5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: April 12-14
It’s the weekend. Here are some ways to spend it.
Spring Carnival
Carnegie Mellon University’s Spring Carnival includes amusement park rides, adventures in booths, unhealthy snacks and buggy races — the university’s oldest tradition. Streets will be closed in and around the campus.
Since 1920, the event has featured buggy races — relays in which a vehicle and driver are pushed by runners on a course downhill and uphill and around sharp turns at speeds up to 40 miles per hour.
There will be buggy preliminary races from 7:30 a.m. to noon Friday. The finals are from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday.
Also part of the weekend will be mobot races, Carnegie Mellon’s abbreviation of mobile robots. Participants will race along a slalom-type course at noon Friday. There will be a campus community lunch on Friday and the Taste of Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival on Saturday.
Details: cmu.edu
Happy Birthday, Braddock Carnegie Library
The Braddock Carnegie Library Association’s 135th Birthday Bash is from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at Brew Gentlemen’s new space at 1211 Braddock Ave. in Braddock.
There will be music, crafts, a family reading corner, historic displays, a basket raffle and tours of the space.
General admission tickets are $5. Children under 5 are free.
Details: braddockcarnegielibrary.org
Rhythm & Threads
Rhythm & Threads is happening on Friday. South Craig Street in Oakland will be transformed into a space of artistic expression, sustainable practices and social justice advocacy.
In collaboration with the Pittsburgh Innovation District and 1Hood Media, the event from noon to 6 p.m. will include 50 vendors selling an eclectic mix of products from thrifters, designers, jewelers and craftspeople.
Collab Arts will host “Eco-Village,” where guests can learn about sustainable fashion and design. There will be a skateboarding competition, graffiti art and dancing as well as music by hip-hop artist Livefromthecity.
Details: 1hood.org
Bodiography
Contemporary Dance Company Bodiography presents “Visions” at the Kelly-Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday.
Under the direction of artistic director Lauren Skrabalak, the event will showcase a retrospective of neoclassical and contemporary ballet that spans different eras and styles of dance.
One of the performances will be “Midnight Air” by Bodiography founder Maria Caruso.
Tickets are $30, $15 for students and seniors.
Details: bodiography.com
Steel City Con
Steel City Con is happening Friday through Sunday at the Monroeville Convention Center, encompassing more than 100,000 square feet of space. There are 600 vendor and artist tables, celebrity question and answer panels, photo opportunities, cosplay and trivia and costume contests.
Some celebrities are Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon from “Thelma & Louise.” Rosie O’Donnell of ”A League of Their Own” will also be there. Look for several members of the “Beverly Hills 90210” cast such as Jennie Garth, Shannen Doherty, Tori Spelling, Jason Priestley, Ian Ziering and Brian Austin Green.
Tickets start at $32. Check the website for the schedule and additional autograph costs.
Details: steelcitycon.com
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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