Events

Kamin Science Center – formerly Carnegie Science Center and Pittsburgh’s most visited museum – will celebrate the grand opening of Sports360, its newest and largest long-term exhibition, with a Family-Friendly Tailgate Celebration on Sat., Dec. 13.

The launch marks the first major exhibition opening since the museum unveiled its new identity this fall, powered by a historic $65 million gift from Dan and Carole Kamin – the largest in Carnegie Museums’ 130-year history.
 

A New Era, A New Exhibit

When the museum announced its transition to the Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin Science Center in September 2025, it signaled the beginning of a bold new era. That announcement revealed the museum’s plans for nine new exhibitions and experiences that will reimagine more than 75% of the Science Center’s exhibit spaces.

Sports360 exhibition is the latest of those new experiences to open, ushering in an unprecedented period of growth that will continue through 2026 and beyond.

“Our mission at the Science Center is to connect people and science, igniting curiosity that endures for a lifetime,” said Jason Brown, Henry Buhl, Jr., director of Kamin Science Center and vice president of Carnegie Museums. “Sports360 is the first major experience to open since we launched our new brand, and it perfectly captures the energy, imagination, and discovery that defines this new era of the Science Center. Sports360 celebrates where curiosity meets competition, and where visitors can experience the science behind movement, play, and hands-on challenges.”

About Sports360 Exhibition – Where Curiosity Meets Competition

At 9,500 square feet, Sports360 is the largest long-term exhibition at the Science Center. The high-energy experience immerses visitors in the science of athletic performance across football, baseball, hockey, soccer, basketball, and Olympic-inspired sports.

Featuring nearly 25 hands-on stations across four zones – Prepare, Practice, Participate, and Go Pro – visitors can:

• Dash, jump, weave, and race through NFL Combine-inspired challenges
• Test accuracy, reaction time, and instincts through sports simulators
• Drive a virtual Zamboni, investigate biomechanics, and experience the physics behind power and motion
• Discover how athletes train, adapt, and compete

Sports360 exhibition is designed for visitors of all ages and abilities, giving everyone a chance to test both their body and brain.

Family-Friendly Tailgate Celebration – Sat., Dec. 13

To celebrate the opening of this immersive new exhibition, Kamin Science Center will host a Family-Friendly Tailgate Celebration on Sat., Dec. 13, full of hometown spirit. Visitors will be able to:

• Take photos with a variety of Pittsburgh mascots, including the Pirate Parrot, Pierogies, Iceburgh, Steely McBeam, and AMO from the Pittsburgh Riverhounds
• Dance to high-energy music from DJ B-Renn, the official DJ for Pitt football and volleyball
• Snap selfies with the Pittsburgh Riverhounds’ new USL Championship Trophy
• Enjoy FREE photobooth photos with a Sports360 exhibit-themed backdrop
• Engage with hands-on physics demonstrations throughout the museum’s 1st Floor that explore forces, collisions, and motion
   

Part of a Multi-Year Transformation Rooted in Curiosity
 

Sports360 is among the first major initiatives made possible by the Kamin family’s transformational $65 million gift — a donation rooted in Dan Kamin’s childhood curiosity and frequent visits to the Buhl Planetarium, where he built his first telescope at age 13.
 

Upcoming projects that are part of the Kamin Science Center transformation include:

• Science of Speed (Opening summer 2026): An all-new experience devoted to the physics, engineering, and adrenaline behind the world’s fastest race cars featuring a two-story electric kart track, interactive exhibits, modern and vintage high-performance vehicles, and a racing-inspired lounge and restaurant
• Peirce Atrium (Opening fall 2026): An interactive exhibition that will fill the museum’s four-story atrium with light, movement, and imagination
• Responsive Science display (2026): A dynamic new experience exploring the local impacts of climate change in Southwestern Pennsylvania through immersive storytelling and innovative design
• Building Futures exhibition: A groundbreaking new exhibition spotlighting skilled trades and the science behind some of today’s most in-demand careers
• North Lot beautification project: A community-focused installation in the museum’s north parking lot with expanded green space and interpretative science displays
• 1st Floor gallery: A completely new space designed to energize visitors with interactive and engaging experiences
• Early Learners space: A new 4th Floor exhibition designed specifically for young explorers to foster curiosity and discovery through age-appropriate science play

“These experiences are only the beginning,” said Brown. “The generosity of the Kamin family has given us the opportunity to reimagine what a science museum can be — vibrant, modern, connected to community, and dedicated to igniting curiosity for generations.”

Sports360 exhibition is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, PPG, Pittsburgh Pirates, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Giant Eagle Foundation, Peoples Gas, and the Chuck Noll Foundation.
 

