As we enter August, do you prefer the leisurely pace of a traditional parade or the thrill of race-car speeds? This week of August 10-16 in Pittsburgh brings both, along with theater, concerts and more — including, yes, a grown-up spelling bee.
Grab Tickets to the Hottest Events in Pittsburgh August 10-16
Kennywood Fall Fantasy Parades
Monday, August 10, Also Daily, August 1-17 and August 22, Kennywood
Ignore the temperature (and trust the Halloween decor already lining store shelves): It may still technically be summer, but we’re all mentally transitioning to fall. Kennywood’s traditional Fall Fantasy Parades, which will feature more than 130 regional marching bands over the course of 18 days, are a quaint and sonorous way to wrap up a day at the park. Take in the sights and sounds each night; line up at 7:30 p.m. to catch the music and Mardi Gras-style floats. And as fall creeps up, check out Kennywood’s Fall Fest for more opportunities to visit the theme park after summer is over.
Bottlerocket’s First Annual Spelling Bee
Tuesday, August 11, Bottlerocket
Why should spelling bees be exclusively the domain of children? You can spell better than children, can’t you? (Well, not the ones that win the big national competition, but … y’know, average children.) Test your skills — no autocorrect, no Google, not even a dictionary — at Bottlerocket’s first annual grown-up spelling bee. Participants will be drawn at random, so stay locked in: mystery prizes are on the line.
Soundbathing and Stargazing
Wednesday, August 12, The Frick Pittsburgh
Let’s be honest: We all could use a minute to, y’know, chill. And the Frick is offering a night of pure peace: A soundbathing session underneath the dark sky of a new moon. Nationally renowned crystal-bowl performer Brooke Smokelin has more than three decades of experiencing leading soundbathing performance; you’ll be guided through a blissful sonic experience while lying on the Frick’s great lawn amid the dark of a moonless night. It sounds positively soothing. Don’t forget to stop by their French Moderns: Matisse / Renoir / Degas exhibition happening through October at The Frick Pittsburgh.
Zac Brown Band
Thursday, August 13, PPG Paints Arena
If you’re a country music fan, you’re likely well acquainted with the music of Zac Brown; his outfit has won three Grammy awards and a hatful of country-music plaudits, and four of their albums — including the gigantically popular The Foundation — have gone platinum. The enduring act returns to Pittsburgh to headline PPG Paints Arena; they’ll be joined by the almost equally beloved Old Crow Medicine Show.
Come From Away
Friday, August 14, Also August 15-16, 19-23, New Hazlett Theatre
It’s one of the best works of art about 9/11 — and it’s not really about 9/11. Come From Away is instead about a curious convergence caused by that tragedy; a few dozen planes, re-routed after the attacks, land in a tiny town in Newfoundland. Unable to depart, the stranded travelers wait, bond, fight and explore. It’s a remarkable, stirring, touching show; Front Porch Theatricals presents the first local production of it at the New Hazlett. (Look for our full preview for more.)
Science of Speed with Movies at the Rangos
Saturday, August 15, Kamin Science Center
TABLE Magazine got an early look at the new Science of Speed exhibit at the Kamin Science Center — and we zipped straight to the three-story go-kart track, where we tried valiantly to hug the turns and edge out the competition. (We … finished in the middle of the pack, don’t miss the video of the action here.) Whether you have the need for speed or are just curious about the mechanics of motion, the exhibit is worth your time — and Saturday brings a great reason to visit. Pair your race with some big-screen automotive thrills; the Rangos Giant Cinema will show Pixar’s Cars at 10 a.m. and the Oscar-nominated F1: The Movie at 6 p.m.
Thelma and Louise
Sunday, August 16, Also Thursday, August 27, Lindsay Theater
Here’s another movie with a fast car … although not one you’d want to emulate. Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon star in Ridley Scott’s excellent Thelma and Louise, a tale of friendship and desperation; Callie Khouri’s script won Best Original Screenplay. A new 4K restoration of the film will play at Sewickley’s Lindsay Theater as part of its “9 on ’90s” series.
Plus, check out our calendar for other events this week and beyond. Or, view our guide for things to do in Pittsburgh anytime of the year.
Story by Sean Collier
Photo by Kylie Thomas
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