6 Things to Do in Pittsburgh This Weekend

6 Things to Do in Pittsburgh This Weekend

Get up close and personal at the National Aviary’s “Passport to Parks,” get dolled up for the Q Ball and get back to baseball at PNC Park.
National Aviary Passport To Parks Striped Skunk With Tour Guide Anna Photo By Mike Faix

“PASSPORT TO PARKS” AT THE NATIONAL AVIARY | PHOTO BY MIKE FAIX

“Passport to Parks”: Up-close encounters can be found throughout the National Aviary, but there may be no better way to get an introduction to some remarkable species than the Aviary’s free-flight bird shows. In the new show “Passport to Parks,” guests take a virtual journey to National Parks all around the world while expert hosts share information about natural wonders and rare birds — but not only birds. Among the animals that take part in “Passport to Parks” are two of the Aviary’s newest animal ambassadors, a pair of skunks named Gouda and Pepper Jack. (Not to worry: the adorable creatures have been safely de-scented.) The show features a pair of volunteer opportunities; during one, a tiny and colorful curl-crested arcari (a small toucan) hops onto a guest’s hand to eat a blueberry. Throughout, remarkable animals swoop and fly overhead and across the theater space, allowing guests the chance to focus on remarkable details of each species. The show, which just opened this week, takes place daily; tickets can be added on to Aviary admission for $5.

Q Ball: Quantum Theatre’s annual Q Ball has become one of the city’s most legendary parties on the basis of bold performances, impeccable style and a heavy dose of mystery. This year’s theme, the “Scarlet Masquerade,” carries with it some simple sartorial instructions: “Come as you aren’t.” While suggesting attire in red and black, you’re encouraged to attend in any manner of fancy dress you can conceive. You’ll attend an unparalleled dance party and be treated to roving performances; if you spring for early access to the VIP portion of the evening, you’ll also get music from Cello Fury (and an open bar). Expect surprises and plenty of impossibly cool moments. The event will be held at Rockwell Park in Point Breeze; the VIP event kicks off at 7 p.m., while the dance party opens up at 8:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh Pirates Opening Weekend: After a long, cold winter, baseball has returned to the North Shore. (Let’s not talk about how things went on the team’s first road trip.) The Pittsburgh Pirates open PNC Park for the 2025 campaign this weekend with a three-game series against no less an opponent than the New York Yankees, as Aaron Judge and the rest of the defending American League champions come into town to put these young Bucs to the test. Tickets to see the Bronx Bombers have been fetching high prices; if you don’t feel like digging deep for the first pitch, you can always head down and enjoy the pre-game block party (sponsored by the new Wigle location outside the ballpark) then see the game at one of the many nearby sports bars. And if you’re still itching to get out to the ball game, just wait through the weekend: Tickets for next week’s games with St. Louis aren’t nearly as pricey.

“Peter Pan”: There are certain musicals that serve as a perfect introduction to theater for audiences of all ages. With boisterous tunes like “I Gotta Crow” and “I’m Flying,” “Peter Pan” has done that for generations since its 1954 debut. The version of the show currently touring the country, however, is a recent update with a new book by acclaimed writer Larissa FastHorse, who is the first Native American woman to write a Broadway play (her “The Thanksgiving Play,” which appeared locally at Arcade Comedy Theater, debuted on Broadway in 2023). “Peter Pan” continues at the Benedum Center through Sunday. The stagecraft is impressive, the sets are bright and lively and the music is infectious. Young audiences will be enchanted, and grown-ups will be impressed with the world-class production elements — and the dynamite performance by Cody Garcia as Captain Hook.

Three Dog Night: Singer Danny Hutton first shouted “Jeremiah was a bullfrog” way back in 1971 — and more than 50 years later, the tune still rocks. Hutton still tours the country with the current version of Three Dog Night, which does not feature any other members from the group’s 1970s heyday but does include well-tenured players Paul Kingery, who originally joined the group in 1985, and Paul Bautz, who has been with Hutton and co. for more than 30 years. Expect classic rock staples such as “Mama Told Me Not to Come” and “Eli’s Coming” when Three Dog Night rolls into Wheeling’s Capitol Theatre this Thursday night.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”: Speaking of classic rock, no musical better captured the rock sound of the 1970s than Andrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” You’ll be swept up in the Biblical epic — but you’ll also be lightly banging your head. Pittsburgh Musical Theater presents the show at the Byham Theater through April 13.

Watch Sean Collier discuss this weekend’s events on KDKA’s “Pittsburgh Today Live” here:

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