Great Pumpkin Paddle, Anastasia Top Pittsburgh Weekend Events

PITTSBURGH, PA - If you’ve been wondering when you’d have the opportunity to see people paddling on one of the city’s rivers in giant pumpkins, wonder no more. You have the chance this weekend.

People will canoe down the Allegheny River in hollowed-out, nearly 2,000-pound pumpkins as part of the Great Pumpkin Paddle. The event is one of the highlights of the Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival occurring Oct. 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the North Shore Riverwalk.

In addition to the pumpkin regatta on Saturday, there also will be master pumpkin carvers,, multiple giant pumpkin drops, a pumpkin pie eating contest, food, drink, and craft vendors and more.

The Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival is free.

Other noteworthy weekend events:

• Anastasia, Oct. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 19, 8 p.m.; Oct. 20, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Oct. 21, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Benedum Center, Downtown.

This PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh offering transports the audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Anastasia tickets start at $35.

• The Fab Four: The Ultimate Tribute to the Beatles, Oct. 20, 8 p.m., Byham Theater, Downtown.

This Emmy Award-winning Beatles tribute band has been wowing audiences with its dynamic portrayal of the Beatles for more than two decades. This show allows you to travel back in time to the 1960s for a night of fabulous Beatles classics with a band that will make you feel like you're watching the four lads from Liverpool.

• RV Liquidation Super Sale, Oct. 19, 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Oct. 20, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Oct. 21, 10 a.m to 5 p.m, David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown

Last year, more than 30,000 people crammed into the convention center seeking a great deal on an RV, view exhibits from campgrounds and more. If this is your cup of tea, think of this event as a soothing recreational chamomile.

RV Liquidation Super Sale admission is $5 for adults. Children under 12 are free.

• Dennis DeYoung: The Grand Illusion 40th Anniversary Tour, Oct. 19, 8 p.m., Palace Theater, Greensburg.

Styx played Pittsburgh in July and now three months later here comes a performance by the band’s original lead singer. Expect to hear the Styx classic album “The Grand Illusion” in its entirety, as well as hits such as “Lady,” “Babe,” “Too Much Time on my Hands,” “Suite Madame Blue,” and more.

Dennis DeYoung: The Grand Illusion 40th Anniversary Tour tickets start at $38.

Photo via Shutterstock.

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