Batch-A-Toys is a community-focused initiative where the Best of the Batch Foundation supports over 400 families across various counties by providing toys for children, essential household items for adults, and holiday meal baskets for entire families. Thanks to the dedication of incredible volunteers, donors, and partner sites, more than 8,000 toys and household items are generously donated. Over 1,400 volunteers come together to wrap these donations, contributing more than 3,500 volunteer hours in total.

AMAZON  WALMART    DONATION

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• Keller Williams Pittsburgh North: 1001 Village Run Rd, Suite 200 Wexford Pa 15090
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• Tecum Capital: 8000 Brooktree Road, Wexford Pa, 15090
• DiCesaro Spine & Sport: 5990 University Blvd, Coraopolis, PA 15108
• Morgan Properties- Highlands of Montour Run Appartments: 100 Lincoln Highlands Dr. Coraopolis PA 15108
• Morgan Properties- Rochester Village Appartments: 10100 Kettlecreek Drive, Ste 100, Pittsburgh, PA 16066
• Morgan Properties- Nineen North Appartments: 1050 Nineteen North Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237
• Morgan Properties- Westpointe Appartments: 2000 Westpointe Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
• Continental Building Company: 395 East Waterfront Drive, Homestead, PA 15120 (Suite 300)
• Dukes: 122 W 8th Ave Homestead, PA 15120
• 8th and Hays: 122 W 8th Ave Homestead, PA 15120
• Live Fresh Juicery- Regent Square Edgewood: 1104 S Braddock Ave, Pittsburgh PA 15233
• Steel Valley Wellness Group: 3212 Main Street Munhall, PA 15120 (floor 1)
• The Waterfront Apartments/Morgan Properties 611 E Waterfront Dr, Munhall, PA 15120
• FASTSIGNS of Pittsburgh: 2831 Banksville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15216
• U-Haul- Strip District: 3000 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15201
• U-Haul- North Pittsburgh: 996 West View Park Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15229
• U-Haul- North Shore: 1200 Western Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15233
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More Information Click Here

Pittsburgh's cultural holiday events include the Highmark Light Up Night® on November 22, 2025, and the Peoples Gas Holiday Market, running from November 21 to December 24. Other events include the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra's Highmark Holiday Pops and A Musical Christmas Carol, along with festive pop-up bars and attractions like the Pittsburgh Crèche and the Kennywood Holiday Lights. Major events

• Highmark Light Up Night®: The official start to the holiday season, taking place on November 22, 2025.
• Peoples Gas Holiday Market: A European-style market with handcrafted goods and food, located at 7th Street and Penn Avenue from November 21 to December 24.
• Kennywood Holiday Lights: The amusement park will feature over 3 million lights, holiday rides, and entertainment from November 21 to December 24. 

Performances and arts

• Highmark Holiday Pops: A festive holiday concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at Heinz Hall, with performances from December 12 to December 21.
• A Musical Christmas Carol: The classic holiday story performed by the Pittsburgh CLO at the Byham Theater, with select performances from December 13 to December 23.
• Elf in Concert: Watch the movie with a live orchestra from November 21 to November 23 at Heinz Hall. 

Festive attractions and activities

• Pittsburgh Crèche: See the world's only approved replica of the Vatican's Nativity Scene, located at the U.S. Steel Tower.
• Holiday KidsPlay & Selfie Garden: Available from November 22 to December 21.
• Holiday Pop-Up Bars: Explore numerous themed bars like the Wigle Wonderland in the Strip District or the Naughty & Nice Christmas Experience in Gibsonia.
• UPMC Rink at PPG Place: Go ice skating to celebrate the holiday season. 

• Enjoy new, one-of-a-kind holiday experiences and immersive lighting displays:
  
  • Gather under a 50 foot tall tree at “Shimmering Square,” where you can enjoy warm beverages and holiday treats
  • Travel “Through the Stars” - a tunnel of beautiful, illuminated stars
  • Stroll through awe-inspiring, 30 foot walls of light at “Luminary Trail” 
  • Experience “Brilliance” - our nighttime spectacular around the lotus pond - enhanced by the soaring “Elevated Reflection” Sculpture from Poetic Kinetics
  • Celebrate among nightly snowfall at “Snow and Glow” 
  • See the creatures of the forest come to life as neon light
  • Get cozy with a loved one as you walk “Under the Mistletoe”
  • Experience the quiet “Garden of Reflection” adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and hundreds of candles
  • Dance your way past mirror ball snowmen in the “Disco Snowman Escape” maze
  • Enjoy our current exhibition in the Welcome Center, “In Full Bloom: A Celebration of African American Women Quilt Artists”
  • Gather for a family photo amongst larger-than-life illuminated ornaments 

DATES : November 28, 2025 - January 3, 2026

LOCATION : Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, 799 Pinkerton Run Rd, Oakdale, PA 15071

TIMES : Entry times begin at 5:00 pm and continue every 15 minutes throughout the night.

