Whether it’s their heritage, the arts, or a holiday, Pittsburghers always have something to celebrate. The following is a list of upcoming festivals and/or events. For more information or additional events, call the Greater Pittsburgh Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-366-0093 for updates, or visit the website at www.visitpittsburgh.com.

For more information for Laurel Highlands, call Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau at 800-925-7669 or check out www.laurelhighlands.org.

Other bureaus in the region that may be helpful include Monroeville Convention Visitors Bureau at 800-527-8941, www.visitmonroeville.com; Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau at 866-856-8444, www.visitButlerCounty.com; and Mercer County PA Convention & Visitors Bureau at 800-637-2370, www.mercercountypa.org.

The event dates are subject to change. The phone numbers may be used to verify dates.

SEPTEMBER 2009

DINOSAURS IN THEIR TIME—T. REX RETURNS
Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Oakland
ongoing
412-622-3131
Tyrannosaurus Rex returns to the museum, but it is not alone. In one of the most dramatic paleontological displays ever constructed, Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s original T. Rex is joined by a second T. Rex, and the two are frozen in a confrontation over the remains of an Edmontosaurus, a plant-eating dinosaur.

GREECE: SECRETS OF THE PAST
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
ongoing
412-237-3400
Experience the wonders of the ancient world in Greece: Secrets of the Past. The birthplace of democracy comes alive through an exciting archaeological adventure that explores the majesty of the Greek islands, with some of the most advanced digital re-creations ever undertaken.

GRAND CANYON ADVENTURE
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
ongoing
412-237-3400
Set against the immense backdrop of this national treasure, Grand Canyon Adventure takes you on an exhilarating, river-rafting adventure down the Colorado River in the company of a team of explorers who are committed to bringing awareness to global water issues.

MUMMIES: SECRETS OF THE PHARAOHS
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
ongoing
412-237-3400
Audiences will rediscover the tombs of the great pharaohs of Egypt, examine the mummification process and its role in ancient society, and tour the great civilization of Egypt.

PENGUIN PREMIERE SHOW
National Aviary, North Side
ongoing
412-323-7235
Meet one of the Aviary’s four African Penguins! Daily at 1 p.m. Free with general admission. www.aviary.org

RAPTOR ENCOUNTER
National Aviary, North Side
ongoing
412-323-7235
Meet one of the Aviary’s exciting raptors or owls, from the favorite Snowy Owl to a regal red-tailed hawk. Daily at 10:30 AM. Free with general admission.

GLASS: SHATTERING NOTIONS
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh
Regional History Center, North Side
ongoing
412-454-6000
Before it was known for steel, Pittsburgh was America’s Glass City. Pittsburgh-produced glass has been used in fine tableware for five U.S. presidents, as tiles for the walls of New York City’s great tunnels, and in searchlights at the Panama Canal.

HENRY BUHL, JR PLANETARIUM
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
ongoing
412-237-3400
Catapult into space in the Henry Buhl, Jr. Planetarium and travel from the Solar System to the outer reaches of the galaxy and beyond.

LASER SHOWS IN THE
HENRY BUHL JR PLANETARIUM
Carnegie Science Center, North Side
ongoing
412-237-3400
Enjoy the sounds of The Doors, Pink Floyd, Celine Dion, and more with live laser shows choreographed with lasers and special effects all blended together on the cosmic backdrop of the Planetarium sky.

NANCY CALLAN: SEVENTH INNING STRETCH
Pittsburgh Glass Center, Downtown
through September 20
412-365-2145
Nancy Callan’s appropriately titled Seventh Inning Stretch is an exhibition celebrating the first seven years of her career as an in-dependent glass artist (2001-2008). Her blown glass combines the complexity and elegance of the Venetian tradition with the aesthetic sensibility of a contemporary artist.

GREATER PITTSBURGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
through September 21 (Weekends)
724-872-1670
The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival is a recreation of a 16th century village that brings together craftspeople, acting troupes, combat jousting, musicians, and food purveyors to celebrate the arrival of the king and queen. www.pgh-renfest.com

FALLINGWATER: A PLACE FOR RENEWAL
Fallingwater, Mill Run
through November
724-329-8501
The Frank Lloyd Wright masterwork, nestled within the lush, wooded Bear Run Nature Reserve, is a timeless monument to organic architecture at its absolute best. Learn how architect, client, and site came together to create a house designed for living in harmony with nature. Thursdays at 2:00 PM

FALLINGWATER FACES
Fallingwater, Mill Run
through November
724-329-8501
Listen to oral histories and hear about the people who first settled in the Bear Run area. Learn how a wealthy Pittsburgh family came to know the area, which was perfectly suited for a summer camp and later, a private retreat into nature. Fridays at 2:00 PM.

16TH ANNUAL PENNSYLVANIA ARTS & CRAFTS COLONIAL FESTIVAL
Westmoreland County Fairgrounds, Greensburg
September 4-7 (Labor Day weekend)
724-863-4577
Over 220 exhibit booths of artists, craftsmen, and food vendors from 17 states. Voted one of the best “traditional” craft shows in America.

MURDER MYSTERY DINNER THEATER
Spaghetti Warehouse, Strip District
September 11
412-261-6511
Mystery’s Most Wanted presents a night of great dinner, comedy, theater, and Murder! Join us for an all-inclusive show. Contact the Spaghetti Warehouse for more information, or online at www.mysterysmostwanted.com

PITTSBURGH IRISH FESTIVAL
Amphitheatre at Sandcastle
September 11-13
412-422-1113
Traditional/contemporary Irish entertainment, extensive children’s activities, Irish dogs, authentic marketplace and food, and a Gaelic mass. www.pghirishfest.org

A FAIR IN THE PARK
Mellon Park, Fifth and Shady Avenues, Shadyside
September 11-13
412-431-6270
Sponsored by the Craftsmen’s Guild of Pittsburgh, this contemporary craft show features more than 100 nationally known crafts artists, live entertainment, good food, glass-blowing demonstrations, hot air balloon rides, and hands-on crafts and activities for children. www.craftsmensguild.org

SHADYSIDE – THE ARTS FESTIVAL ON WALNUT STREET
Walnut Street, Shadyside
September 19, 20
412-682-1298
With more than 100 designers of American collectibles exhibiting their wares, it’s no wonder this festival attracts more than 200,000 people annually. Novelties like recycled art and neon art complement thousands of two- and three-dimensional pieces. www.shadysideshops.com

RICHARD S. CALIGUIRI, CITY OF PITTSBURGH GREAT RACE
Frick Park to Point State Park
September 27
412-255-2493
About 11,000 runners from around the world, many donning hilarious costumes, compete in this annual race, one of the largest of its kind in the country. www.rungreatrace.com

This website designed, maintained and hosted for Pittsburgh Point by

... when it's time to establish an Internet presence.