July/August Events: WYEP Singer/Songwriter Competition [1], Giraffe Meet & Greet [2], 29th Annual Library Garden Tour [3], St. Clair Summer Swing [4], Square Dance Open House [5], Replay FX [6], Little Italy Days [7], MLJWC New Member Social [8], James Bond Weekend [9], Car Seat Classes [10], Independence Day [11], Classic Car Show [12], Moon Party [13], Swap Shop Social [14] and high school reunions [15].
Editor’s Pick: WYEP SINGER/SONGWRITER COMPETITION
Saturday, August 10
For the first time ever, Mt. Lebanon will be hosting a round of the WYEP Singer-Songwriter Competition [16]. The competition, held exclusively in downtown Pittsburgh until now, usually consists of four preliminary rounds, with 12 contestants moving on to the finals in September. The top three winners, chosen by a panel of local music professionals, receive prizes and special performance opportunities. The free Mt. Lebanon concert from 6 to 8 p.m. in Clearview Common will be part of the preliminary round. Come see some fresh talent and weigh in on who should move to the next level.
GIRAFFE MEET & GREET
Mon, Wed & Fri
Have a close encounter with a giraffe! Meet at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium’s giraffe exhibit from 11 to noon [17] on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through Labor Day. Tickets are $5 (in addition to regular admission) and the line closes at 11:45 a.m.
29TH ANNUAL LIBRARY GARDEN TOUR
Sunday, July 14
This self-guided tour [18] will feature several diverse Mt. Lebanon gardens. Perennials will be on sale at the library during tour hours, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Master gardeners and a Pittsburgh Rose Society consulting rosarian are available for consultation. Tickets are $15 per person in advance; $20 day of the tour at the library.
ST. CLAIR SUMMER SWING St. Clair Hospital’s 22nd Annual Summer Swing [19], themed “Boots & BBQ,” is on Friday, July 19, at St. Clair Country Club at 7 p.m. The Summer Swing golf outing will also be at St. Clair Country Club on Monday, July 22, at 9 a.m. Both events sell out, so be sure to buy your tickets now.
SQUARE DANCE OPEN HOUSE
Tuesday, July 30
Dancers of all abilities are welcome at the Peanut Squares Dance Club’s open house. Caller Shawn Brown will lead an evening of introductory square dancing from 7:30 to 10 p.m. at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church on Greentree Road. The cost is $4. Call 412-735-2423 for more information.
REPLAY FX
Thursday to Sunday, August 1 to 4
Join the pinball party [20] at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. The Replay Foundation Expo, which is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of pinball technology, features four days of pinball tournaments, arcade games, live bands, cosplay contest, celebrity guests and more.
LITTLE ITALY DAYS
Thursday to Sunday, August 15 to 18
It’s a molto bene weekend in Bloomfield. The region’s largest heritage festival [21] will feature more than 30 musical acts, a bocce challenge, the Miss Little Italy competition, a pasta eating contest and more! The festival is 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday and noon to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is free.
MLJWC NEW MEMBER SOCIAL
Thursday, August 22
Interested in joining the Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club? Learn about the club’s social, civic and philanthropic initiatives while mingling and enjoying refreshments at 7 p.m. at a MLJWC member’s home. Email membership@mljwc.com [22] to RSVP or for specific location details.
JAMES BOND WEEKEND
Friday and Saturday, August 23 & 24
Now in its eighth year, the Pittsburgh Annual James Bond Weekend [23] “creates an experience of elegance, mystery and adventure.” Proceeds benefit the National Kidney Foundation, and this year, the event will feature a private jet experience, chartered yacht cruise and a main party on land in various locations around the city.
Extra, Extra!
CAR SEAT CLASSES
Tuesdays and Sundays
Medical Rescue Team South offers free 30-minute car seat installation classes. This is a one-on-one hands-on class, so the instructor will work with the student to ensure they find the proper fit for their vehicle. Morning and evening classes are available [24].
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Thursday, July 4
Enjoy games, amusements, food and family-friendly activities from noon to 5 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon’s July 4 Community Day [25] in Mt. Lebanon Park. A 7:30 p.m. concert by The Nied’s Hotel Band precedes the fireworks extravaganza, which will begin at 9:30 p.m. Rain date of July 5 for fireworks only.
CLASSIC CAR SHOW
Sunday, July 7
Join the Mt. Lebanon Police Department on Washington Road from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the 24th Annual Classic Car Show & Festival [26]! Enjoy food, music from the Good Guys Duo from noon to 9:30 p.m. in Clearview Common, and dozens of classic and classic-inspired cars. The event is rain or shine, and it’s free.
MOON PARTY
Saturday, July 20
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing at the Carnegie Museum of Art’s galaxy party [27]. This 18+ event features astrological art-making and access to the galleries after hours. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
SWAP SHOP SOCIAL
Sunday, August 4
Bring a box or two of unused yarn, thread or other crafting supplies to the Mt. Lebanon Public Library to swap and socialize [28] with fellow crafters. Music and the swap shop are in Room A, and craft tutorials and a portable project space are in Room B. All are welcome, even if you don’t have craft supplies to swap. This free event is from 2 to 4 p.m. and includes light refreshments.
HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS
Reunion season is coming up, and Mt. Lebanon High School has two big ones in September! RSVP now.
The 50th reunion for the Class of 1969 is on September 6 & 7. The informal gathering on Friday night is at Bado’s Pizza Grill & Ale House, and the main event is on Saturday night, with dinner, dancing and a buffet at St. Clair Country Club. Tickets are $94 for the weekend’s activities, or you can RSVP to individual events here [29].
The 65th reunion for the Class of 1954 is from September 27 to 29. Friday night’s events include a luxury bus tour of Pittsburgh, plus cocktails and dinner at the Crowne Plaza. The party moves to St. Clair Country Club on Saturday night, for a banquet, dinner and music. Call 412-347-0349 to reserve a discounted room at the Crowne Plaza on Fort Couch Road, and RSVP to the weekend’s events by emailing Dick Hufnagel at dickhuf2@gmail.com [30].