TICKETS : Tickets must be purchased for a specific time and date, and are available online only. Tickets are $28-34.75 for adults and $25-$33.75 for children (prices listed include fees) plus tax. Children 3 and under enter free.

ARRIVAL : For the all-inclusive ticket package on-site parking, please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time. For free off-site parking with ADA Accessible shuttle, please arrive 45 minutes before your ticketed entry time. 

PARKING : On-site parking is included in the all-inclusive ticket packages. 

ON-SITE PARKING ADDRESS  (All Inclusive ticket package with on-site parking required):

• Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
  799 Pinkerton Run Rd
  Oakdale, PA 15071

Complimentary off-site parking and an ADA Accessible shuttle will be provided as a FREE alternative located at Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool. 

OFF-SITE PARKING ADDRESS (no parking pass required):

• Settlers Cabin Park Wave Pool
  600 Ridge Rd
  Robinson, PA 15205

Please arrive at the ADA Accessible Sparkling Express Shuttle stop 45 minutes before your ticketed entry time. 

ACCESSIBLE PARKING: is available at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden on a first come, first served basis only with valid disability parking permit displayed.

FOOD : Dazzle your tastebuds with holiday-inspired nosh and nibbles along with tasty dessert options available for purchase throughout the duration of the event. Check out our beverage locations for chilled or toasty seasonal beverage selections.

WEATHER : Dazzling Nights is open  regardless of rain or snow, unless severe weather necessitates a cancellation for the safety of our team and guests. If a cancellation happens, our box office will email or text guests directly.

For further information, please check out our FAQ!

The holiday season shines bright at Kennywood! You could even say it glows with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Come to Holiday Lights and meet Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Bumble, and Sam the Snowman. Make family memories worth repeating with these classic Christmas characters.

Plus, Holiday Lights has more dates than ever this year, giving you more chances to enjoy all the holiday festivities! Take a stroll among more than three million twinkling lights and marvel at the tallest Christmas tree in the state. Savor the flavors of new festive foods and holiday drinks. Plus, explore the new Gingerbread Junction themed area, experience 25 family and thrill rides, and enjoy special entertainment for all. 

🎄 Holiday Lights Park Map

✅ Holiday Lights has once again been nominated for "Best Theme Park Holiday Event" by USA Today 10Best. Vote Now for Pittsburgh's Home for the Holidays!

• More Than Three Million Lights
• 25 Rides & Attractions
• Seasonal Entertainment & Shows
• Visit Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, See Model trains & More!

More Information:

https://www.kennywood.com/discover-the-park/plan-your-visit/holiday-lights

Venture over to PPG Place to ice skate around the beautifully decorated 66-foot illuminated Holiday tree on The Rink at PPG Place. The outdoor ice rink is open from the public starting November 14, 2025 through March 1, 2026, with special holiday hours for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's (we highly recommend reserving your tickets in advance).

Experience the magic of skating at our spectacular, one-of-a-kind outdoor rink in the heart of PPG Plaza. Glide through a winter wonderland surrounded by stunning city views and festive lights! Book online today!

We are an outdoor ice skating rink in the center of the crown jewel of the Pittsburgh skyline, PPG Place.

Ticketing this year can be done online and pre-paid to guarantee your date and entry time slot and to avoid waiting in long lines. Walk-up in-person sales will also be available, however, long waits can occur for walk-up admission on busy dates. Waiting can be avoided if advance tickets are pre-purchased online.

Skate rentals are available online and in person. Skate sharpening is also available in the Skate Rental Office for $10 per pair. Coin-operated lockers are available during your skate for rink customers only, available on a first-come, first-served basis. We also offer skate laces, gloves, and hats.

Dress for the weather. We recommend hats, gloves, and socks. Customers with skate rentals must wear socks. We have socks available for purchase if you forget to bring a pair.

• Ages: All Ages
• Duration: 1 Hour & 45 Mins
• Rentals: Skate Rentals Available

Tuesdays, beginning January 6th, enjoy one free child admission with the purchase of an adult admission!

We are an outdoor ice skating rink in the center of the crown jewel of the Pittsburgh skyline, PPG Place.

Ticketing this year can be done online and pre-paid to guarantee your date and entry time slot and to avoid waiting in long lines. Walk-up in-person sales will also be available, however, long waits can occur for walk-up admission on busy dates. Waiting can be avoided if advance tickets are pre-purchased online.

Wednesday, beginning January 7th, enjoy a half priced student ticket with a valid ID!

We are an outdoor ice skating rink in the center of the crown jewel of the Pittsburgh skyline, PPG Place.

