10 Pittsburgh Events Worth Leaving Home For In January

PITTSBURGH, PA - Who says January, with its post-holiday letdown and wicked winter weather, is a month where people in Pittsburgh inevitably hunker down and stay home? There’s no reason to hibernate here this year, as 2019 kicks off with nearly a month-long run of the touring production of “Hamilton.”

In case you’ve been in a cultural coma for the last half-decade or so, “Hamilton” is the story of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary. The Lin-Manuel Miranda score blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway.

The run begins Jan. 1 and doesn’t end until Jan. 27.

“Hamilton” tickets for Pittsburgh are hard to come by and aren’t inexpensive. But you’ll probably kick yourself for years if you miss this event.

Other reasons to get out of the house in January:

• Greenberg’s Great Train and Toy Show, Jan. 5-6, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monroeville Convention Center, Monroeville.

All aboard! Greenberg's Great Train & Toy Show is the largest and longest-running model train and collectible toy show in the country. The show is geared towards the general public and towards modelers and hobbyists, featuring hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge operating exhibits, activities for kids and more.

Greenberg’s Great Train and Toy Show tickets start at $9.

• Pittsburgh Travel Showcase, Jan. 11, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Jan. 12, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Jan. 13, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Save time and money and meet one-on-one with top travel service representatives from a variety of international, national and regional exhibitors, including major cruise lines, railway and tour companies, theme parks, destinations, attractions and more.

Pittsburgh Travel Showcase tickets are $10.

• Pittsburgh Boat Show, Jan. 11, 18, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Jan. 12, 19, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Jan. 13, 20, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monroeville Convention Center.

Returning for its 58th year, the boat show is hosted by dealers who typically offer special incentives, financing programs and manufacturer rebates that are only available at the show. Makes sense to buy your boat early so you can customize it and have it ready before summer.

Pittsburgh Boat Show tickets are $10 at the door.

• Cirque du Soleil: Corteco, Jan. 16-18, 7:30 p.m.; Jan. 19, 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Jan. 20, 1 p.m., 5 p.m. PPG Paints Arena.

Corteo, which means "cortege" in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown. The show brings together the passion of the actor with the grace and power of the acrobat to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth.

For Cirque du Soleil: Corteco tickets, click the link.

• Rufus Wainwright with Lucy Roche, Jan. 17, 8 p.m., Byham Theater, Downtown.

One of the great male vocalists, composers, and songwriters of his generation, Wainwright has released eight studio albums, three DVDs, and three live albums. He has collaborated with artists ranging from Elton John, David Byrne, Robbie Williams Mark Ronson, Joni Mitchell to Burt Bacharach. His album “Rufus Does Judy” recorded at Carnegie Hall in 2006 was nominated for a Grammy.

• Get The Led Out, Jan. 18 and 19, 8 p.m., Palace Theater, Greensburg.

There are worse ways to spend a January night than seeing professional musicians who are passionate about Led Zeppelin love. This is not an impersonator act but rather a group of musicians striving to do justice to one of the greatest bands in rock history.

For Get The Led Out tickets, click the link.

• Pittsburgh RV Show, Jan. 19-27, David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

If you want to take to the open road in an RV, this event makes it easy to shop for the perfect RV for you. There are nine acres of the latest models to compare and choose from, plus every RV-related product you might want or need to enhance your trip — from towing apparatus to boats. You'll even find campgrounds and resorts to get you started. Need help figuring it all out? Industry representatives are on site to help you find the best RV for you, and everything you'll need.

Pittsburgh RV Show tickets start at $5.

• Monroeville Home Show, Jan. 25, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m; Jan. 26 and 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monroeville Convention Center.

This trade show for homeowners has more than 200 exhibits featuring home improvement, remodeling, decorating, gardening, building and more. Special attractions and demonstrations also are offered.

Monroeville Home Show admission is $5 for adults. Children under 12 are free.

• Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Jan. 29-31, 7:30 p.m., Feb, 1, 8 p.m.; Feb. 2, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Feb. 3, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Benedum Center.

Roald Dahl's classic tale is now Pittsburgh's golden ticket, a delectable recipe for a delectable treat: songs from the original film, including "Pure Imagination," "The Candy Man," and "I've Got a Golden Ticket," alongside a toe-tapping and ear-tickling new score from the songwriters of “Hairspray.” Get ready for Oompa-Loompas, incredible inventions, the great glass elevator and more.

For Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Pittsburgh tickets, click the link.

Photo: Getty Images.

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