Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 6-8
Hopefully, the weather outside won’t be quite as frightful this weekend — the city should be thawing a little after a frigid week. Enjoy it while it lasts! Dance, shop, eat and even parade with these events in Pittsburgh this weekend.
Saturday in Mellon Square
Featuring the awe-inspiring Aurora light installation, Mellon Square will be bright and alive with holiday activity this Saturday. The day begins with the ticketed Best Bites Downtown self-guided tour, where attendees can explore the best food and drinks in the Downtown area — with more than 15 participating businesses. The tour will run from noon to 4 p.m.
The Holly Trolley will have extended hours beginning at 1 p.m. At 5 p.m., acclaimed eatery The Commoner will begin its Winter Warm-Up, a pop-up featuring seasonal cocktails, mocktails and bites.
Then, the live music will begin, with a 5 p.m. performance by Nick Guckert and a 6:30 p.m. performance by Joe Grushecky and the House Rockers.
For more information and tickets to the Best Bites Downtown tour, visit pittsburghparks.org.
‘Babes in Toyland’
The Pittsburgh Savoyards will perform the classic operetta “Babes in Toyland” this weekend at their playhouse in Bellevue. The musical journey follows two siblings on the run who wind up in the magical world of Toyland and must navigate mischief and mayhem on their quest to get home.
Performances will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Livestream tickets are also available for those who cannot attend in person. And this isn’t your only shot — the show will run on weekends through Dec. 21.
For all performance dates and tickets, visit pittsburghsavoyards.org.
Penguins on Parade
What’s more wintry than Pittsburgh’s favorite flightless bird? Starting this Saturday and Sunday — and occurring on Saturdays and Sundays through February — the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium will host a procession of penguins.
Starting in the aquarium’s upper deck on Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m., guests can watch as the tuxedo-dressed feathered friends explore along the “parade route” along the pathway.
Make sure to arrive early! This event is free with admission and tons of people show up to view the adorable birds. The event is also outdoors, so it will happen on a weather-permitting basis.
Learn more at pittsburghzoo.org.
Nutcracker on Ice
Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet is a holiday staple, and there are several opportunities to see it live in the region this Christmas season. But the RMU Island Sports Center on Neville Island is doing something a little different — they’re taking the tale to the ice.
Tickets to the Saturday and Sunday shows include a 12:45 p.m. pre-show exhibition by the Steel City Blades and Steel City Stars skating teams, the show at 1 p.m. and a post-show free skate with Santa until 4 p.m.
This version of ‘The Nutcracker’ will meld the old moves with some new while adding in the extra awe of ice skating.
Get the details and your tickets at rmuislandsports.com.
Benefit concert for Riley’s Pour House employees
After the devastating fire at Riley’s Pour House in Carnegie several weeks ago, the community is coming together for the employees who were affected. Local bands The Low Kings and RichPatrick Celtic Trio are here to help.
The two local groups are holding a benefit concert for Riley’s Pour House employees — with every dollar going toward that cause — at Allegheny Elks Lodge No. 339 on Pittsburgh’s North Side. This Friday night beginning at 6 p.m., enjoy music, food and beverages. $10 donation at the door, cash only.
A 50/50, raffles, food and cash bar will be available. The show is all ages. Learn more at The Low Kings’ Facebook page at facebook.com/TheLowKings.
Alexis Papalia is a TribLive staff writer. She can be reached at apapalia@triblive.com.
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