Events

New!  Three August Wilson classics, all running in August 2025:

Two Trains Running, at Madison Arts Center in the Carter Woodson Redwood Theater, August 9th – 30th.

Fences, outside at August Wilson House, August 8th – September 6th.

Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, at Madison Arts Center in our ground-floor cabaret space, August 15th – 24th.

More Info

Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company is rooted in the African American community, and its mission is to produce the works of local racially and culturally diverse playwrights as well as Pittsburgh themed plays. We provide a nurturing environment for all who work on and off the stage, and build and serve a culturally diverse audience that can strengthen our civic community. We believe that bridges are built when diverse groups of people work together to make and experience the arts, and the stories that are told through the arts.

We seek to nurture a racially and culturally diverse community of theatre professionals, while supporting a similarly diverse management staff and board of directors who, working together, develop audiences that reflect the diversity of Pittsburgh’s community.

Our goal is to be a center of learning, discovery and connection for emerging and established local theatre artists. We work to encourage new playwriting, directing, acting and designing in Pittsburgh, especially among people who may not have the opportunity to see their work produced. This includes emerging artists, artists from marginalized communities, and people who are self-taught or new to the arts.

More about PPTCO:

History

Our Board of Directors and Staff

Part of our Summer Concert Series presented by Citizens, Highland Park will feature some of the region's best jazz musicians and local cuisine on Sundays in August.  The music runs each week from 5-7PM, with Summer Soul Line Dancing following each concert at the fountain!

August 3     Roger Humphries Sr & RH Factor
August 10    Lynn Speakman 6tet
August 17    Thomas Wendt Quartet
August 24   Paul Cosentino’s Boiler Maker Jazz Band
August 31    Scott Boni Quartet

Full details: pittsburghpa.gov/concerts

The City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Pittsburgh Water, Urban Redevelopment Authority, Stadium Authority, and Parking Authority have teamed up with MGT for a Disparity Study to better understand how race, ethnicity, gender, and other factors impact access to business opportunities across our region.

Join us on August 6 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM for our next public meeting!  

This is your chance to share your experience doing business in Pittsburgh and help drive real change. We'll also be launching surveys, focus groups, and interviews for local businesses and ecosystem partners.

Your voice matters. Your experience counts. Whether you're an MWDBE, LGBTQBE, Non-DBE, or part of the broader business ecosystem, your insights will help shape a more inclusive and equitable marketplace.

Learn more at: engage.pittsburghpa.gov/disparity-study

Let’s build a more inclusive and equitable marketplace together.

Saturday, August 23, 2025

Location

Allegheny Common Park West

West Ohio Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

Water Lantern Festival is a community event that encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to come together for a night of love and laughter. 

Gather with your loved ones, reflect on your life, and connect with new friends. As the sun sets, release your personalized lantern onto the water and watch it illuminate the night. 

Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, and the lantern launch.

Get Tickets

Please join us as August Wilson Archive Educator Award recipients hold a panel discussion about their summer research within the August Wilson Archive. Educators will be discussing their topics of research and showcasing materials from the parts of the collection that they worked on.

This event is FREE and open to the public

Location:   Hillman Library, Third Floor
Archives and Special Collections Instruction Room
Room 340
3960 Forbes Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15260

Sponsored By: University of Pittsburgh Library System and Henry L. Hillman Foundation

Date: Friday, August 8, 2025
Time: 10 - 11:30 a.m.

To register and for more information

What’s your TOP priority for Pittsburgh’s future?

I moved around a lot as a kid and owning a home was my dream as an adult.

It really sucks that Pittsburgh has a surplus of 19,000 housing units, but over 4,000 are indefinitely vacant.

Why do we have houses sitting vacant while so many parents are desperately searching for a safe, affordable place to live.

That experience is one reason housing equity is my #1 priority for Pittsburgh’s future.

What’s your priority for Pittsburgh?

PGH2050 is asking us to weigh in on what urgent priorities need to be addressed to build a more Just Pittsburgh.

This is our moment to say what matters most:

• What must change in Pittsburgh by 2050?
• What big actions should the City commit to?
• What are the tough choices we’re willing to make for a better future?
  

📝 Take the survey today: https://bit.ly/PrioritiesSurvey2050

If we don’t speak up, our issues—Black maternal health, affordable housing, youth safety, mental health support—might not make the cut.

You can also take the survey at the Public Workshop below.  RSVP Today!!!

👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽👇🏽

Muffy Mendoza

Brown Mamas

An unforgettable night of music, magic, and community—supporting the parks that make Pittsburgh shine

 Mark your calendars and get ready to shine—Glow in the Park is back! The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy's luminous fall fundraiser returns to Schenley Plaza on Friday, September 19, from 7 – 10 P.M., promising an unforgettable evening — all in support of the parks that bring Pittsburgh to life.

Presented by Peoples, an Essential Utilities Company, Glow in the Park is a 21+ celebration under the stars, filled with exciting new experiences. Guests can look forward to sweet treat stations, tarot card readings, and fun surprises around every corner. Back by popular demand, DJ Digital Dave will once again light up the night with crowd-pleasing beats that keep the dance floor moving.

Tickets range from $99 to $250 and are available now at pittsburghparks.org/glow, with proceeds benefitting parks across the city. 

"Glow in the Park is one of those special nights where you feel the magic of what parks make possible—connection, joy, and a true sense of community," said Sophie Gage, Senior Events Manager at the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. "We're so excited to bring people together in Schenley Plaza again to celebrate and support our parks in a fun and meaningful way."

More than just a party, Glow in the Park helps power the Parks Conservancy's mission and amplify its efforts as it embarks on an ambitious new five-year strategic plan. Proceeds support vital initiatives, including ecological restoration, environmental education programs, and community-driven park improvements across the city.

This year's celebration comes on the heels of a major milestone for Pittsburgh: the city was recently ranked among the top 15 park systems in the country by the Trust for Public Land's 2025 ParkScore report—a proud moment that underscores the importance of sustained investment in public parks.

Schenley Plaza, the heart of Glow in the Park, is itself a symbol of what's possible. Once a gravel parking lot, the Parks Conservancy transformed the park in 2006 into a lively public gathering space, complete with gardens, the Hellman Lawn, unique food kiosks, and the iconic PNC Carousel.

Be part of a night that celebrates Pittsburgh's parks and the people who love them. Learn more and get your tickets now at pittsburghparks.org/glow. 

The City of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce the release of the 2025 CitiParks Summer Guide.  CitiParks and the CitiParks Office of Special Events are here to make planning your summer simple and stress-free. 

The summer season in Pittsburgh is packed with fun and FREE events throughout the City and CitiParks has everything covered. From farmers markets, footraces, and the Roving Art Cart’s 50th year of ‘Arts in the Park’ to Juneteenth and 4th of July activities and more, you can find it all in the 2025 CitiParks Summer Guide. 

The City of Pittsburgh is centered around our neighborhoods, welcoming communities, and people. CitiParks is dedicated to connecting all of Pittsburgh’s residents and visitors through our programs and engaging activities. CitiParks also aims to provide a summer that is enjoyable, safe, and family- and child-friendly.  Safety is CitiParks’ number one priority for all of our residents and visitors.  

The 2025 CitiParks Summer Guide is available online HERE. It will also be available at CitiParks Recreation and Healthy Active Living (Senior) Centers, Farmers Markets, Concerts and various locations throughout the City.   

The City of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce that, 50 years after its opening, the Schenley Park Skating Rink will now offer roller skating all summer long until August 31, 2025. 

Roller skaters can take their first lap at the rink on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 AM – 12 PM and 5 PM – 8:30 PM.   

“After working closely with Pittsburgh’s local roller-skating community, we’re excited to roll out something new for 2025 at Schenley Rink,” said Kathryn Vargas, Director of CitiParks. “The organizers of PGH SK8 started hosting roller skate events at the rink and have worked to help us reimagine how we can utilize this facility to offer Pittsburghers an additional fun summer recreational activity in Schenley Park.” 

This programming is made possible with the generous support of the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). 

Admission prices are as follows:  

Adults: $5.00 

Youth: $3.00 

Seniors: $4.00 

Veterans:  $4.00 

Admission Tickets can ONLY be purchased online by clicking HERE! 

Roller Skating Rentals (Quads Only) will be available later this summer for $3.00.  Until then, you will need to bring your own skates! 

Rink Summer Closures: 

The Schenley Park Skating Rink will be CLOSED on the following days: 

• Thursday, June 19, 2025—Juneteenth Holiday 
• Friday, July 4, 2025—Independence Day 
• Friday, July 18 – Sunday, July 20, 2025—Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix 

Rules & operations information are as follows:  

• Roller Skating is weather permitting 
• Each session is open skate, and the box office closes 15 minutes before the session ends 
• Each session is limited to 200 patrons 
• No outside food or drink. (Water is exception) 
• Inline and Roller Skates are welcome 
• No exit/re-entry. Once you leave a new admissions ticket must be purchased to return 
• Online tickets only—Box Office is closed 

For more information, visit https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Park-Facilities/Schenley-Skating-Rink/Schenley-Park-Roller-Rink, call the Rink at 412.422.6523, or scan the QR code down below. Be sure to follow CitiParks on FACEBOOK, TWITTER and INSTAGRAM to always be in the know.  

