'Dear Evan Hansen,' Ribs & Blues Top Pittsburgh Weekend Events

PITTSBURGH, PA - “Dear Evan Hansen” has been described as a deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical and the national touring company has brought it to Pittsburgh this week.

Winner of six Tony Awards, including best musical, and a 2018 Grammy Award, it’s the story of a teenager with social anxiety disorder who fabricates a relationship with a recently deceased peer to become closer to the boy’s family.

The Broadway production of “Dear Evan Hansen” recently celebrated its two-year anniversary with a special donation to the Smithsonian, where the show’s iconic blue polo and arm cast will now be part of the permanent collection at the National Museum of American History in Washington D.C.

But you probably care more about when you can see it here. You can catch “Dear Evan Hansen” at Heinz Hall on May 23 at 7:30 p.m., May 24 at 8 p.m., May 25 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and May 26 at 1 p.m. and 6: 30 p.m.

Other Memorial Day weekend highlights:

• Kennywood Ribs and Blues, May 26-27, Kennywood

Enjoy sides of tasty food and soulful tunes along with all of your favorite rides at the West Mifflin amusement park. The Swhinery, Jim’s Smokin’ Que, Rogue BBQ and Tambellini’s will serve up the chow, while the music will be provided by the likes of the Angel Blues Band, Jill West and Blues Attack and more.

• Pirates vs. Colorado Rockies, May 23, 12:35 p.m; Pirates vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, May 24, 7:05 p.m.; May 25, 7:15 p.m. and May 26, 1:35 p.m., PNC Park.

The Pirates seem to have more players on the injured list than they do those who actually can take the field these days, but they have remained surprisingly competitive despite the bumps and bruises. The Bucs get a stiff test this weekend when the team with the best record in the National LEague comes to town. Don’t forget that Friday is Fireworks Night, Saturday is Pirates Camo Cap Night and Sunday is Rivendale Kids Ice Cream Sunday.

• OpenStreetsPgh, May 25, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Shadyside, East Liberty, North Point Breeze, Larimer and Homewood.

OpenStreetPGH temporarily closes streets to car traffic and invites Pittsburghers to reimagine their streets as places for people. This free event series connects communities to each other and creates a safe place for people of all ages to walk, bike, roll and dance. The first OpenStreetsPgh event of 2019 is the longest ever, with a 4.4-mile loop in the city’s East End.

• Sandcastle, May 25-27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., West Homestead

The best (and only) water park in Pittsburgh begins its 30 anniversary season this weekend. Admit it, you’ve missed the Mon-Tsunami, the Lazy River, Blue Tubaluba and the Mushroom Pool.