November events you won’t want to miss

This month, city-wide traditions, festivals, jazz and more will offer colorful ways to celebrate our veterans and experience and appreciate cultures from around the world.

For a full list of University events, check out Pitt’s calendar.

Tune into the Annual Jazz Seminar

The 52nd Annual Jazz Seminar and Concert will host a series of events across the Pittsburgh campus and the city including a film screening, a featured artist performance by Dave Burrell and Trio in honor of the University’s acquisition of Burrell’s archive, workshops, a visiting scholars’ series and more.

When:  Oct. 31-Nov. 9

Where: Various locations

Tickets: All events are free and open to the public. Tickets are required for the special event on Nov. 9.

Celebrate Slovak and Polish Heritage

The Slovak Studies Program’s annual program returns this year in person for a day of culture, history, crafts, food and education. Videos are available for those who prefer to view last year’s festival virtually. 

When: Sunday, Nov. 6, noon-4 p.m.

Where: Cathedral of Learning Commons Room

Tickets: Free admission

The Polishfest festival, which celebrates the living cultures of the Polish, Lithuanian and Carpatho-Rusyn peoples throughout history, will take place in the same location on Sunday, Nov. 13, from noon-5 p.m.

Veterans Week at Pitt

Beginning Nov. 7, the University will honor veterans with a series of events, including meet-a-veteran and a networking luncheon. See the Office of Veterans Services list; more details about veterans’ events at the Pitt-Greensburg will be available soon.

Rock the vote

The 2022 midterm election is almost here: Make your plan and register to vote now.

When: Tuesday, Nov. 8

Where: Use this poll locator to find your polling place. 

A bridge between east and west

The Japanese Nationality Room Committee of the Nationality Rooms and Intercultural Exchange Programs and the Asian Studies Center present a lecture by Mira Nakashima titled “Nakashima: A bridge between East and West.” Nakashima is the daughter of George Nakashima, a celebrated architect and furniture designer. The lecture will discuss her father’s legacy and the ways his Japanese cultural ties inspired his method of design.

When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: Cathedral of Learning, Room 324

Tickets: Registration is required.

Light up the night

Kick off the winter holiday season with a favored Pittsburgh tradition, Highmark Light Up Night 2022. Celebrate the 61st anniversary with musical acts, a fireworks display, food, ice sculptures and more. The Peoples Gas Holiday Market, inspired by the original German Christkndlmarkts, will also be held in Market Square and feature national and local vendors housed in vintage and wooden chalets selling one-of-a-kind gifts.

When: Saturday, Nov. 19 (market open through Dec. 23)

Where: Downtown

Tickets: Free admission.

Ballet at the Byham

Ballet Hispánico returns to the Byham stage after more than a decade. The mission of the Latinx cultural organization is to unify communities behind celebrating and exploring Latinx cultures through innovative dance productions, transformative dance training and enduring community engagement experiences. According to the event page, the performance will draw from a variety of influences including “Pérez Prado’s mambo music (18+1) to Julio Iglesias and rock en Español (Con Brazos Abiertos) to flamenco (Línea Recta).”

When: Saturday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m.

Where: Byham Theater, 101 6th St

Tickets: Start at $15.

Play around at GLOWLAND

Impulse, a playable art installation that has drawn thousands of visitors in host cities including New York City, London, Brisbane, Toronto and Montreal, arrives in Oakland this month. The winter festival features art installations, live music events, an illuminated kick-off party, a Small Business Saturday celebration and a family-friendly closing weekend. Additionally, 15 sound and light-producing seesaws will create a playground for visitors of all ages.

When: Nov. 18-Dec. 17

Where: Schenley Plaza

Tickets: Free and open to the public.

— Kara Henderson