We can’t wait to see you at the rink! 

The CitiParks Office of Special Events is pleased to announce the official Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park schedule for the coming summer. Moviegoers can bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an evening of cinema under the stars in various neighborhood locations from June through early August. All movies are presented to the public free of charge and begin at dusk.

The 2025 movie season will showcase recent blockbusters “Wicked”, “Moana 2” and “Dune: Part Two”, while also featuring past hit titles such as “National Treasure” during the week of the Independence Day holiday, family favorite “Soul”, and adventure epic “O Brother, Where Art Thou”. The nearly nightly film schedule will return to popular locations, with weekly movies taking place at Flagstaff Hill, Grandview Park Bandstand, Riverview Park (following “Stars at Riverview” concerts), and Schenley Plaza. Rotating locations throughout the summer will include Arsenal Park, Banksville Park, Brookline Memorial Park, Highland Park, McBride Park, Ormsby Park, and the West End Elliott Overlook. August will spotlight select movie showings at Troy Hill Citizens and Liberty Green Parks.

On Sunday, July 27, movie enthusiasts are invited to a special presentation of “Champions”, which will be featured at Schenley Plaza. Presented in partnership with Film Pittsburgh and the ReelAbilities Film Festival, audio descriptive and accessible services will be available at this event.

For the complete Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park schedule and any inclement weather or cancellation updates, please visit pittsburghpa.gov/cinema or follow the Office of Special Events (@PghEventsOffice) on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Cinema in the Park is presented by Dollar Bank with 100.7 Star and WAMO 107.3 serving as media partners.

Pennsylvania’s Tallest Roller Coaster Returns with Record Setting Thrills Memorial Day Weekend

 It’s kick-off time at Kennywood Park for The Steel Curtain Roller Coaster. The highly anticipated, triple record-setting coaster will reopen to the general public on Saturday, May 24 at 11 a.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony, remarks from the park’s General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza, and special guests joining from the Pittsburgh Steelers, including current players and alumni, to mark the official Grand Opening.

Standing a staggering 220 feet above the park, Pennsylvania’s tallest roller coaster, will return with its famed nine inversions, the most of any coaster in the United States including the highest in North America, this Memorial Day Weekend. To mark the grand return, Gold and Platinum Season Passholders will get exclusive first ride time on the coaster on Friday, May 23. Those interested in tackling record setting thrills early can save $40 on a Gold Season Pass now during the final days of the park’s Spring Pass Sale.

“Kennywood fans should get ready to reach speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour as they tackle every twist, turn, and touchdown-level drop starting this Memorial Day Weekend,” said General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza. “We can’t wait to reintroduce this iconic coaster to our guests. With a heightened focused on the Steel Curtain’s reliability, this summer, guests can expect to hop on for a ride during every visit to Kennywood.”

Featuring 4,000 feet of track, the Steel Curtain originally opened to riders in 2019. In 2024, the coaster began a yearlong modification project to increase the reliability and longevity of the ride. Through the project, the park worked with the ride’s manufacturer, S&S Worldwide, and third-party engineers to add three new columns and additional braces throughout the ride. This modification decreased the structural movement of the ride, ultimately allowing the coaster to make more cycles throughout its lifespan.

In addition to the grand return of The Steel Curtain, Kennywood’s longest season ever continues with the beginning of Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival on Friday, May 23. Offering mouth-watering foods from around the world, this year’s event features two new countries, Cuba and Spain. Visitors’ taste buds will be thrilled as they make their way around the Kennywood Lagoon to eight tasting locations offering unique menu options at each booth.

The festivities continue throughout the weekend as the popular Nerveless Nocks return to Kennywood for the second year in a row. The Original Dare Devil Circus will take place at various times throughout the day at the Garden Stage from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, June 29. Guests will be on the edge of their seats watching one of the most legendary stunt families in circus history perform breathtaking acrobatics and motorcycle stunts.

Kennywood will be open every day beginning Friday, May 23 through Monday, August 18. Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from May 23 through June 29, plus Monday, May 26. Then, in July the park celebrates America with July 4 and 5 fireworks shows above the Lagoon and nine nights of Drone Shows July 11 through July 19, during the new All-American Summer. Kennywood will close out the 2025 season with Fall Fantasy Parades, Phantom Fall Fest and Holiday Lights.

The CitiParks Office of Special Events is pleased to announce the official schedule for the upcoming 2025 Summer Concert Series presented by Citizens. Featuring 23 events that are free and open to the public, this year’s concert series will include a performance by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, jazz legend Roger Humphries, as well as the return of the exciting new program “Jam at Grandview”.

On Saturday evenings in June and July, “Stars at Riverview” will again showcase stellar local artists in Riverview Park, including Roger Barbour and Hugo Cruz, with rotating food trucks on site. Each night of musical entertainment, which is supported by the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), encourages concertgoers to bring a lawn chair or blanket to Observatory Hill. Concerts will be followed by a showing of “Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park”.

“Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch” will continue to feature classical melodies in the gardens of Mellon Park. Presented with support from WQED-FM 89.3, attendees are invited to bring a picnic basket to be entered to win a prize in the weekly “Best Brunch” competition during intermission. Food and beverage options will also be available to enjoy from local vendors. These Sunday morning concerts in June and July will showcase area youth in week one with a performance from the Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra, and welcome a return of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to the program on July 13.

Pittsburgh’s finest jazz musicians return to the Highland Park lawn this August for the ever-popular “Reservoir of Jazz” series. Each Sunday afternoon concertgoers can enjoy local eats and smooth sounds from standout talent like the Lynn Speakman 6tet. New in 2025, craft vendors will be on site for Makers Markets on August 17 & 24. Following the concerts, guests are encouraged to stick around to enjoy “Summer Soul Line Dancing” sessions at the fountain. This series is supported by AARP Pennsylvania, WZUM Jazz, RAD, and the Highland Park Community Council.

Returning to rock the Pittsburgh skyline this August is “Jam at Grandview”, taking place Saturday evenings. Enjoy live music, local brews, and one of the City’s best views from the Grandview Park Bandstand as this new hit concert series entertains for a second year. Area favorites, including SamJAMwich, will entertain throughout the month. This program is made possible in partnership with RAD and Comcast.

“At Citizens, we’re proud to support Pittsburgh’s vibrant arts and culture scene through this exciting summer concert series,” said Mark Rendulic, Pittsburgh Market President at Citizens. “These events bring our community together, celebrate local talent, and create experiences that showcase the best of our city. We encourage community members to come out this summer and enjoy our city’s great parks and enjoy the music.”

For more information on the City of Pittsburgh’s “Summer Concert Series presented by Citizens”, visit www.pittsburghpa.gov/concerts. In case of inclement weather or event cancellation, follow @PghEventsOffice on X, Facebook, and Instagram for updates throughout the summer.

“Stars at Riverview”

Saturdays, June 7 – July 26

7 – 8:30 p.m.

Riverview Park – Observatory Hill

Refreshments available

June 7: Roger Barbour Music

June 14: Park/Hugo/McGraw

June 21: Hugo Cruz and Caminos

June 28: Lee Robinson & ISKA

July 5: Alexander Peck Trio

July 12: Paul Thompson’s Waynetet

July 19: Steel City Calypso

July 26: Erin Burkett, Virgil Walters & Friends

“Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch”

Sundays, June 22 – July 27 (no concert July 6)

10:30 a.m. – Noon

Mellon Park – Fifth and Shady Avenues, Point Breeze/Squirrel Hill

Refreshments available

June 22: Pittsburgh Youth Concert Orchestra

June 29: Cello Fury

July 13:  Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

July 20:  Chamber Music Pittsburgh

July 27: North Pittsburgh Flute Society

“Reservoir of Jazz”

Sundays, August 3 – 31

5 – 7 p.m.

Highland Park – Highland Avenue & Reservoir Drive

Refreshments available

August 3: Roger Humphries & RH Factor

August 10: Lynn Speakman 6tet

August 17: Thomas Wendt Quartet

August 24: Paul Cosentino’s Boilermaker Jazz Band

August 31: Scott Boni Quartet

“Jam at Grandview”

Saturdays, August 2 –30

7 – 8:30 p.m.

Grandview Park Bandstand – Bailey Avenue, Mt. Washington

Refreshments available

August 2: Sunny Daze & The Weathermen

August 9: 9FiftySeven

August 16: M.E.L.T.

August 23: Wild Blue Yonder

August 30: SamJAMwich