What we’re about
Meet others in your local area that are interested in attending, discussing, learning more about the local cultural arts scene. All art forms and art enthusiasts welcome. Share your interests in art, music, film, dance, theater, etc. with others. Have fun and meet new people who share an appreciation and enjoyment of the arts! Our meetups offer a chance to get out into the community, relax, socialize and enjoy activities such as: Movies, Symphony, Concerts, Museums, Plays, Bands, Comedy, and FUN!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- A Fair in the Park (during September 5-7)Mellon Park, Pittsburgh, PA
A Fair in the Park is presented by the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh. This annual contemporary fine art and fine craft festival takes place during September 5-7 in the lush surroundings of Pittsburgh’s Mellon Park in Shadyside on the edge of Squirrel Hill and Point Breeze at 6300 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232.
An estimated 20,000 visitors will enjoy the opportunity to interact with over 100 regional and national artists working in a variety of mediums including clay, fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, metal, mixed media, and two-dimensional art.
The festival hours are:
Friday: 1pm-7pm
Saturday: 10am-7pm
Sunday: 10am-5pmThis festival is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.
MEETUP Considerations
With over 22 hours of activities/entertainment (during Friday/Saturday/Sunday), a large crowd is expected as people will naturally be arriving and leaving at different times depending on the weather and what else they have planned for the weekend.
One gathering location will be in front of The Pickled Chef food truck on Saturday (9/6) at 11:30 AM sharp ... unless it is raining. In case of inclement weather, an alternate gathering time will be updated in the comments section below. Stay tuned for updates.
At any given time, there could be anywhere from 0-10+ people from the Meetup group although they'll be dispersed among many hundreds of others (general public) that will also be attending. Thus, you'll generally find more people from the Meetup if you walk around as compared to staying in just a few spots.
If the weather forecast looks good, we'll try to arrange Meetup groups for various times during the weekend.
As always, it is also fine if people prefer to check out the festival on their own with family/friends or in smaller groups.
Please be mindful that most people are simply happy enough to say hi to whoever they already know -- and happen to run into -- as they walk around the festival.
It is not realistic to post comments asking where other people in the group are and expecting a timely response. Many people are there to enjoy the festival without feeling the need to constantly check their cell phones.
Please be mindful that whenever gathering times/locations are provided for Meetup events, there is always a tradeoff as to how long people that show up 'on time' should be expected to 'wait around' for others that may or may not show up at a given time.
While some may spend only an hour or two at the festival, others will stay longer or may want to check out nearby places in Shadyside, Bakery Square, East Liberty, Point Breeze, Squirrel Hill, or Oakland.
Stay tuned for updates!
- 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) during September 18-21August Wilson Center for African American Culture, Pittsburgh, PA
Check out the free 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (PIJF) during the afternoon and evening along Liberty Avenue near the August Wilson Center (980 Liberty Avenue).
It is recommended people bring portable chairs for the jazz festival. The jazz festival includes free outdoor concerts on Liberty Avenue as well as several ticketed indoor events. Once the jazz festival schedule is announced, we'll update the Meetup description with the performance times for each band.
This year's jazz festival includes an outdoor StrEAT Festival -- with a diverse selection of ethnic foods that showcase the unique flavors and cultural traditions of Pittsburgh -- during September 20-21 along Smithfield Street between 7th Avenue and Strawberry Way. With over 30,000 attendees, PIJF attracts music lovers from across the country and around the world. Together, the StrEAT Festival and PIJF offer an unforgettable celebration of food, music, and the vibrant spirit of downtown Pittsburgh.
Saturday's outdoor free jazz line-up along Liberty Avenue includes
August Wilson All-Star Jazz Band led by Howie Alexander -- 11 AM
Philly Student Group -- 11:30 AM
Theron Brown -- 12:30 PM
Michael Mayo -- 1:15 PM
Kandace Springs -- 2:30 PM
Keith David -- 3:30 PM
Be’la Dona -- 4:30 PM
Etienne Charles & Creole Soul -- 5:30 PM
Tarbaby -- 6:30 PM
Branford Marsalis Quartet -- 7:45 PM
Eric Benét -- 8:45 PM
Imani All Stars Jam Session -- 10 PMSunday's outdoor free jazz line-up along Liberty Avenue includes
Philly Student Group -- 11 AM
August Wilson All-Star Jazz Band led by Howie Alexander -- 11:30 AM
Nathan-Paul & The Admirables -- 12:30 PM
Ekep Nkwelle -- 1:15 PM
John Shannon -- 2:30 PM
Obed Calvaire-Haitian Project -- 3:30 PM
Jazzmeia Horn -- 4:30 PM
Ella Bric -- 5:30 PM
Christone “Kingfish” Ingram -- 6:30 PM
Dee Dee Bridgewater -- 7:45 PM
Bilal -- 8:45 PMWhile at the PIJF, people can also check out various downtown galleries that will be open until 5 PM. In addition, there are other options such as taking in a movie at Harris Theater, theatre performances in the Cultural District, etc.
