November Events: Festival of Trees [1], Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer [2], MLJWC Holiday Market [3], Pittsburgh Pet Expo [4], Shabbat of Unity Diner [5], Lebo Lights [6], Cheese Tasting Hike [7], Disney Songbook Concert [8], Unselfie [9], Thanksgiving Cooking Class [10], Hard Choices [11], Cheers for Children [12] and South Park Fall Fashion and Vendor Fair [13].
EDITORS’ PICK: FESTIVAL OF TREES
Starting Friday, November 29
Holiday trees are the theme at this year’s Holiday Magic! Winter Flower Show and Light Garden [14] at Phipps Conservatory. Tree carousels, colorful poinsettia trees, a floating forest of sparkling trees reflecting on water and a frozen forest are just a few of the additions to the popular holiday display. Timed tickets are required in advance.
PITTSBURGH VINTAGE MIXER
Saturday, November 9
Local and regional sellers of genuine vintage fashion, home goods and décor come together for this popular curated vintage vendor fair. Listed in the book 100 Things to do in Pittsburgh Before You Die, the Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer [15] also features Badamo’s Pizza, Wigle Whiskey and more at Nova Place on the North Side.
HOLIDAY MARKET
Saturday, November 9
The Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s club’s juried, handmade show [16] will feature goods, gifts and art from local artisans and crafters at Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Other activities include a bake sale, 50/50 raffle and canned food drive.
PITTSBURGH PET EXPO
Friday to Sunday, November 15 to 17
From costume contests to dog diving to Frisbee and rabbit hopping competitions, The Pittsburgh Pet Expo [17] has something for every pet owner. All pets are welcome to join in the fun at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Friday from 5 to 9 p.m., 10 to 8 on Saturday and 10 to 5 on Sunday. General admission tickets are available in advance or at the door for $10.
SHABBAT OF UNITY
Friday, November 15
Honoring the 11 men and women who lost their lives in the Tree of Life* Or L’Simcha shooting, Chabad of the South Hills will host a “Shabbat of Unity, Life & Light Community Dinner” [18] beginning at 5:30 p.m. Call 412-344-2424.
LEBO LIGHTS
Thursday, November 21 (Uptown)
Thursday, December 5 (Beverly Road)
‘Tis the season! Uptown Lebo Light Night [19], beginning at 6 p.m. on November 21, will feature horse-drawn carriages, a tree lighting ceremony, festive music, a visit from Santa and more. Beverly Brite Nite, beginning at 7 on December 5, will have similar activities, but the biggest attraction for the kids is the chance to play on Beverly Road, which will be shut down for the occasion.
CHEESE TASTING HIKE
Saturday, November 23
Hike at an easy pace [20] through Riverview Park on the North Side and enjoy the fall foliage. Afterward, sample gourmet cheeses from around the world and chat with a cheese enthusiast about how to plate cheeses for the holiday season. Tickets are $27, and the event begins at 12:30 p.m.
EXTRA, EXTRA!
DISNEY SONGBOOK CONCERT
Saturday, November 2
Dave Calendine, organist for the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and president of the American Theatre Organ Society [21], will perform the Disney Songbook, plus accompany silent short cartoons on a Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. at Keystone Oaks High School.
UNSELFIE
Monday, November 11
Dr. Michele Borba, author of Unselfie: Raising Caring, Successful Kids in a Plugged-In, Trophy-Driven World, is coming to the Upper St. Clair High School theater at 7 p.m. to discuss parenting [22] and the relationship between empathy and societal issues. Meet Dr. Borba and discuss her book beforehand at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church at 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
THANKSGIVING CLASS
Tuesday, November 12
Cider brined turkey, sourdough stuffing, sweet potato casserole and roasted shallot mashed potatoes are just some of the dishes you will learn to cook during this class [23] at Rania’s Catering. Chef Aaron Hoover will walk you through how to prepare the thanksgiving staples, while sampling food, drinks and pumpkin pie, starting at 6:30 p.m.
HARD CHOICES
Tuesday, November 12
Meet healthcare chaplain Hank Dunn as he discusses his book, Hard Choices for Loving People: CPR, Feeding Tubes, Palliative Care, comfort Measures, and the Patient with a Serious Illness. This event, sponsored by Family Hospice, starts at 5:30 p.m. at Bower Hill Community Church. Admission is free. RSVP by November 4 at stickneyhe@upmc.edu. [24]
CHEERS FOR CHILDREN
Thursday, November 21
Join the Howard Hanna Mt. Lebanon Office [25] for a fun holiday event benefiting UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Enjoy drinks, hors d’heuvres, raffles, auctions, and more at Springhill Suites in Mt. Lebanon from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $25.
FALL FASHION AND VENDOR FAIR
Saturday, November 23
Go on a walk in South Park and stop by the Fall Fashion and Vendor Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Home Economics Building. Enjoy lots of shopping, crafts and food, including the Burgh Bites Food Truck. This event is free and open to the public.