5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: May 5-7
It’s the first weekend of May – marathon weekend. Here are some ways to spend it.
Go for a run
The Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon and walking division, as well as the FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay, kick off at 7 a.m. on Sunday. The start line is at Liberty Avenue near 10th Street, Downtown.
More than 35,000 people from 50 states, six continents and 10 countries are expected for this year’s event. The courses take runners through 14 neighborhoods with more than 300,000 spectators expected to be cheering along the way.
On Saturday, the schedule includes the UPMC Health Plan/UPMC Sports Medicine Pittsburgh 5K at 8 a.m. and the Chick-fil-A Kids Marathon, which starts at 9:30 a.m. Both are on the North Shore.
The Sheetz Pittsburgh Toddler Trot begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at Point State Park. The Pittsburgh Pet Walk Fueled by Pro Plan is at noon Saturday at Point State Park. Proceeds benefit Animal Friends.
Details: thepittsburghmarathon.com
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— Pittsburgh Marathon (@PGHMarathon) April 28, 2023
Flowers Meet Fashion
“Flowers Meet Fashion: Inspired by Billy Porter” opens Saturday at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Oakland. The show features horticultural displays and fashion designs inspired by Porter’s local roots and iconic accomplishments as an award-winning actor, singer, director, composer and playwright.
Six fashion designers, costumers and students from Porter’s alma maters, Carnegie Mellon University and Pittsburgh CAPA High School, helped create scenes that merge fashion and flora.
There are geraniums, begonias and philodendrons, and elegant blue and green costumes inspired by Porter’s book “Unprotected: A Memoir” beneath chandeliers in the Serpentine Room. One of Porter’s gold costumes is located in the Victoria Room.
The Broderie Room showcases a display for “Kinky Boots,” the musical where Porter earned the Tony Award for his portrayal of drag performer Lola.
Timed ticketing is recommended. Tickets are $21.95 for adults, $19.95 for seniors and students, $13.95 for children ages 2-18. Children under 2 are free.
Details: phipps.conservatory.org
Maker market
The Young Artist Maker Market is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Mattress Factory Museum’s lobby and Winifred Lutz Garden spaces on the North Side.
More than 30 local teen makers will be selling jewelry, crocheted items, pottery and more. Some artists have previously sold their work at markets or shops. For most, this will be their first time selling their work to the public. They were selected from more than 60 applicants. The market is part of the Mattress Factory’s teen art cooperative, a program that creates a community for young artists.
The event is free.
Details: mattress.org
On stage
The Pittsburgh Savoyards conclude their 85th season with the Pittsburgh premiere of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Thespis; Or, The Gods Grown Old.” No score was ever published, and much of Sullivan’s original music has been lost.
Composer and former University of Pennsylvania musical director Bruce Montgomery has recreated the missing music. It’s the first time the Pittsburgh Savoyards are bringing the lost operetta to audiences. The show is directed by Robert Hockenberry and the music is directed by Guy Russo.
It takes place in Mount Olympus where a troupe of actors convinces the aging gods to trade places. When the actors turn out to be comically inept rulers, hilarity ensues.
Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday at the Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center in Ross.
Tickets are $25.
Details: pittsburghsavoyards.org
Remake Learning
Remake Learning Days continue this weekend with multiple events that bring together children and caregivers in intergenerational learning adventures. On Friday, the Flex Space Summit is a conference about reimagining learning spaces. It is a day of exploration, innovation and inspiration, bringing together teachers, architects, furniture designers and researchers. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Allegheny Intermediate Unit in the Waterfront in Homestead.
Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative, Trying Together, Citiparks, and ZeroFossil have teamed for an Ultimate Play Day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Lower McKinley Park in Beltzhoover. Ultimate Play Day celebrates playfulness for people of all ages. There will be hands-on activities, entertainment and light food options.
The events are free.
Details: remakelearningdays.org
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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