July is Disability Pride Month and Plastic Free Month, and there are events to celebrate both this week of July 13-19 in Pittsburgh’s East End. Talk about cooking with disabilities at the library or get your hands dirty at a community cleanup at Homestead Frick Park. Later in the week, check out Lawrenceville in Point Breeze (at a special event at The Frick), laugh at the Pittsburgh Improv with Bob the Drag Queen and much more.
Pittsburgh Community Events July 13-19
Cookbook Club
July 14, Carnegie Library East Liberty
This new club at the Carnegie Library in East Liberty is focused on all things culinary. In honor of Disability Pride Month, learn all the tools, tips and tricks for the disabled cook. This month’s discussion, based on the work of chef and advocate Jules Sherred, challenges ableism in cooking and makes every day recipes, meal planning and kitchen organization work for disabled and neurodivergent people.
Community Litter Cleanup & Picnic
July 15, Homestead Frick Park
Help “redd up” Homestead Frick Park with fellow community members — then enjoy a picnic dinner! Volunteers will receive a free toolkit to learn about ways to reduce plastic use in daily life. Celebrate Plastic Free July with Humane Action Pittsburgh and Allegheny Cleanways, all while helping out in the community.
Neighborhood Night: Lawrenceville
July 16, Lawrenceville
Experience Lawrenceville … on the other side of the East End. Various Lawrenceville businesses will set up shop at the Frick to showcase all the neighborhood has to offer. Select participating organizations include Hellbender Vinyl, Hop Farm Brewing Company, The Shelf Love Society, Cilantro & Ajo and more. Your ticket includes after-hours access to the museum’s current exhibit, “French Moderns: Matisse/ Renoir/ Degas.”
Open Salsa Dancing
July 17, Bakery Square
Soak in music and vibes while learning to salsa dance at the Bakery Square Courtyard. Professional dancers will guide you through the popular partner dance, step by step, or you can just hang out and enjoy the DJ’s setlist and lovely outdoor space.
Bob the Drag Queen
July 17-18, Pittsburgh Improv
RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 8 winner, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning comedian and all-around entertainer extraordinaire Bob the Drag Queen is coming to the Pittsburgh Improv! You’ll have four chances over two nights to see Bob’s comedic genius live and in person.
Macaron Decorating Class with BB&Bur
July 18, The Frick Pittsburgh
Get hands-on experience making traditional French macarons at The Frick in this class led by Ben Fine, owner of BB&Bur Pastry Kitchen and Bakery. Learn techniques to fill and finish two flavors of the elegant dessert — vanilla bean and sour peach ring — and take home a dozen to share with others. You’ll earn serious baking bragging rights.
Restorative Yoga
July 19, Frick Environmental Center
Focus on your physical, mental and emotional health in this slow-paced class meant for all experience levels. This yoga session will be led by Dr. Pamela Nichols, who has more than 30 years experience as a restorative yoga instructor. Essential oils will relax you during a rejuvenating hour at Frick Environmental Center.
You can also view our summer calendar to see what else is happening this next month in the ‘Burgh!
Story by Rachel Windsor
Photo by Dr. Pamela Nichols, Courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy