We know the temptation to hide inside and hibernate until spring is strong, especially when the streets are covered in snow and the forecast is in the single digits, but Pittsburgh is packed full of rad events all year long. We’ve compiled 50 days of some of the best happenings in town to help you get off the couch and enjoy yourself this season. Like to drink? Like live music? Like art? We’ve got you. Bundle up, Pittsburgh. It’s gonna be a fun winter.
Wed., Jan. 30 — Outdoors
Huddling indoors this season has its perks, but eventually the cabin fever will get to you and you'll need to get some air. Snow-dusted tree tops and open meadows of deep powder deserve your attention, not to mention all the local plant species that thrive in the winter. Discover it all at the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden with the Winter Botany Walk. Lunch and admission included. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 798 Pinkerton Run Road, Oakdale. $20 for members, $30 for non-members. pittsburghbotanicgarden.org
Thu., Jan. 31 — Music
Glitter Box Theater immortalizes one of its original productions with the Sea Turtle in Space CD release party. Written and directed by Teresa Martuccio, the show — which premiered last May — addresses issues related to misogyny and patriarchy as it follows the character Turtle floating around in space, waiting for companionship. Animations from Sea Turtle in Space will be projected as the show’s music writers, Jim Price and Rachel Ann, perform live. There will also be spaceships, a photo booth, and cast member appearances. 7:30 p.m. 460 Melwood Ave., Oakland. Free or $1 donation. theglitterboxtheater.com
Fri., Feb. 1 — Music
The dap gets a spin in André M. Zachery and LaMont Hamilton’s Dapline! The choreographic work at the August Wilson Center aims to be an engagement opportunity over Black existence in the United States relating to masculinity and image. 8 p.m. 980 Liberty Ave., Downtown. $23.75-33.75. aacc-awc.org
If dance isn’t for you, across the bridge at Club Cafe is Pittsburgh Songwriters Showcase. Featuring local musicians/bands Nathan Zoob, Tim Vitullo Band, Aris Paul, Gary Prisby, and Samantha Sears, who will perform acoustic sets of original music, this is a great opportunity for music lovers and local artists to relax and mingle. 6:30-9 p.m. 56 S. 12th St., South Side. $10-$12. clubcafelive.com
Sat., Feb. 2 — Stage
Watch Willy Wonka and his guests navigate the delicious and wonderful world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The classic tale has been adapted to the stage and is coming to the Benedum Center. A show for all ages. Eight performances run from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3. 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. 237 Seventh St., Downtown. $45-125. trustarts.org
Beautiful Black women on brown paper bags line the walls at Phosphor Project Space. Duquesne artist Ashley A. Jones’ Colorism: Looking Outside the Brown Paper Bag celebrates Black women while challenging beauty standards and discrimination within their own communities. Sundays 1-4 p.m. or by appointment, through Sun., Feb. 16. 7720 Waverly St., Wilkinsburg. phosphorpgh.com
Mon., Feb. 4 — Music
Grab the sixth issue of Women in Sound, a zine highlighting women, queer, and trans people in music, at Ace Hotel. Zine editor and local recording engineer Madeleine Campbell opens with a MASTER TRAX workshop series; a party follows with tunes by DJ AUNT BUCK. Workshop 7:30-9 p.m. Party 9 p.m.-midnight. All Ages. Free. 120 Whitfield St., East Liberty. womeninsound.com
Tue., Feb. 5 — Music
Cha-cha and rumba with The Havana Cuba All-Stars at the Byham Theater. The high-energy performance features Banda Asere, some of Cuba’s best musicians, side-by-side with dancers. The Cuban beats will have you dancing in your seat. 7:30 p.m. 101 Sixth St., Downtown. $25-40. trustarts.org
