What do Taylor Swift and the great white shark from the movie Jaws have in common? Both will be included in events at Pittsburgh’s North Shore Plaza the week of July 20-26 for open-air gatherings. Read on for our night-by-night recommendations, including a chance to explore the streets of Pittsburgh — without a car in sight. Plus, there’s even a bonus free event at the end of the week.
Fill Your Calendar With Tickets to These Events Around Pittsburgh July 20-26
Bario Kart
Monday, July 20, Bottlerocket
Few video games have become part of the cultural fabric in the way that Mario Kart has, transcending its birth as a spinoff for Mario and Luigi and becoming embraced by gamers and non-gamers alike. At Bottlerocket’s Bario Kart events, participants have the chance to compete at the latest iteration of the game — yes, on a shiny new Nintendo Switch 2 — while a live band accompanies every red shell and banana peel with game-appropriate music. Spectating is free, but sign up early if you’d like to compete; space tends to fill up quickly.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Tuesday, July 21, Also Daily from July 18-22, Row House Lawrenceville
As the Disney Renaissance was kicking off, the studio presented one of its strangest hits: Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, a detective caper by turns uproarious and disturbing. The surprisingly wistful San Francisco tale, about a cartoon rabbit framed for murder, features a pitch-perfect performance by Bob Hoskins and a then-cutting-edge combination of animation and live action. Watch for rare Disney appearances by rival ’toons Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck, too. It’s part of “Sleuthing Around” week at Row House.
Quantum’s The Tempest
Wednesday, July 22, Also Daily (Except Mondays) from July 17-August 23, Carrie Blast Furnaces
Here’s a bit of insider info about Quantum’s The Tempest: We got an early look at the precise show location earlier this year for a photo shoot, and it’s remarkable. You probably already know that this production, like the company’s prior stagings of King Lear and Hamlet, takes place at the Carrie Blast Furnaces; unlike those productions, however, The Tempest will move away from the base of the furnaces itself, instead tucking into a quiet corner surrounded by beautiful, rusting pieces of machinery. The industrial beasts provide a massive yet tangible backdrop to the show. Want to know more? Look for our review soon — but buy tickets in the meantime.
Jaws
Thursday, July 23, The Plaza at North Shore
The new Plaza at North Shore space, tucked into a corner adjacent to PNC Park, is ramping up its event schedule this summer — including some live music (see Saturday’s listing). They’ve also been serving up monthly screenings of some summer blockbusters; this month, it’s the movie that made summer movies a thing, Jaws. Expect themed cocktails, mocktails and snacks; arrive early and scout out the best spot for your camp chairs, as these events are bring-your-own-seat.
Yinzerpalooza Weekend
Friday, July 24, Also July 25-26, PNC Park
One weekend each year, the Pittsburgh Pirates really lean into everything Pittsburgh. (Yes, an organization that prominently features anthropomorphic pierogies can get even more N’at-ed up.) The three-day Yinzerpalooza homestand features pre-game block parties, special appearances by local celebs and Pirates alums and much more — vitally, including a trio of enviable giveaways. Friday, the first 20,000 fans through the gate will nab an exclusive Yinzerpalooza t-shirt; Sunday, kids 14 and under will get a plush Daniel Tiger decked out in Pirates gear. The most enviable giveaway, however, is exclusive to Saturday: Arrive early and you’ll nab a bobblehead of The Pitt star Dr. Robby.
Blank Space
Saturday, July 25, The Plaza at North Shore
Who knows when you’ll actually be able to see Taylor Swift back in Pittsburgh — and how many thousands of dollars it’ll cost to get a ticket if the superstar and newlywed does return to town. Fortunately, Blank Space: The Unofficial Taylor Swift Tribute is coming to town to play the hits from every era. The nationally touring tribute act offers more than mere covers, with a fully produced concert (dancers and all) replicating the real deal (albeit on a much smaller stage). See Blank Space, fronted by energetic performer Olivia Moretti, Saturday night at the Plaza at North Shore; nab VIP tickets to get up close, and there are discounted youth tickets available for junior Swifties.
Open Streets
Sunday, July 26, Downtown
Bike Pittsburgh presents its signature event, which liberates Downtown streets from car traffic in favor of fitness and fun events, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Butler and Smallman streets. Take the opportunity to bike, run or stroll down some of the city’s most vibrant areas — right in the middle of the road — or opt for fitness classes, food tastings, demonstrations and more. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just looking to stretch on a Sunday morning, it’s a great way to get moving and feel the pulse of the city.
Story by Sean Collier
Photo by Murphy Moschetta for BikePGH
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