Monster Truck Jam, Speed Dating Top Pittsburgh Weekend Events

PITTSBURGH, PA - February traditionally is a slow month for entertaining events around town. Outdoor activities obviously are out for the most part, few musical acts tour this part of the country in the winter and many people are socially hibernating until spring.

If you are looking to get out of the house this weekend, you might want to check out the Monster Truck Jam at PPG Paints Arena.

The family-friendly experience stars the biggest performers on four wheels: Monster Jam Trucks, Monster Jam Speedsters and Monster Jam ATVs. These 12-feet-tall, 10,000 pound machines will bring you to your feet, racing and ripping up a custom-designed track full of obstacles to soar over or smash through.

The Monster Truck Jam will be held Feb. 8, 7 p.m.; Feb. 9 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Feb. 10, 1 p.m. Remember to bring your earplugs.

Other weekend activities:

• American Girl Live, Feb. 9, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Feb. 10, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m,, Byham Theater, Downtown.

Come along to sleepover camp with some new friends for an exciting summer away from home. As bold tales of bravery and friendship come to life, iconic American Girl characters lend a hand through story and song. Join your favorite American Girl characters and the campers as they follow their hearts, share their dreams, and do American Girl character things.

• World of Wheels Custom Car Show, Feb. 8, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Feb. 9, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Feb. 10, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Hot rods are always at the heart of each show, but in recent years the composition has expanded to include manufacturers’ displays. As a result, today’s shows appeal equally to those who own competition cars, specialty and concept vehicles and those who dream about owning them. The event also features live music, a pinball tournament and a special appearance by John Schneider of “The Dukes of Hazzard” fame.

• Spirit of 76 Donnie Iris and the Cruisers, Feb. 9, 8 p.m., Palace Theater, Greensburg

After a series of sold-out shows at the Palace last year to mark his 75th birthday, the legendary Pittsburgh artist of "Ah Leah!" and "Love is Like a Rock" fame returns to the stage to begin celebrating his 76th. The Jaggerz and Wild Cherry veteran is known for always putting on a strong performance.

• Speed Dating, Feb. 8, 8 p.m., Scene 75, Edgewood Towne Centre

The event will start off with all of the girls sitting on one side of the table, the guys will then sit across from them. Each mini-date will last 3 minutes, once the 3 minutes are up the guys will stand up and rotate one seat over to the next girl (30 seconds to move/rotate). While you are rotating both the men and women will rate their date and indicate if they would like to connect with that person on their confidential speed dating scorecard. There are two age brackets, 21-44 and 45 and older.

Photo: Getty Images.

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