When winter rolls in, getting involved in local events becomes its own kind of survival skill. Instead of settling into the couch-cocoon routine, stepping out into the city gives you a shot of energy and a reason to stay connected. Pittsburgh’s winter gatherings spark creativity, lift moods, support small businesses, and make the season feel a little brighter. They turn cold months into moments of community, curiosity, and warmth. Showing up isn’t just fun. It keeps your world feeling bigger, lighter, and a lot more alive.

February

Around the City:

Sad Bar
All Month | Oakland
Sad Bar in Oakland offers a cozy, late-night escape known for craft cocktails, nostalgic vibes, and an effortlessly cool atmosphere. It’s the kind of spot you stumble into once and keep coming back to, whether you’re winding down the night or starting it off just right.

Pittsburgh Anime Festival
February 1st | Mars, PA
Get ready to celebrate all things anime, from bold cosplay and iconic manga to the creativity that brings it all to life. Join fellow fans for a day filled with imagination, community, and nonstop fun.

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures - Ed Simon
February 4 | Carnegie Library Oakland
Scholar Ed Simon takes us on a compelling historical tour of the Faustian bargain, from the Bible to blues. Along the way, he explores how the temptation to trade principles for power shows up across history, shaping everything from colonialism and nuclear warfare to social media, climate change, and AI.

Valentine’s Day Dessert and Jazz Experience
February 14 | Allegheny HYP Club
Looking to switch things up this Valentine’s Day? Join us at the historic AHYP Club for post-dinner desserts, drinks, and live jazz in one of Downtown Pittsburgh’s best-kept secrets, just steps from the William Penn and Hotel Monaco.

Pittsburgh Winter Wine Festival
February 28 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Mark your calendars for the annual Pittsburgh Winter Wine Fest, Pittsburgh’s go-to winter celebration. Sip your way through wine, beer, ciders, and cocktails while enjoying live music, local food, and an atmosphere that makes the season worth celebrating.

At Bakery Square:

Monday Miles
Every Monday | Fleet Feet
Shake out from your weekend mileage every Monday evening at 6:30PM! Join us for a relaxed recovery run of one, three or six miles.

Ice Cream for Breakfast at Jeni’s
February 7 | Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Put on your PJs and grab a spoon for the topsy-turviest day of the year. Celebrate Ice Cream For Breakfast Day at the Bakery Square scoop shop on Saturday, Feb 7 from 9am-noon.

Junk Journal Club
February 7 | The Conservatory
Join us for our first Junk Journaling Club hosted by Glue Chicks! Your ticket includes cherry-themed scrap packs, shared supplies, and light creative prompts. Bring your own journal or use one of ours and enjoy a no-rules, low-pressure way to create something uniquely yours!

Galentine's Modern Calligraphy with Sip and Script
February 8 | The Conservatory
Join us in the Conservatory for pretty lettering by Sip & Script! Whether you're a stationery nerd, DIY Bride-to-be, or just a crafty individual, you'll be introduced to modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink in this workshop.

K-Pop Mini Mic Night
February 21 | The Portal
Get ready to shine! Join us for a special K-Pop Mini Mic Night where kids can step up to the mic and karaoke their favorite songs from K-Pop Demon Hunters. Plus, enjoy themed K-Pop airbrushing for an extra pop-star moment. It's the ultimate mini idol experience!

Find more February events at BKSQ here.

January

Around the City:

Clue: The Play
December 30 - January 4 | Benedum Center
Ever played the board game clue? Ever wondered what each character would be like in an actual murder mystery? Check out Clue the play, where you get to see your favorite board game characters come to life!

Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Blooming with Love
January 10 - March 15 | Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Go on a romantic stroll through Phipps’ newest flower show to highlight the beautiful orchid collection and bonsai! You won't want to miss it.

Pittsburgh Restaurant Week
January 12 - 18 | All Across Pittsburgh
Looking to try some of Pittsburgh’s best bites? During restaurant week, countless restaurants in Pittsburgh have special offers you won’t want to miss!

Wicked: The Musical
January 14 - February 15 | Benedum Center
Want to see the production that started it all? Check out Wicked, the story of the Wicked Witch and Glinda before Dorthoy’s story of Oz took place. It’s a musical about friendship and betrayal, and one with songs you won’t get out of your head for the next year!

Pittsburgh Penguins vs. New York Rangers
January 31 | PPG Paints Arena
Tune in for the most epic rivalry in Pittsburgh! Watch as the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the New York Rangers in a hockey game like no other!

