5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Dec. 1-3
It’s the first weekend of December. Here are some ways to spend it.
Open house
The 32nd Nationality and Intercultural Exchange Programs Holiday Open House is from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Nationality and Heritage Rooms inside the Cathedral of Learning on Pitt’s campus in Oakland.
Guests are invited to tour the rooms that are decorated for the holiday season. Traditional crafts and cultural demonstrations will teach about the ethnic communities and traditions.
The common area will feature treats and music, as well as a shop for handcrafted and cultural wares.
St. Nicholas will make an appearance for photos.
The event is free.
Details: nationalityrooms.pitt.edu
Holly jolly party
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum in Oakland is hosting a Holly Jolly Holiday Party from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
The North Pittsburgh Symphonic Band will play patriotic holiday music. Rapper Harvey “Frzy” Daniels will put his own spin on a Christmas classic. Guests are invited to wear their gaudiest Christmas outfit for the ugly sweater contest, shopping in Santa’s Village and for photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Treats will be available at the Pittsburgh cookie table.
The event benefits Folds of Honor, which helps provide ducational scholarships for families of fallen and disabled service members and first responders; Toys for Tots; and Gunny’s Ridge, which provides education, empowerment and community for veterans and first responders.
Tickets are sold at the door, but advance purchase is encouraged. Admission is $25. Children age 16 and under are free.
Details: soldiersandsailorshall.org
Attack Theatre
Attack Theatre presents “Rowhouse,” a dance and music performance with Dave Eggar and his band, featuring Le’Asha Julius, an actress, singer and rapper who has opened for artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Salt ‘n’ Peppa.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday at Attack Theatre Studios in Lawrenceville.
“Rowhouse” features dancers performing on a rotating set. Guitarist Phil Faconti and mandolin player Blake Collins will also perform.
There is a meet-the-artists reception for $65. General admission is $45. Artist, educator, senior and student tickets are $25.
Details: attacktheatre.com
Downtown markets
The 19th annual Handmade Arcade is Friday and Saturday at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.
More than 275 makers will sell products ranging from upcycled clothing to screenprints to jewelry.
Handmade Arcade will host youth makers and, for the first time, makers from the BIPOC Maker Accelerator, a program that launched this year in partnership with Sustainable, a woman, minority and immigrant-owned startup in Pittsburgh.
The main event is free and held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Registering for free timed-ticketing is required. Early-bird shoppers get in from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for $25 on Saturday. A happy hour is from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday for $35.
The fourth annual Black Market: Holiday Edition is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Presented by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership in partnership with Shayla Hawkins Events, the pop-up market will take place at 413 Wood St. and feature a selection of goods and gifts created by Black-owned businesses from around the region.
The shopping opportunity showcases a range of products such as premium coffee, specialty foods, self-care items, home goods, fashion accessories and more.
Details: handmadearcade.org or downtownpittsburghholidays.com/blackmarket
Alpacas
The PA Market in the Strip District is hosting an event showcasing locally raised alpacas from Asgard Acres Alpaca Farm, of Renfrew in Butler County.
From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, guests are invited to the courtyard to help feed the animals snacks and take photos with them.
Alpaca-inspired items such as hats, scarves, shirts and stuffed animals will be for sale.
The two-story European-style market offers six counter-style restaurants and four bars. The market will serve holiday cocktails and mocktails.
Details: thepamarket.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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