9+ things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, March 14-17

What’s going on this weekend, March 14-17? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, March 14: Soledad O’Brien at Chatham University
6-7:30 p.m.
She hosts the political magazine show, “Matter of Fact,” is chairwoman of Starfish Media Group and has co-anchored CNN’s “American Morning.” That’s just for starters. Award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien delivers this year’s public lecture as part of the Elsie Hillman Chair in Women and Politics at the Campbell Memorial Chapel. During the free event, O’Brien will “share her commitment to introducing the under-voiced into the national conversation.” Go beyond the noise as O’Brien paves the way for a more inclusive dialogue about significant issues facing the world today. Register.

Thursday, March 14: “If/Then” at Riverfront Theater Company
8 p.m.
Seeing a musical in a theater is cool but experiencing one in a park is a new level of excitement. For Riverfront Theater’s regional premiere of “If/Then,” the site-specific venue requires the “team of mostly amateur theater lovers to accomplish wild transformations like piping the sound of our live orchestra in from another room.” The musical drew acclaim on Broadway and will now animate Allegheny RiverTrail Park. Audiences will follow a recently divorced city planner as she moves to NYC “to start her new life.” Directed by Olivia Hartle, the intimate and immersive musical explores themes of interconnectedness. The production features talented local actors, musicians and technicians plus choreography by Caitlin Dobronz. Tickets.

Friday, March 15: Donnybrook at the Priory Grand Hall
5:30-11 p.m.
Looking for more ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Take a seat ringside for all the Donnybrook action! Pittsburgh’s top amateur boxers take on the Drimnagh Boxing Club — run by Ireland’s only men’s Olympic boxing champion, Michael Carruth. See who takes home the coveted Ambassador’s Cup during the 15-bout match. Returning to Pittsburgh’s historic North Side, Donnybrook benefits the Ireland Institute of Pittsburgh and regional amateur boxing organizations. Tickets.

Friday, March 15-Sunday, March 17: “what did you think you just heard me say?!” at City Theatre
8 p.m.
In an era flooded with communication — texts, DMs, Zooms, social media — have we stopped listening? In the 26th edition of its award-winning Glue Factory Project, Corningworks asks this timely question and invites you to be part of the answer. Created for intimate audiences with theatergoers practically sitting on stage, the multidisciplinary work examines our “ever-growing challenge of interpersonal (mis)communication.” Showcasing choreography by company founder Beth Corning, the provocative production employs 7-foot rolling mirrors, flying text, visceral movements and even humor. Tickets.

Saturday, March 16 & Sunday, March 17: Orchid Show at the Crown Plaza Hotel South
9 a.m.-5 p.m. & 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
One of botany’s most fascinating flowers takes center stage at this annual orchid oasis. Be dazzled by impressive and immersive displays of vibrant blooms grown locally by members of the Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania. Attend educational seminars and shop for regional and foreign orchids in the extensive vendor area. Bring your own orchid for growing tips and have it repotted for a nominal fee. Tickets.

Saturday, March 16: St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown
10 a.m.
According to a 2024 report released by WalletHub, Pittsburgh is the country’s fifth best city for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. One-fifth of Pittsburghers claim Irish heritage, so get out there and join them for the country’s second-largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Stepping off at the Greyhound Bus Station, the 1.4-mile route proceeds to Boulevard of the Allies, heads to the Stanwix Street Reviewing Stand and disperses at Commonwealth Place. Show your Irish pride alongside 200 marching bands, dance troupes, floats — and even a colossal potato. Grand Marshal is Brookline resident and Dublin native Robert Tierney. Information.

Saturday, March 16: “B!tch Please” at Arcade Comedy Theater
8 p.m.
Celebrate Women’s History Month with some much-needed comedy. Never afraid of that five-letter word, this series hosted by Mary Quick and Jocelyn Hillen Newham honors “ladies throughout history behaving badly and changing the world.” Featured standup comic Suzanne Lawrence joins Pittsburgh’s funniest queens to show what it takes “to get crowned with the B-word.” Tickets.

Saturday, March 16: ‘La Traviata’ at the Benedum Center
8 p.m.
For the first time in seven years, the “most popular opera in the world” returns to Pittsburgh, and you have only four chances to experience it. Find out what unfolds when a disapproving father tries to squash Violetta and Alfredo’s love story in this unforgettable tale of “hedonism, hypocrisy and high society.” South African soprano Vuvu Mpofu makes her Pittsburgh debut starring as Parisian courtesan Violetta Valéry. Fun fact: It’s the opera Richard Gere takes Julia Roberts to see in “Pretty Woman.” Pittsburgh Opera is offering free childcare for the March 24 matinee. Tickets.

Sunday, March 17: The Psychology Of Serial Killers at the Roxian Theatre
7 p.m.
Can’t get enough of true crime shows? Go beyond the screen with this spine-tingling talk by Dr. Rachel Toles. During the 90-minute experience, Toles takes audiences on a deep dive into the disturbing subject matter of serial killers. Akin to a “touring masterclass,” Toles asks complex questions such as “Who are these notorious killers?” and “Why are we so fascinated by serial killers and true crime?” After the talk, ask her anything you want to know during the Q&A. Tickets.

Even more things to do this weekend …

There’s so much going on this weekend, so don’t miss our guide to the top 11 March events in Pittsburgh. The Japanese Film Festival kicks off on Friday, March 15, at Row House Cinema, and the Spring Flower Show blooms at Phipps starting on Saturday, March 16. On Saturday night, rock out at the Kelly Strayhorn’s Tina Turner Tribute Concert.

Find more things to do in Pittsburgh, including music, outdoor recreation, shopping, festivals and family activities.