Summer is not only a season of fun, but also sharing. Here are nine Pittsburgh annual fundraisers to give, commune, and party.
Garden Party
Benefitting the Mattress Factory
One of the biggest see-and-be-seen events of the year, the Mattress Factory’s annual fundraising event lasts all weekend long. The festivities kick off with a themed party at the installation art museum, featuring live entertainment, food and beverages, and a stellar art auction. A free community day for their North Side neighbors follows, featuring music, hands-on immersive art experiences, and free museum admission for all ages.
House Party
Benefitting Kelly Strayhorn Theater
This East Liberty theater reimagined its summer fundraisers in 2022 with the addition of House Party, an event aiming to celebrate the organization’s mission to be a home for Black and queer people. The party was definitely the hottest place in town, with an evening of immersive performances, art installations, Instagrammable outfits, and an epic dance party.
Party at the Pier
Benefitting Riverlife
This fancy affair combines an environmental cause with a lavish party. Pittsburgh’s most well-known socialites can be found dining and dancing the night away next to spectacular river views.
Empty Bowls
Benefiting Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest
Soup lovers, rejoice! This yearly tradition is a down-to-earth and humble affair, featuring a simple meal of chef-made soups and bread, to serve as a reminder of our neighbors facing hunger with “empty bowls.” The best part? The soups are served in handcrafted bowls, which guests get to take home with them after the meal.
Night in the Tropics
Benefitting the National Aviary
This summer favorite brings guests to North Side’s bird zoo, where partygoers can get up close and personal with the venue’s feathered wildlife, sample selections from some of the city’s finest restaurants, and enjoy live entertainment. Bid on the silent auction, then spend the evening dancing under the stars in the aviary’s plentiful outdoor space.
Black Tie & Tails
Benefitting Animal Friends
Party with notable Pittsburghers at this annual fundraiser for one of the city’s animal rescue organizations. The event includes food, cocktails, live entertainment, auctions, and more. But we know you’ll be most excited about getting the chance to mingle with their resident dogs, cats, and rabbits.
Big Night
Benefitting the JCC Pittsburgh
Support the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh at this huge annual party in celebration of their community, featuring fun themes, food, dancing, entertainment, and larger-than-life productions.
Symphony Splendor Holiday Home Tour
Benefitting the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
The Pittsburgh Symphony Association supports and promotes the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and its musicians through fundraising, educational programs, and special events like this popular annual holiday home tour of “a glorious Shadyside mansion” adorned for the holiday. Both day and evening candlelight tours are available.
Carnegie Trees
Benefitting the Women’s Committee of the Carnegie Museum of Art
This annual installation of the Carnegie Museum of Art’s holiday trees, decorated with ornaments handmade by the Women’s Committee, is the official start of the holiday season for art lovers in the Steel City. According to the museum, over 75,000 museum guests visit the trees inside the Hall of Architecture every year.
Story by Lisa Cunningham
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