What’s on the agenda this weekend? Whiskey, beer, zombies, and of course, Halloween! But first, coffee.
It’s Specialty Coffee Week in Pittsburgh, and the events wrap up this weekend, starting with An Evening of Curated Espresso Beverages on Friday, October 23rd from 5-8 PM at Commonplace Voluto in the East End. You can try signature espresso beverages, espresso-based specialty cocktails, and hopefully avoid correction of pronunciation of espresso as “expresso.” Saturday, October 24th features a “Worst Coffee Competition” at 21stStreet Coffee from 5-7 PM. You can get in one last coffee run at Sunday, October 25th’s Taste of KLVN at the MelwoodScreening Room from 3-5 PM, providing samples from Pittsburgh’s newest roasting additions.
Rachel and Josh reveal they have quite the expertise in matters of Coffee Week with Rachel as a former Starbucks barista and Josh-turned-Walter-White as the owner of an espresso machine, which “changed his life.” Pro tip from Josh: Do a double shot of espresso about 10 minutes before a run to become invincible like a superhero.
Check out Nanograms to learn about other technology and culture beyond espresso machines and Starbucks!
Moving on to another cherished beverage, Wigle Whiskey Beer Week is serving its first rounds this Friday, focusing on hop-infused beer throughout. Friday, October 23rd is Shot and a Beer at the Wigle Distillery in the Strip District at 6 PM. Next Friday, October 30th is an Alternative Whiskey Fest also at the Wigle Distillery at 6 PM where you can try out Wigle Spirits, beer, and new dance moves. Sunday, November 1st is the Home Brewers Competition at the Wigle Barrelhouse from 12-4 PM. Judges include people from Hitchhiker Brewing, Piper’s Pub, and (most qualified of them all) WESA’s Josh Raulerson! Events run all throughout the week, so check the Wigle schedule.
The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre season opener is this Friday, October 23rd at The Benedum Center. The Mixed Repertory ballet has three different works in one performance, featuring George Balanchine’s Western Symphony. Additional show times are listed on the PBT website.
Did you know Pittsburgh has a Steel City Beard and Mustache Club? The club is hosting the third annual Beards for Beasts this Saturday, October 24th at the Rivers Casino from 5-9 PM. The facial hair competition has various categories and costs $20 for participants and $10 for spectators.
Table Magazine presents Back of the House, featuring Pittsburgh chefs and tastings of their fall BBQ creations on Sunday, October 25th from 3-6 PM. The event benefits and takes place at Youth Places on the Northside. Tickets are $35, and the chefs serve big portions so come hungry.
On to Halloween! Jam on Walnut: Halloween Edition is on Saturday, October 24th on Shadyside’s Walnut Street from 7-11 PM. There will be a costume contest from which you can win a trip to New York City for the Dos Equis Masquerade Party. Pittsburgh bands No Bad JuJu and Spinning Jenny will perform. Donations go to the Animal Rescue League Shelter & Wildlife Center.
Saturday, October 24th is Boo and Brew Bash from 6-10 PM at the William Penn Tavern, supporting Make-A-Wish. The Shadyside bar crawl will end with an after-party at Mad Mex from 10 PM until midnight.
Yelp Pittsburgh’s Monster Bash is this coming Wednesday, October 28th at the Mattress Factory from 8-10 PM. The event is free, but a $10 donation would be appreciated, and $20 donations will receive a goodie bag. RSVP on Yelp. Check out the museum, Powder Room zombie makeup, an eye psychic, and more. Josh and Rachel will try to plan a “Thriller” flash mob for next year, maybe… hopefully.
Coffee, beer, blood... what will you be drinking this weekend?