Ticketing this year can be done online and pre-paid to guarantee your date and entry time slot and to avoid waiting in long lines. Walk-up in-person sales will also be available, however, long waits can occur for walk-up admission on busy dates. Waiting can be avoided if advance tickets are pre-purchased online.

More Information: 

As the region and the nation prepare to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, the Senator John Heinz History Center has partnered with the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators (PSI) on a new exhibition that uses the power of illustration to reflect on the ideals at the heart of the America’s founding — freedom, equality, justice, and liberty. Opening this Saturday, Oct. 11 in the museum’s fifth floor Barensfeld Gallery, My America: An Illustrated Experience features 63 original works of art by 35 illustrators that answer the question: what does America mean to you? From paintings and portraiture to sculpture and cartoons, the artwork asks visitors to consider how American ideals have been realized, challenged, and redefined over time. The My America exhibition invites visitors to celebrate voices that shaped our nation, embrace diverse perspectives, and continue the shared work of building a more perfect union to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Exhibit highlights include: 

• Portraits of beloved Pittsburghers like civil rights activist Daisy Lampkin, environmentalist Rachel Carson, and television host Fred Rogers
• A large-scale sculpture of 50 historical figures, including the flag-raisers at Iwo Jima, highlighted by imagery of Americans through time
• Illustrations of iconic places, from Plimoth Plantation to Pittsburgh neighborhoods, that explore the power and meaning of home and community
• The artwork “Thoughts and Prayers” which is designed to spark reflection and civil discourse about freedom of expression
• Hands-on interactives that invite you to create your own art, from designing a felt flag to piecing together a puzzle that reflects your vision of America

The exhibition also celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Pittsburgh Society of Illustrators, one of the largest illustrator groups in the United States. Visitors can meet and interact with PSI artists throughout the exhibit’s opening day on Saturday, Oct. 11. My America: An Illustrated Experience will be on view through Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. Celebrating America’s 250th in Pittsburgh The exhibition is a core component of the History Center’s year-long commemoration of the U.S. Semiquincentennial, marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, in partnership with America250PA. America250PA was established by the Pennsylvania state legislature and Governor in 2018 to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania’s integral role in that event, and the impact of its people on the nation’s past, present, and future. My America is also part of the History Center’s America 101 initiative, which empowers and inspires citizens to learn more about history and civics through public programs, special exhibitions, digital learning tools, and educational curriculum. Learn more at heinzhistorycenter.org. The Senator John Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and the largest history museum in Pennsylvania, presents American history with a Western Pennsylvania connection. The History Center was voted as the #1 history museum in America by readers of USA TODAY (2024, 2025) and “Pittsburgh’s Best Museum” by Pittsburgh Magazine (2022, 2023, 2024). The History Center and Sports Museum are located at 1212 Smallman Street in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. The History Center’s family of museums includes the Sports Museum; Fort Pitt Museum in historic Point State Park; and Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, a National Historic Landmark located in Avella, Pa., in Washington County. The History Center and Fort Pitt Museum are always free for kids, supported by the Kamin “Free for Kids” Initiative. More information is available at heinzhistorycenter.org. 

Featuring 63 original works of art by 35 illustrators, My America: An Illustrated Experience uses the power of illustration to reflect on ideals associated with the American Revolution and the pillars at the heart of the nation’s founding — freedom, equality, justice, and liberty. Image: “History of Persistence” by James Mellett.

Photojournalism is work and it is livelihood, it is craft and it is documentation, it is a way to be in the world and to share the world, it is a way to resist oppression while insisting on the fullness of life.

Black Photojournalism presents work by nearly 60 photographers chronicling historic events and daily life in the United States from the conclusion of World War II in 1945 to the presidential campaigns of 1984, including the civil rights movements through the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. Drawn from archives and collections in the care of journalists, libraries, museums, newspapers, photographers, and universities, the original work prints in the exhibition were circulated and reviewed in publishing offices before anything went to print. Each one represents the energy of many dedicated individuals who worked to get out the news every single day. One picture leads to another, making visible multiple experiences of history while proposing ways of understanding today as tomorrow is being created.

Responding to a dearth of stories about Black lives told from the perspectives of Black people, Black publishers and their staff created groundbreaking editorial and photojournalistic methods and news networks. During a period of urgent social change and civil rights advocacy, newspapers and magazines, including the Afro American News, Atlanta Daily World, Pittsburgh Courier, Chicago Defender, and Ebony, transformed how people were able to access seeing themselves and their communities. Their impact on the media landscape continues into the digital present.

The exhibition, designed by artist David Hartt, is co-organized by Dan Leers, curator of photography, and Charlene Foggie-Barnett, Charles “Teenie” Harris community archivist, in dialogue with an expanded network of scholars, archivists, curators, and historians.

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