Other updates may be provided later on -- such as where the group may be meeting to check out jazz festival, downtown galleries, etc.
Stay tuned for updates!
Parking Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability where you can also download apps, get garage availability via text messaging, etc. You can also call 412-423-8980.
- Brunch at Barcelona Wine Bar & Pittsburgh International Jazz FestivalBarcelona Wine Bar, Pittsburgh , PA
Please join us for brunch at Barcelona Wine Bar which has an interesting brunch menu along with a wide selection of wines from around the world.
After brunch, people can check out the free 15th Annual Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (which is about a block away from Barcelona Wine Bar) during the afternoon and evening along Liberty Avenue near the August Wilson Center (980 Liberty Avenue).
It is recommended people bring portable chairs for the jazz festival.
Saturday's outdoor free jazz line-up along Liberty Avenue includes
August Wilson All-Star Jazz Band led by Howie Alexander -- 11 AM
Philly Student Group -- 11:30 AM
Theron Brown -- 12:30 PM
Michael Mayo -- 1:15 PM
Kandace Springs -- 2:30 PM
Keith David -- 3:30 PM
Be’la Dona -- 4:30 PM
Etienne Charles & Creole Soul -- 5:30 PM
Tarbaby -- 6:30 PM
Branford Marsalis Quartet -- 7:45 PM
Eric Benét -- 8:45 PM
Imani All Stars Jam Session -- 10 PMAfter brunch, people can also check out various downtown galleries. In addition, there are other options such as taking in a movie at Harris Theater, theatre performances in the Cultural District, etc.
Meetup Considerations
To assist with logistics, please RSVP now only if you're interested in brunch. Barcelona Wine Bar is a very popular restaurant and so it would be helpful to have a headcount to help ensure we have enough tables.Please browse the brunch menu in advance to get an idea of the prices before deciding whether to RSVP or not.
Other updates may be provided later on -- such as where the group may be meeting after brunch to check out jazz festival, downtown galleries, etc.
Stay tuned for updates!
Parking Here is the ParkPGH website with real-time info on downtown parking garage availability where you can also download apps, get garage availability via text messaging, etc. You can also call 412-423-8980.
- October Song Shop Concert & Strip District lunchPittsburgh Opera in the Strip, Pittsburgh, PA
Please join us for a free concert (performed by Pittsburgh Opera's incredibly talented Resident Artist singers) as we also welcome new members to the Meetup group.
There will also be free coffee/tea and cookies.
The free, informal Song Shops feature Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artists. Beginning at 12:00 PM on selected Saturdays, these one-hour performances are free, fun, and open to everyone. Guests are encouraged to bring a friend and bring a lunch. FRIENDS of Pittsburgh Opera provide a reception after each Song Shop concert. Doors open at 11:30AM.
Attracting about 200 people each month, these free performances feature Pittsburgh Opera's Resident Artists for one-hour concerts to help showcase upcoming productions during Pittsburgh Opera's 2025-2026 season.
Free Family-Friendly Concert
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
This free performance takes place at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Avenue in the Strip. It's free and open to everyone. However, to assist with logistics, please register in advance October Song Shop 2025
Doors open at 11:30 AM.
Please note that the Pittsburgh Opera garage is available only for handicapped parking, by reservation. Handicapped parking reservations must be made by 4 PM Friday, April 11.
For more information about Pittsburgh Opera
So whether you're curious or just looking to take a little break while shopping in the Strip, please consider stopping by Pittsburgh Opera to enjoy their resident artists as they sing classics to give guests a little taste of opera.
And if you're relatively new to Meetup, this is a nice event to meet people in a very relaxed, convenient setting. Because the concert ends at 1 PM, your Saturday afternoon will still be open. Depending on the RSVPs, weather, and interests of the group, some people may go out for an optional lunch or walk around the Strip District.
Options for Spending Time After the Concert
- Lunch within a few blocks from the Pittsburgh Opera location.
- Heinz History Center & Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum (1212 Smallman Street)
Parking There are several websites with recommendations for parking in the Strip District, such as Strip District Neighbors | Pittsburgh Pennsylvania | Directions & Parking
The Strip District is readily accessible with PRT Buses 54, 86, 87, 88, and 91 which have stops near the corner of 25th and Liberty which is directly across from the Pittsburgh Opera location.
