5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Feb. 23-25
It’s the final weekend of February. Here are some ways to spend it.
Take the plunge
The 14th annual Pittsburgh Polar Plunge is Friday and Saturday on Art Rooney Avenue near Acrisure Stadium on the North Shore.
This event invites participants of all ages — plungers under 18 will need a parent or guardian signature — to jump in frigid pools. The temperature is forecast to be a high of 49 degrees Friday and 32 degrees on Saturday.
The Cool Schools plunge is from 9 a.m. to noon Friday with approximately 1,000 students from Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools participating. A happy hour plunge will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., hosted by Pittsburgh Brewing Co. and sponsored by Calgon Carbon.
On Saturday, the general plunge begins at 11 a.m. There will be an opening ceremony followed by the First to Freeze Law Enforcement Plunge.
The event benefits Special Olympics Pennsylvania, which provides year-round sports and programming to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
There will be music and food.
Spectators are welcome free of charge.
Details: specialolympicspa.org
Soup’s on
The annual South Side Soup Contest is from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Twenty restaurants will compete and be judged by what the event organizers are calling “soupers.” They will vote for the Best Soup, Best Vegetarian Soup, and Most Unique Soup.
Businesses will compete for the “Best Host Location” by decorating and offering entertainment and activities for guests. Proceeds from the event will benefit Brashear Association’s food pantry and South Side Chamber of Commerce’s initiatives in the business community.
Registration sites are located at City Theatre, South Side Presbyterian Church, and 510 S. 27th St. at SouthSide Works. Non-perishable items brought to registration will help fill the pantry.
Tickets are $50-$100 and can only be purchased online.
Details: southsidesoup.com
‘Fiddler on the Roof’
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, in collaboration with Pittsburgh CLO, will present “Fiddler on the Roof” at 8 p.m. Friday, 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Heinz Hall , Downtown. Andy Einhorn will conduct the symphony in a special concert featuring John Williams’ adapted, Oscar Award-winning score to the 1971 film. It is directed and choreographed by Gustavo Zajac.
Shuler Hensley is in the role of Tevye and Anne L. Nathan plays Tevye’s wife, Golde.
The supporting cast is composed of Pittsburgh talent, including The Tamburitzans and students from the Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, as well as the Hamlisch-Page Student Chorus under the direction of Christine Hestwood.
Tickets start at $25.
Details: pittsburghsymphony.org
Street Skate
Etna’s annual Street Skate is from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. It includes ice skating on Butler Street. There will be refreshments and skates will be available. Guests can have skates sharpened for free.
Sponsored by the Borough of Etna and the Etna Economic Development Corporation, it is part of Live Well Allegheny activities for outdoor recreation and exercise in the winter months.
The event is free.
Details: etnaborough.org
Q-Ball
Quantum Theatre’s Q Ball is from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday at the Union Trust Building, Downtown. The theme is Quantum Leap.
Guests will receive a passport and travel to what’s called the Quantum Multiverse. They will enter the World of The Mystic, the World of Magic, and the World of Sweet Indulgence.
The night will also include mingling with Quantum cast and crew members, dancing with DJ Selecta, magic by Jon Tai, tarot readings by Rosebush Tarot and a silent auction.
Limited tickets available at $150
Details: quantumtheatre.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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