I Made It! Market for the Holidays, Saturday, November 23, 11 am – 6 pm, Edgewood Town Center, 1775 S. Braddock Avenue. With a nod to Small Business Saturday next weekend, the I Made It! Market presents it’s holiday edition where you can shop the creations of 65 local artisans this Saturday. Get a jump on the holiday shopping before Black Friday and support local artisans. Admission is free and it’s a great opportunity to find unique gifts and/or a little something fun for yourself.
Comcast Light Up Night, Friday, November 21, Downtown. Kick off the holiday season with lights, music and festivities at the 56th Light Up Night. Adam Lambert, who competed on American Idol and recently toured with Queen, will headline the evening at the main stage (Ft. Duquesne Blvd. & Stanwix Street) at 8:30pm. MCG Jazz presents; The Music of Fred Rogers at the stage at 625 Liberty Avenue at 6pm, 7 pm and 8 pm. Gingerbread houses, including one that pays tribute to the city’s recent sinkhole, will be displayed at the City County Building. Rooftop Fireworks will light up the sky at 7pm from Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street. Check out the website for a complete schedule of events. The Peoples Gas Holiday Market will also kick off its season in Market Square during Light Up Night, with it’s “village” of wooden chalets housing vendors selling international and locally crafted items. The Holiday Market is open 11 am – 6 pm thru December 23.
Pittsburgh FireWalk, Saturday and Sunday, November 23 & 24, 5:30 pm – 11 pm, Buhl Community Park at Allegheny Square, North Side. Few things bring people together to enjoy a crisp evening like a bonfire. City of Play, with support from the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, Rivers of Steel and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, will illuminate public gathering spaces with their Pittsburgh Firewalk at Allegheny Commons. Four “cauldrons” have been crafted by artisans to reflect our steel heritage and will be positioned in Allegheny Common’s new public art installation. A team comprised of a storyteller, dancer, and musician/band will lead performances at each cauldrons. Stories based on local history and stories from far away lands will be shared. It’s an opportunity to get away from technology and screens, meet neighbors/new friends and feel the warmth of both the fire and the spirit of community. Free, however cash donations to provide fuel for the fires can be made on the City of Play website.
A Very Merry Pittsburgh,, Friday – Sunday, November 22 – 24 (exhibit runs thru Jan. 5), 10 am – 5 pm, Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman Street, Strip District. If you are feeling a bit nostalgic, head over to the Heinz History Center for a blast from holidays past. Artifacts, film and photographs representing how those from Western PA celebrated Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa will be on display. Recall childhood memories with retro toys and decorations from Pittsburgh department stores. Tickets: $9 – $18.
Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton & Jontavious Willis, Saturday, November 23, 7:30 pm, Carnegie Lecture Hall, 625 Liberty Avenue, Oakland. Paxton has received much acclaim as a multi-instrumental musician; playing banjo, guitar, piano, violin, Cajun accordion and percussion and Willis contributing his acoustic blues. Together, they fuse jazz, blues, folk and storytelling into an entertaining, musical evening. Tickets: $20 -$40.
Damien Escobar: Element of Love Tour, Friday, November 223, 8 pm, Rex Theater, 1602 E. Carson Street, Southside. As a two time Emmy award winner, Escobar plays a unique blend of hip hop and classic melodies on violin. Tickets: $40 – $50.
Kennywood Holiday Lights, Friday & Saturday, November 22 & 23 (thru Dec. 22). Not to be left out on Light Up Night, Kennywood will be twinkling with holiday spirit beginning this weekend. Over 2 million lights will illuminate the park and attendees will even get to ride some of the traditional amusements, like the Kangaroo and Merry Go Round. Kenny Kangaroo will accompany Santa for photos. On Friday night, Zambelli Fireworks will light up the winter sky. Tickets: $18.49 – $19.49. For an extra fee you can also have a meal with Santa himself.
