KELLY STRAYHORN THEATER’S HOUSE PARTY
Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST) invites attendees to let loose at its annual House Party, an ever-changing bash and fundraiser that this year brings an immersive cabaret theme to the theater’s space on 5941 Penn Ave. The event will take place Saturday, July 13, and tickets are available at a variety of price points, from $50 - $250. The evening will begin at 7:00pm with a VIP Reception. Starting at 9:00pm, the reception will transition to a wild and welcoming Dance Party, with a cash bar and beats by DJ QRX and genre-bending DJ ROJO. “Every year, House Party is a unique opportunity for Pittsburgh to show up, show off, and contribute to KST’s vital work,” said Co-Executive Director Joseph Hall.
FCAHS WINS NATIONAL ROBOTICS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR SECOND YEAR
A team of Fox Chapel Area High School students was named the national grand champion in the ‘Burgh Bash national invitational tournament, sponsored by the Southwestern PA BotsIQ, a workforce development program by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Tooling & Machining Foundation. The Fox Chapel Area team was awarded first place in documentation, first place in competition (battle), and was crowned the national grand champion for the second consecutive year. The team was advised by teachers Ryan Siniawski and Justin Papariello; parent and engineer Edward Phelan; and its industry partner, Pittsburgh-based Aerotech Inc. Photo: FCAHS Burgh Bash National Champs 24
WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL AT FREEDOM FARMS
Freedom Farms is passionate about bringing the beauty of nature to the community. On July 13th and 14th, families are welcome to join in on the fun for a small admission fee of $10 per person. 3 and under are free. Admission includes a tractor ride to the farm’s picturesque flower fields, where you are free to pick sunflowers, zinnias, snapdragons, and gomphrena to your heart’s content. In addition, there will be an animal barn, pony rides, swings, a sunflower maze, corn pit, a hay mountain, and much more!
Photo: Freedom Farms Flowers
NORTHSIDE MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Northside Music Festival is a free, three-day event, happening July 12-14th, in the heart of Historic Deutschtown on Pittsburgh’s Northside. It features 75 bands, art vendors, a Gospel Sunday program, and more than 30 food trucks.
PICKLESBURGH 2024
Picklesburgh is the destination for all things pickled! Get your pickle fix July 18th-21st. Voted the #1 Specialty Food Festival in the Country for three consecutive years by the readers of USA Today, Picklesburgh goes beyond the dill pickle to feature handcrafted food and artisan drinks featuring pickled ingredients from local chefs, restaurants, and more embracing the farm-to-table movement. Plus, don’t miss pickle-themed snacks and merchandise, fun contests, and live music set to the backdrop of picturesque Downtown Pittsburgh.
Photo: Picklesburgh
TJ SALOPEK JOINS SOUTH FAYETTE AS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
The administration of South Fayette Township School District (SFTSD) is pleased to announce that the hiring of Mr. Thomas J. “TJ” Salopek as assistant principal of the high school was approved by the School Board on Tuesday, May 28, 2024, and he began his first day in the role on Monday, June 3. Mr. Salopek brings great experience in high school education and leadership to the position and is an exciting addition to the leadership at South Fayette. Mr. Salopek began his career in education teaching social studies full-time at North Allegheny Senior High School for five years before becoming Assistant Principal at Pine Richland High School where he served from March 2019 through June 2021, also filling in that summer as the district’s Director of Athletics. He then returned to NA where he has been Assistant Principal since August 2021. He was also a football coach in the North Allegheny School District from 2012 through 2018. “I have always been a student-centered leader, and I am excited to share and continue that focus at South Fayette,” said Mr. Salopek.
2024 WINE AND SPIRITS FESTIVAL
Join the Allegheny County Parks Department on July 20th for an evening of wine and spirits, food trucks, and live music at the Allegheny County Wine & Spirits Festival! With the grandeur of the 1920s Hartwood Acres Mansion as the backdrop, this event will feature samples from some of the best wineries and distilleries in the region, as well as local food trucks. Designated drivers and those under 21 are free and do not need to register. Valid proof of age must be provided at the event to sample. Tickets are available for $30. For more information on Allegheny County’s 2024 Wine & Spirits Festival, and to purchase tickets, please visit https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Special-Events/Wine-Spirits-Festival.