Ten Events To Assure An Action-Packed January Around Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH, PA - If you’re thinking January is going to be a large letdown because the holidays are over and it’s time to hibernate until spring, think again. You might have to lace up your boots and trudge through some snow, but there are plenty of interesting events and activities occurring in Pittsburgh as the new year begins.

Here are 10 Patch recommendations:

• Polar Bear Plunge, Jan. 1, Mon Wharf, Downtown.

Here’s an insane way to begin 2020: Jump into the freezing cold Monongahela River with a bunch of other lunatics for a good cause. This event’s souvenir T-shirt sales benefit WTAE’s Project Bundle Up, which provides new winter coats, hats, scarves, mittens and boots to thousands of underprivileged Western Pennsylvanian children and senior citizens annually.

• Jesus Christ Superstar, Jan. 1-5, Benedum Center, Downtown

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of this iconic musical that appeals to both theater audiences and concert music fans, its latest production comes to Pittsburgh. This production won the 2017 Olivier Award for best musical revival, garnering rave reviews and accolades.

• Food Truck-A-Palooza, Jan. 4, Monroeville Convention Center

This event features 30 global food trucks food from around the world (American fare is included), an ice bar, beer, spirits, kids zone, global music, games and more.

• Pittsburgh RV Show, Jan. 11-19, David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.

More than 25,000 people are expected to roam 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. There are even campground and resort display to get you started.

• Pittsburgh Restaurant Week, Jan. 13-19, various locations.

Just as you’re trying to lose all the weight you gained over the holidays, along comes a week-long opportunity to enjoy dining at some of the city’s best restaurants at a special discounted price. To see a list of participating restaurants or a restaurant map, click on the links.

• Nick Jr. Live, Jan. 17-19, Benedum Center

You’re invited to sing, dance, clap, cheer and move to the music with your friends from Bubble Guppies, PAW Patrol, Dora The Explorer, Shimmer and Shine, Blue’s Clues and You, Blaze and the Monster Machines and Top Wing in a memorable musical spectacular.

• Cirque du Soleil's "Ovo," Jan. 23-26, PPG Paints Arena.

This Cirque production, which has thrilled more than six million people worldwide since its 2009 debut, is coming back in Pittsburgh. Ovo's cast is comprised of 52 performing artists from 14 countries specializing in many acrobatic acts. It features over 10 different high level acrobatic acts such as foot juggling & Icarian games, hand balancing, contortion, aerial straps, slackwire and a signature final act mixing trampoline, tumbling and rock climbing.

• World of Wheels Custom Car Show, Jan. 24-26, David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

Featuring a wide variety of custom cars, custom trucks and custom motorcycles as well as restored and antique vehicles, the exhibitors, vendors and thousands of spectators make these annual shows informative and exciting.

• Shen Yun, Jan. 24-25, Benedum Center

Take an enlightening journey through 5,000 years. Shen Yun is a multi-dimensional, inspiring journey through one of humanity’s greatest treasures—the five millennia of traditional Chinese culture. This production immerses you in stories reaching back to the most distant past. You’ll explore realms even beyond our visible world. Shen Yun features one of the world’s oldest art forms— classical Chinese dance—along with patented scenographical effects and all-original orchestral works.

• Dancing with the Stars: Live!, Jan. 29, Benedum Center

This production brings your favorite dancers from the hit ABC show. The all-new production continues its legacy of wowing live audiences by performing fan-favorite routines from the TV series and new numbers choreographed just for the live audiences.