Apparently May in Pittsburgh means it’s time to ready your outdoor, rooftop and backyard drinking areas. It’s also the unofficial start of what promises to be the long awaited arrival of spring and summer months packed with art-themed festivals and artisan-inspired parties.
The month of May brings with it all of that, and so much more. In this case more is represented by one outlier, in the form of a world renowned astrophysicist, rolling through town to school us all on space and other smart science things.
You can find out exactly who and what we’re talk by checking out this list of May events you definitely won’t want to miss.
The Beer Garden at Hotel Monaco Opens
Have you ever been to Il Tetto at Sienna Mercato and thought, “Man, we really need more rooftop bars Downtown.” Well, as it turns out, Hotel Monaco had the same idea and will open their own 88-seat open air Biergarten on the 9th floor rooftop at the hotel. Stop in for city views, 16 drafts, eats from The Commoner’s executive chef Dennis Marron and pub games like cornhole and garden chess. May 15
Wigle Whiskey Barrel Roll and Opening Party
Celebrate this year’s opening of the Wigle Whiskey Barrelhouse and Whiskey Garden by pitching in on the transport of barrels across the 16th Street Bridge. Join a Barrel Roll team and earn your shot of whiskey, samples from Penn Brewery and some snacks from Bar Marco. Real revelers will want to grab a second ticket to the Barrelhouse Opening Party that promises live music, a pig roast and barrel-aged cocktails. May 1
Neil deGrasse Tyson Lecture
Everyone’s favorite astrophysicist is making a stop in Pittsburgh to talk about science, space exploration and so much more. Tyson, who has received eighteen honorary doctorates and the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, also appears on shows like The Colbert Report and the Joe Rogan Podcast making his lectures the one science-related event you’ll actually want to attend. May 7
Pittonkatonk May Day Music Festival
This day long BBQ potluck meets brass band party in the park, is a community-wide celebration that brings different people together to experience different music in a setting much different from the typical music venue. In this case, it’s all going down at Schenley Park. That’s where a full lineup of musicians will play for a full day of dance until your feet hurt fun. May 2
MakerDate
Come out and celebrate Assemble’s STEAM-based educational programming by scoring your chance to make some stuff! This is your opportunity to connect with and bid on “dates” with super-talented creatives, technologists, designers and makers. The winning bidder walks away with the chance to work with their expert of choice to make something epic. May 16
Bayardstown Season Kickoff Party
Remember that time we told you about the urban backyard that’s home to the city’s one of a kind social club? Come on, you know the one. It’s one of the coolest places in Pittsburgh you’ve never been, but need to go. Well, here’s your chance to check it out. See you at the 2015 Bayardstown season kickoff party. May 8
Derby Party
Celebrate the annual running of the Kentucky Derby with three local ladies, and legit entrepreneurs, who are throwing one heck of a Derby Party. Join local artist Ashley Cecil, Regina Koetters owner of Marty’s Market and Meredith Grelli, proprietor of Wigle Whiskey for a day packed with new equine inspired artwork by Ashley, larger-than-life hats by local milliner Gina Mazzotta, eats from Regina and a mint juleps, done Wigle style, thanks to Meredith. May 2
Crafts and Drafts
Arts and crafts are fun. But Crafts and Drafts are better. You can thank East End Brewing for this ingenious idea. Their first attempt at this event yielded some 600 people who also thought the idea was genius. This time, they’re ready for the crowds with free samples of their Pedal Pale Ale, coffee and espresso from Commonplace and eats from area food trucks. Oh, don’t forget about the 14 local makers who will be on hand showing off their work. May 2
Suns Out, Guns Out
Looking for a way to sweat out all of the booze you’re planning to consume this month? Given the opening of a rooftop bar, whiskey garden and urban backyard social club, among other things, we’re thinking it might be a good idea. Plus bathing suit season is right around the corner, ladies and gentlemen. So, when you’re ready to break a sweat, check out our partner site Fittsburgh, for the rundown on fit and active events list.
[join]What do you think about these Events? Will we see you at any of them? Let us know with a comment here on Facebook.[button text=”Click Here to Leave a Comment” link=”https://www.facebook.com/madepgh/posts/861601097246834″ target=”blank” width=”full” color=”black” size=”small”][/join] This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.