year in 2023. There will be seminars and a vendor area.
Admission is $5. Guests under 18 are free.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden’s “Spring Flower Show: A Closer Look” opens Saturday. The show has magnifying glasses stationed throughout and tens of thousands of spring blooms, including tulips, narcissus and hyacinths, in shades of yellow, orange, blue and more. A spinning geometric sculpture of violet, hot pink and orange is located in the center of the Victoria Room pond and an animatronic butterfly flapping its wings is in the Broderie Room.
Tickets are $21.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors and students, $13.95 for children 2-18. Children Under 2 are free
Details: phipps.conservatory.org or oswp.org
Tina Turner
The Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty presents “Simply the Best: A Tina Turner Tribute Concert” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
The show captures Turner’s magnetic energy and earthshaking talent and explores her half-century career.
Musical direction is by Dwayne Fulton, a Pittsburgh-based musician, pianist and composer. Performers include Chanell C.J. Harris, Julia Flowers, J.R. Jones, Michael Davis, Zuliakha Mason, Krystyn Kirkland and Gary Davis.
Since 2020, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater has been collaborating with Fulton on a series of tribute concerts honoring musical genres and artistic legends.
Tickets are $25-$65.
Details: kelly-strayhorn.org
Music makers
Pittsburgh’s own Donnie Iris takes the stage with the Cruisers at 7 p.m. Saturday at UPMC Events Center in Moon.
The Clarks and the Vindys out of Youngstown, Ohio, will open the show. It has been more than a year since Iris has performed since being diagnosed with bladder cancer. Iris is known for songs such as “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like a Rock.” His show is called the “Luck of the Iris” since it’s happening on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Limited tickets are available for $39.95.
Bryan Adams will be at PPG Paints Arena, Uptown, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. He is bringing his “So Happy It Hurts Tour” with the Eurythmics Songbook featuring Dave Stewart.
Tickets start at $56.
Details: upmceventscenter.com or ppgpaintsarena.com
Rock the boat
The Gateway Clipper Fleet is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Party boat ride with the music of Bon Journey on Friday.
WDVE 102.5 FM and 3WS 94.5 are partnering for a two-and-a-half-hour trip of 1980s throwback music featuring tributes to the iconic music of Bon Jovi and Journey.
The boat boards at 7 p.m. and sails from 8 to 10:30 p.m. There will be a full-service cash bar and snack bar.
Attendees must be 21 years old.
Details: gatewayclipper.com
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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