Fridays are where it’s at in February. Go on an art crawl, dig into a savory sando, get a guided museum tour, or ditch the romance for some spooky Friday the 13th fun. Scroll for these recommendations and more, like Valentine’s markets and a new romance bookstore.
1. Buy a Local Valentine’s Gift
Show love to a partner, friend, or family member while also spreading the love to local businesses and makers. Shop from over 100 vendors selling jewelry, art, pottery and more at I Made It! Mine, Feb. 7 at The Block Northway. Or heat things up at the Sexy Time Market, an adult-only vintage and maker event, Feb. 7 at Spirit.
Want to shop and make a homemade gift? WorkshopPGH is hosting a Valentine Market and DIY Party, Feb. 8 inside the historic Wilkinsburg Train Station.
If you can’t make it to these pop-up events, stop by one of Pittsburgh’s best gift shops.
I’m still dreaming about this mushroom sando and these homemade potato chips. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
2. Dig Into a Sando at Trace Brewing
Don’t skip a chance to get one of my favorite sandwiches in town. Find the G.S. Sando Co. food truck at Trace Brewing every Friday in February, offering fluffy, indulgent sandwiches and cozy bowls of tantanmen-style ramen. It’s the perfect pairing with a craft brew. Every sando (the Japanese nickname for sandwich) is made with pillowy milk bread, katsu-style meat or veggies, cabbage, green onions, and a tangy, sweet sauce.
See the ever-changing seasonal flower displays at Phipps’ 14-room glasshouse. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
2. Visit Phipps’ ‘Blooming With Love’ Flower Show
Pretend you’re somewhere tropical with a stroll through Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The latest show features rare orchids, meticulously-grown bonsai, and art-filled landscapes with vibrant colors. Don’t miss the 8-foot orchid tower, a neon pink “Love” sign, and a romantically-decorated gazebo in the Palm Court.
Not into romance? Visit some other indie bookstores around town. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
4. Find a New Romantic Read
Feeling the love for Valentine's Day? Get your hands on a sappy or steamy novel from Passionate Pages, Pittsburgh’s new romance-only bookstore in Lawrenceville. Or shop from local book sellers at the Plot Twist Adult Book Fair at Velum Fermentation Feb. 7. The event includes bookmark making, bookish tattoos, and local vendors.
Looking for some new literary friends? Check out the Book Club Fair, Feb. 9 at Trace Brewing. Whether you like imaginative science fiction or a thrilling mystery, there’s a club for you.
Steel City Super Jam is at Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
5. Rock Out at Steel City Super Jam
Twenty of Pittsburgh’s best musicians are coming together for a concert at Steel City Super Jam Feb. 16. The local bands you love get mixed up to form all new groups, and they have just one week to come up with songs before taking the stage together. Expect to hear covers and originals.
You can’t miss this mural of “The Great One” on Penn Avenue. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
6. Tour the Clemente Museum on 21+ Nights
Learn about the legacy of this barrier-breaking Pirates star on special 21+ guided tours every Friday in February. The Lawrenceville museum has an impressive collection of photographs and artifacts from Roberto Clemente’s life on and off the field: game series rings, game-worn uniforms, documents from his time in the U.S. Marine Corps, and more. A $30 ticket gets you admission and a glass of Engine House 25 Wine.
Don’t miss a stop at the Pittsburgh Glass Center during Unblurred. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
7. Get Excited for the Unblurred Arts Crawl
On the first Friday of each month, Bloomfield and Garfield teem with art displays, live performances, local vendors, and more. The arts crawl takes place along Penn Avenue, but organizers are excited to expand.
This month, they’re unveiling a strategic plan for the Penn Avenue Arts & Commercial District. It’ll bring together more restaurants, bars, galleries, and shops to cement this section of the East End as an arts and culture hub.
Artists and art fans can mix, mingle, and learn more about the plan Feb. 6 at KST Alloy Studios.
City Cast Pittsburgh will have a table at the expo. Come say hi! (Pittsburgh Social Health)
8. Make Friends with Pittsburgh Social Health
Looking to pick up a new hobby or plug into a local organization? The Pittsburgh Social Health Connection Expo is hosting the ultimate “try-it-all” day, Feb. 21 at Velum Fermentation. Expect to see social clubs, community organizations, craft groups, nonprofits, and more. It’s free and open to all ages.
The Manchester Craftsmen's Guild has been preserving, presenting, and promoting jazz since 1987. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
9. Celebrate Pittsburgh’s Black History & Jazz Legacy
Between the 1930s and 1950s, the Hill District was the heart of Pittsburgh’s jazz scene, featuring performances from local legends like Mary Lou Williams, Lena Horne, Earl "Fatha" Hines, Billy Strayhorn, and Billy Eckstine. While many landmarks are gone, the jazz legacy lives on at bars, clubs, and cultural spaces all over town. Check out live performances at these venues.
New members must break at least three superstitions to receive an official 13 Club Card. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
10. Join Pittsburgh’s Friday the 13th Club
Friday the 13th is happening three times this year, including this month, and there’s a club dedicated to celebrating the unlucky day. In 1882, Pittsburghers formed the Thirteen Club, focused on dispelling the number’s bad rap. Dark History PGH has since resurrected the club, hosting a series of spooky events and walking tours. Ditch the romance and get creepy with the club at My Bloody Valentine Feb. 13.
