Fill August 10-16 with neighborhood traditions, book launches, concerts, charity events and late-summer festivals. Whether you’re looking for a memorable meal, a reason to explore a different part of the city or something new to get you out of the house, there are plenty of community events happening across the East End of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Community Events for Families and More August 10-16
Pittsburgh Restaurant Week
Aug. 10-16
Restaurant Week is the perfect time to try a new spot or head to your favorite joint for a special menu. (A couple of tips: Make a reservation ahead of time and mention Restaurant Week when you’re first seated to ensure you’re given the proper menus and pricing.) Participating restaurants in the East End include: Fish Nor Fowl (East Liberty), The Abbey on Butler Street (Lawrenceville), Garbarino’s (East Liberty), Paris 66 (East Liberty), City Kitchen at Bakery Square (East Liberty), Senti Restaurant (Lawrenceville), Khalil’s Middle Eastern Restaurant (Bloomfield), täkō torta (East Liberty), Camino Cocteleria & Cocina (Bloomfield) and Muddy Waters Oyster Bar (East Liberty).
Book Launch: Melody Robinette’s These Vile Hearts
Aug. 11, White Whale Bookstore
Celebrate local author Melody Robinette’s debut romantasy novel during a special book launch event. In These Vile Hearts, the protagonist faces a modern problem with a fantasy-realm solution: If our protagonist kills the villain on behalf of the queen, she’ll be cured of her life-threatening illness … which she can no longer afford to treat, due to losing her health insurance. Chat with the author — and grab a signed copy of the book. Fellow writer Jenna Voris will also be on hand.
Bloomfield Little Italy Days
Aug. 13-16
The annual Italian festival returns to Bloomfield, Pittsburgh’s very own “Little Italy,” for four days. Highlights include: a Q&A and storytelling with Joseph R. Gannascoli, known for playing Vito Spatafore on The Sopranos; live entertainment across three stages; a Pittsburgh celebrity bocce tournament; and, of course, plenty of Italian cuisine.
Survival Home Charity Presents: My Generation Master
Aug. 15, Kelly Strayhorn Theater
The Kelly Strayhorn offers a screening of My Generation Master, a documentary about the Nigerian-Biafran War of the late ’60s. A special dance performance will follow the film. Proceeds from the evening will go toward survivors of the war.
In Bed by Ten Dance Party
Aug. 15, Spirit
Love dancing — but not into clubbing at midnight? Then Spirit has just the party for you. DJ MB will keep guests moving, spinning the best hits from the ’70s and beyond … from 6-9 p.m., giving you plenty of time to get a good night’s sleep. All ticket proceeds go to Allegheny Cleanways to stop illegal dumping and littering in our waterways.
The Mountain Goats
Aug. 15, Mr. Smalls
American indie-folk band The Mountain Goats takes the stage at Mr. Smalls with songs from their new album, Days. The songs have a nostalgic theme, harkening to events from the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s; the lyrics reflect on how memories change the further in the past they become.
Highland Park Tree ID Hike
Aug. 15, Highland Park
Pittsburgh Park Rangers will lead you through a tour of Highland Park and show guests the native trees that make up the city park’s landscape. Learn the many ways to identify trees — and spend time in nature with the experts.
Story by Rachel Windsor
Photo: Italian Fare from Garbarino’s, One of the Restaurants Participating in Pittsburgh Restaurant Week. Photo by Dave Bryce