Staying busy this spring won’t be difficult thanks to a variety of interesting events in the Pittsburgh area. If you’re staring at an empty calendar, you may want to keep one or more these spring events in mind.
Carnegie Science Center: Mummies of the World: The Exhibition
Now through April 19
Featuring 125 mummies and artifacts from Europe, South America and Egypt, Mummies of the World offers a glimpse into ancient cultures from around the globe. As you tour the exhibit, you’ll learn about the history of each mummy and find out how mummies are created.
Tickets for the exhibition only are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and $15.95 for children. Combination Science Center/exhibition tickets are on sale for slightly higher amounts.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Garden: Spring Flower Show: Canopy of Color
March 21 – April 19
The opening of Phipps Conservatory’s annual Spring Flower Show is a sure sign that the winter weather is finally behind us. This year’s show features flowers and plants in every color of the rainbow and a few that aren’t represented in the rainbow. New this year are a water fountain created with 120 garden hoses, a motorized windmill among beds of tulips and daffodils, and a Sunken Garden complete with April showers provided by rain curtains. (Don’t worry about getting soaked. One-hundred colorful umbrellas mounted above the display will keep you dry as you wander through the garden.)
Admission is $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and students, and $11.95 for kids 2 through 18.
Pittsburgh Fringe Festival
April 2 – 5
The four-day Pittsburgh Fringe Festival showcases an eclectic mix of local, national and international visual and performing artists. Performers are selected in a random drawing and are completely uncensored. If you’re looking for an unconventional theater or entertainment experience, you won’t want to miss the Fringe Festival.
This year’s festival will be held at various venues around Pittsburgh. Check the Fringe Festival’s website often for information on acts and performance times. Since some theaters and venues are small, tickets may sell out quickly.
Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival
May 24 – 26
The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Washington, PA, is the site of The Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival. The event, brought to you by the Observer-Reporter, will feature tasty selections from more than 50 food trucks, plus musical performances by Hit Play, Ruff Creek, Radio Tokyo and other groups. The festival also offers artisans, kids’ activities, weiner dog races and an ample selection of beer and wine vendors.
Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Spring Fever Festival
March 20 – 22
Monroeville Convention Center
If you gravitate to the artisan and crafting tables every time you visit a local event, you’ll want to add a trip to the Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Spring Fever Festival to your spring calendar. Whether you enjoy crafting yourself or admire the creations of expert artisans, the show offers plenty of opportunities to indulge your love of hand-crafted items.
The festival is one of the largest arts & crafts shows in the area and features more than 200 booths. Among the items offered for sale are paintings, clothing, decorative wood items, handmade jewelry, fabric décor, soft sculptures, garden décor, scented candles, snacks, baking and cooking supplies, and pet treats. Admission is $6.00 for ages 16 and above, $5.50 for senior citizens and $3.00 for children 12 – 15. Kids under 12 are admitted at no charge.
Follow These Rivers Festival
April 11
New Hazlett Theater, Pittsburgh
Featuring regional and national artists, Follow These Rivers Festival is a one-day event that raises awareness of environmental issues that affect the nation’s waterways and oceans. The event will feature film screenings that explore the effects of pollution on water quality and wildlife and live music.
The festival also offers the opportunity to make a difference in our area. Attendees are welcome to participate in a river clean up in the morning at Millvale Park. Organizers expect to announce the festival schedule soon. Check the Follow These Rivers website for details.
Gateway Clipper Easter Brunch
April 12
Pittsburgh
Would you like to do something a little different for Easter this year? Why not board the Gateway Clipper for a special Easter Brunchcelebration? You’ll set sail at 11 a.m. for a two-hour cruise on Pittsburgh’s scenic rivers. Perfect for the entire family, the cruise includes an Easter brunch buffet, full-service bar and a DJ. If a brunch isn’t convenient for you, sign up for the Easter Dinner, Easter Bunny Breakfast or Bunny Fun cruises instead. Children’s cruises include a visit with the Easter Bunny and a special treat.
Picksburgh Bluegrass Festival
May 2
25 Carrick Avenue
The Picksburgh Bluegrass Festival promises toe-tapping fun with musical performances by Jakob’s Ferry, Stragglers, Allegheny Drifters, Echo Valley, Casual Hobos and the John and Wendy Mackin Band. If you play a little bluegrass yourself, you’ll want to bring your instrument and play along with your fellow bluegrass aficionados at the open jam area.
You’re bound to be a little hungry or thirsty after playing or listening to your favorite tunes. Fortunately, festival organizers have arranged for visits from several food trucks, including Steve and Benny’s Chicken Shack, Totopo Mexican Grill, Pirate Bay Café and Chameleon Concessions. Tickets range from $18 for outside daytime shows only to $27 for full-day inside and outside access. VIP packages are available from $50 to $75 and include food and drinks.