At Bakery Square:

Yoga in the Portal
Every Saturday | The Portal
Join us for a serene escape at The Portal in Bakery Square every Saturday. Find your inner peace and rejuvenate with our weekly yoga session. Namaste!

Page Turners Book Club
January 4 | Conservatory
Discover, discuss, and connect with fellow book lovers at the Page Turners Book Club hosted by @pghgoodreads! Munch on delicious food while chatting about your favorite reads. Enjoy awesome vendors and fun activities each month!

Over & Under All Ages Event
January 11, 18, 23 | City Kitchen Patio
Join us for a special all-ages event at the Over & Under Pop-Up, where you can wander through the eerie Upside Down and the iconic Byers' living room.

Modern Calligraphy with Sip and Script
January 11 | Conservatory
Join us in the Conservatory for pretty lettering by Sip & Script! Whether you're a stationery nerd, DIY Bride-to-be, or just a crafty individual, you'll be introduced to modern calligraphy with a pointed dip pen and ink in this workshop.

Find more January events at BKSQ here.

December

Around the City:

The Peoples Gas Holiday Market
November 21 - December 24 | 7th St and Penn Ave, Downtown
The Peoples Gas Holiday Market turns Downtown Pittsburgh into a charming winter village, filled with cozy chalets, handcrafted gifts, and festive cheer. It’s a seasonal staple that invites visitors to wander, shop, and soak in the warmth of the holidays right in the heart of Market Square.

Handmade Holiday Market
December 5 & 6 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Pittsburgh’s biggest handmade shopping experience returns to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on December 5–6. Now celebrating 21 years in 2025, the Handmade Arcade Holiday Market brings together more than 275 makers offering one-of-a-kind, handcrafted goods you won’t find anywhere else.

Oz Dust Ball
December 6 | Soldiers and Sailors Memorial
Step into the shimmering swirl of the Oz Dust Ball, landing in Pittsburgh on December 6th, 2025. Inspired by the lush, larger-than-life universe of Wicked, this formal fever dream fills the night with soaring performances, electric dance numbers, spirited sing-alongs, enchanted treats, bespoke cocktails, and interactive moments that blur the line between guest and cast in the best possible way.

Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
December 27 | Omni William Penn Hotel
Candlelight concerts transform familiar spaces into glowing, immersive musical escapes, offering Pittsburgh a fresh way to experience live performance. Set beneath a warm sea of candlelight, this special Christmas Carols on Strings performance at the Omni William Penn Hotel invites guests to slow down, listen deeply, and soak in the season’s soundtrack like never before.

Phipps Holiday Magic
All month | Phipps Botanical Garden
Phipps’ Holiday Magic transforms the conservatory into a glowing wonderland of lights, vibrant displays, and seasonal whimsy. It’s a Pittsburgh winter tradition that invites guests to wander through warmth, color, and holiday cheer at every turn.

At Bakery Square:

Yoga in the Portal
Every Saturday | The Portal
Join us for a serene escape at The Portal in Bakery Square every Saturday. Find your inner peace and rejuvenate with our weekly yoga session. Namaste!

Page Turners Book Club
December 7 | Conservatory
Discover, discuss, and connect with fellow book lovers at the Page Turners Book Club hosted by @pghgoodreads! Munch on delicious food while chatting about your favorite reads. Enjoy awesome vendors and fun activities each month!

Holly Jolly Holiday Party
December 13 | Bakery Square
We're bringing all the festive fun to town! Experience a winter wonderland right in the heart of Bakery Square! Join us for an incredible holiday event that you won't want to miss! This event is family-friendly, FREE, and open to the public.

Live Music by Radiant Strings
December 14, 21, 28 | The Portal
Radiant Strings is a Pittsburgh-based string ensemble comprised of classically trained musicians and is the ideal blend of classical refinement, modern edge, and infectious energy. This is their fourth holiday season spent performing at BKSQ and they are so excited to be continuing the tradition!

Shady Side Academy Orchestra Performance
December 15 | The Conservatory
Come catch the Shady Side Academy Orchestra in action as they serve up a merry mix of classical hits and holiday tunes.

Noon Year's Eve
December 31 | Conservatory
Why wait until midnight?! Party with the kiddos as we watch the ball drop and welcome in 2026 with Bakery Square's Noon Year's Eve party!

Find more December events at BKSQ here.