Pentatonix, Rib Fest Top Pittsburgh Weekend Activities

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Grammy Award-winning a cappella fivesome Pentatonix comes to KeyBank Pavilion Saturday as Pittsburgh winds down a summer of fun-filled, though often-damp, activities.

The group is currently touring in support of its latest album, “PTX Presents: Top Pop Vol. 1,” an 11-song collection featuring a version of Camila Cabello’s hit “Havana.” This will be Pittsburgh’s first chance to see new singer Matt Sallee, who replaced Avi Kaplan after he left the group last year.

The cover-heavy concert set list includes versions of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” Demi Lovato’s “Sorry Not Sorry,” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”

Pentatonix tickets start at $25.

Other Labor Day weekend highlights:

• Heinz Field Kickoff and Rib Festival, Aug. 30-Sept. 3, Heinz Field.

Since 1990, it’s been an annual end-of-summer tradition to which thousands of people flock.
The festival “midway” is set up along Art Rooney Avenue filled with rib vendors, festival foods and beverages, games, rides and more.

There’s also plenty to see and do in Heinz Field, although you’ll need a ticket to access the stadium on Thursday for the Steelers game and Saturday for the University of Pittsburgh home opener. Don’t forget about the live musical acts, which will include longtime Pittsburgh favorites The Clarks.

Heinz Field Kickoff and Rib Festival admission is free, although you’ll need a few dollars to sample the delectable edibles rib vendors from across the country will be selling.

• Disney’s Aladdin, Aug. 30, 7:30 p.m; Aug. 31, 8 p.m., Sept. 1, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sept. 2, 1 and 6:30 p.m., Benedum Center, Downtown.

This new production which USA Today has hailed as “Pure Genie-Us” (get it?) begins the second week of its Pittsburgh run. Expect to hear all of your favorite songs from the film, as well as some breathtaking special effects as this timeless story is told of how one lamp and three wishes can provide for infinite possibilities. If you’re looking for a fun, family-oriented night out, this performance is for you.

Disney’s Aladdin tickets start at $35.

• Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds, Sept. 3, 1:35 p.m., PNC Park

OK, so those deals the Pirates made at the trade deadline didn’t help their playoff push and it’s looking as though the team is heading for a third consecutive sub-.500 season. Don’t dwell on that. Dwell on the fact that it’s September and you’re running out of time for an afternoon or evening’s entertainment at one of America’s best ballparks. And it’s not as though the Pirates are awful; the 2019 Buccos have proven to be very adept at streaky baseball and overall mediocrity.

Pirates-Reds tickets start at $19.

• Sandcastle, Sept. 1-3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., West Homestead.

Sigh. Labor Day weekend always means the last weekend of the year to have fun at the water park. This is your last chance until Memorial Day weekend 2019 to enjoy the Lazy River, Mon-Tsunami, Dragon’s Den and Lightning Express.

Sandcastle tickets start at $20.99.

Photo via Getty Images.

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