⚾ Sports
The Pirates are back at PNC Park this week hosting the St. Louis Cardinals for a four game set. Monday at 7:05 PM, Tuesday at 7:05 PM, Wednesday at 12:35 PM (that's a rare afternoon game, perfect for sneaking out of work early), and Thursday at 7:05 PM. Tickets are still available on the Pirates site, and if you haven't been yet this summer, the view from the left field bleachers at sunset is hard to beat. I'm actually going Wednesday with my nephew, he's been begging to see O'Neil Cruz hit one out. Get tickets here.
🎵 Music & Nightlife
Over at Stage AE, the indie rock band Mt. Joy plays Tuesday night at 8:00 PM. Doors open at 7. They've got that dreamy folk rock sound that's perfect for a summer evening. I saw them at Bonnaroo a few years back and their live show is something else. Tickets and info.
The Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks has a hip hop show Wednesday with Action Bronson and special guests, starts at 8:00 PM. That place has great sound and a cool vintage vibe. Check the lineup.
For something a little different, Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale is hosting a tribute night Friday with bands covering Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty. Starts at 8:00 PM. It's a fun crowd, and the venue is this old converted church which gives it a unique atmosphere. See what's on.
And don't forget the free concert series at the Allegheny County Courthouse lawn on Friday evening at 6:30 PM. This week it's the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra doing a pops program. Bring a blanket and some snacks. It's a Pittsburgh summer tradition. More details.
🎨 Arts & Culture
Shakespeare in the Park is back at Highland Park this weekend. The Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks group is putting on "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Free, no tickets required. Just show up and grab a spot on the lawn. I've been going for years and it's always charming. Learn more.
The Andy Warhol Museum has extended hours on Friday until 10:00 PM with half price admission after 5:00 PM. They've got a new exhibit on Warhol's Polaroids that's worth seeing. Plan your visit.
At the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's Wood Street Galleries, a new interactive installation called "Light and Sound" opens Friday with a reception from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. It's free and the artist will be there. More info.
🍽️ Food & Drink
The Bloomfield Saturday Market is still going strong every Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM on Liberty Avenue. Local produce, baked goods, artisan cheeses. I'm a sucker for the pierogies from that one stand. Market details.
On Wednesday evening, the Strip District Night Market returns from 5 to 9 PM. It's a block party with food vendors, live music, and local crafts. The whole family can come, and there's usually a bounce house for the kids. Check it out.
And for a unique food experience, the Pittsburgh Taco Festival is Saturday from 12 PM to 8 PM at the Pittsburgh Mills Mall parking lot. Over 20 taco vendors, a margarita tent, and a lucha libre wrestling exhibition. I'm not kidding. Tickets are $10 in advance. Get tickets.
👨👩👧 Family & Outdoors
The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium has extended summer hours through August, open until 6 PM daily. The new sea lion exhibit is a hit with my kids. They've also got a special "Zoo After Dark" event Thursday night from 6 to 9 PM with night vision goggles to see nocturnal animals. Tickets.
Carnegie Science Center has a new IMAX movie about space that's playing all week, plus their regular exhibits. On Friday, they're doing a laser show featuring Taylor Swift at 8 PM. Yes, really. See showtimes.
Outdoors, the Allegheny River Trail is beautiful for a family bike ride. You can rent bikes at the Waterfront in Homestead and ride along the river. The weather this week looks perfect, mid 80s and sunny. Trail info.
And finally, if you're looking for a quick escape, McConnell's Mill State Park is about an hour north and has great hiking and a natural waterslide. The kids will love it. Just bring water shoes. Park details.
That's the rundown for this week. I'll be at the Pirates game Wednesday and maybe the taco festival Saturday. Hope you get out and enjoy it. Summer in Pittsburgh doesn't last forever.
