MJ Slaby
Published May 24, 2018
There were points this winter, lots of them, when it seemed like summer would never show up.
We made it — and it’s nearly Memorial Day weekend, a time to remember those who died while serving in the U.S. military.
This weekend also happens to be the beginning of outdoor events and the harbinger of longer, warmer days ahead. Here’s a look at 10 can’t-miss events for the three-day weekend, selected just for you by The Incline.
Saturday: Take a stroll to see art, buy art
To buy or not to buy?
COURTESY OF PITTSBURGH DOWNTOWN PARTNERSHIP / PHOTO BY RENEE ROSENSTEELTour the newest temporary public art piece by the East End Arts Team, completed in collaboration with the Office of Public Art and Neighborhood Allies. Also on this walking tour, visit the Homewood branch of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and explore the vibrant Art House by artist Vanessa German.
WHERE: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh — Homewood at 7101 Hamilton Ave. (Homewood)
WHEN: May 26, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
HOW MUCH: $8
Shop local on a Saturday night
Shop local with the Saturday Night Market and Downtown Sound Series. Peruse the work of some of Pittsburgh’s most creative independent vendors. While you're shopping, listen to an AcoustiCafe performance featuring Kayla Schureman, Chet Vincent, and Zack Keim.
WHERE: Market Square (Downtown)
WHEN: May 26, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Sunday: Get outside to bike, fish and dance
Why drive when you can bike and dance through the streets?
COURTESY OF BIKEPGH / PHOTO BY MURPHY MOSCHETTABike or walk to the 1st OpenStreetsPGH of the year
There's bound to be something for everyone at the first OpenStreetsPGH of the year. Go for a fitness class — yoga, insanity, zumba and more — for a silent disco, for axe throwing, for live music and more. The route includes Downtown, Uptown and South Side with multiple bridges and the Armstrong Tunnel.
WHERE: Downtown, Uptown and South Side
WHEN: May 27, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
HOW MUCH: Free
Honor submarines on ‘eternal patrol’
Veterans from USS VI Requin Base will host a memorial ceremony on the USS Requin to recognize each submarine on "eternal patrol" and toss flower petals on the water in their honor. There will also be a 21-gun salute from the Marine Color Guard from Three Rivers Leatherneck Detachment 310 and the VFW Post 9199 Honor Guard. After the ceremony, visit the submarine for free tours all day.
WHERE: USS Requin (SS 481) outside Carnegie Science Center at 1 Allegheny Ave. (North Shore)
WHEN: May 27, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
HOW MUCH: Free
Learn to fish with your family
Bring the whole family and learn how to fish from staff at the Fort Pitt Museum and Point State Park. Modern fishing equipment will be provided, and interpreters in costumes will demonstrate how soldiers at the fort fished in the 18th Century. Meet at the amphitheater along the Monongahela Wharf.
WHERE: Point State Park at 601 Commonwealth Place (Downtown)
WHEN: May 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
HOW MUCH: Free
Start summer at the KayaFest block party
Enjoy all things tropical at Kaya's free block party with music from funk bands to Rastafarian syncopations and Caribbean-inspired food, as well as festive drinks. All ages welcome.
WHERE: Kaya at 2000 Smallman St. (Strip District)
WHEN: May 27, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
HOW MUCH: Free
Monday: A day to honor and remember
Visitors and veterans fold the flag together
COURTESY OF THE SENATOR JOHN HEINZ HISTORY CENTERLine Butler Street for the Lawrenceville Memorial Day Parade
Celebrate at one of the oldest Memorial Day parades in the country. The parade starts at 10 a.m. and ends an hour later at Allegheny Cemetery with a memorial service that includes Civil War reenactors, a dove release, a wreath-laying ceremony and an official call to order by VFW Post 214. After the ceremony is a free community picnic with music, giveaways, face painting, food trucks and a classic car show.
WHERE: Butler Street and Allegheny Cemetery at 4734 Butler St (Lawrenceville)
WHEN: May 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
HOW MUCH: Free
Watch the Memorial Day parade in the South Hills
Commemorate Memorial Day with a parade in the South Hills. The parade starts on Brookline Boulevard in Brookline, goes to Pioneer Avenue through Dormont and to the Mount Lebanon Cemetery.
WHERE: Brookline to Mount Lebanon
WHEN: May 28, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
HOW MUCH: Free
Honor fallen Pa. service members
The memorial event starts with a ceremony honoring fallen Pennsylvania service members from the War on Terror and a performance by the 6th Regiment Drum Corps. The event also includes a performance by Brass Roots and activities for kids, including a bounce house, a craft table, caricature artist, and Mike the Ballon Guy.
WHERE: Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum at 4141 Fifth Avenue (Oakland)
WHEN: May 28, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
HOW MUCH: Free
Fold a 36-foot American flag with local veterans
Join local veterans and fellow museum visitors to participate in a flag ceremony for Memorial Day. As a group, you'll unfurl a giant 36-foot American flag, join in a ceremony to sing the National Anthem, participate in a moment of silence and lastly, ceremoniously fold the flag up again.
WHERE: Senator John Heinz History Center at 1212 Smallman St. (Strip District)
WHEN: May 28, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.