Looking for something to do this weekend in the Northside? Learn how to start your own business with the Northside Community Development Fund, watch a performance of Richard III presented by Steel City Shakespeare at the Fineview Overlook, and enjoy free admission at Mattress Factory Museum in honor of the late founder, Barbara Luderowski.

Photo by The Northside Chronicle Staff

Thursday, May 16

Chamber Blood Drive at Priory Grand Hall

Donate blood at this drive coordinated by Vitalant (formerly Central Blood Bank). Donors are entered to win a variety of prizes, including Pirates and Penguins tickets. From noon to 5 p.m. at Priory Grand Hall, 614 Pressley St., 15212. Click here for more information.

Starting Your Own Business 101

The Northside Community Development Fund (NSCDF) is holding a workshop for Northsiders interested in starting their own business. Community residents can stop by the Destiny of Faith Church, located at 3737 Brighton Road in Brighton Heights, to learn about the funding opportunities NSCDF offers for start-up and existing businesses located on Pittsburgh’s Northside. The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. and refreshments will be provided. Direct any questions to Chelsea Newcomer at 412-322-0290 or at newcomer@nscdfund.org.

Big Band Swing with Beginner Swing Dance Lesson at Allegheny Elks Lodge #339

Mark Peters provides a beginner’s swing dance lesson at no additional charge from 7:15 to 8:00 pm. The Jazz Conspiracy Big Band starts swinging at 8:00 pm. No dance experience or partner required. $10 general admission and $5 students with student ID at the door. Families are encouraged to attend. This event is open to the public. Allegheny Elks Lodge #339 is located at 400 Cedar Avenue.

Friday, May 17

Manchester Growing Together Farm – Help Create A Living Wall

Manchester Growing Together Farm welcomes you to historic Manchester! Join the group “on the farm” in the hood as our children, neighbors and YOU create and build a Living Wall to add beauty to the neighborhood. Generous partners: Remake Learning, HTG Supply and the City of Pittsburgh’s CitiParks will be joining to have FUN! Two hours of learning, fun and food while having a ball…….. ‘playing in the dirt’. Event is from 5 to 7 p.m. Located at 1426 Juniata St, 15233. More information available here.

Opening Celebration: Allegheny West Historic Timeline Exhibition

Allegheny West Civic Council is pleased to present the Allegheny West Historic Timeline Exhibition, in collaboration with Community College of Allegheny County. The Allegheny West Historic Timeline Exhibition will be a celebration of the Allegheny West Civic Council’s 5 decades, focusing on struggles and success stories of a small neighborhood that progressed through passionate residents and finding solutions for future improvements. Event is from 5 to 8 p.m. at the CCAC Gallery at West Hall, Allegheny Campus on the Northside, 826 Ridge Ave., 15233. Free and open to the public | Light refreshments will be served. More information available here.

The Artist Up Close: Kim Gordon with Rachel Kushner at The Warhol Theater

Doors open at 6:30 pm. This event is free, and seating is first come, first served. For more information, visit the Artist Up Close: Kim Gordon with Rachel Kushner event page.

Saturday, May 18

Steel City Shakespeare Center Presents Richard III at the Fineview Overlook

Today and tomorrow, Sunday, May 19, performances begin at 3 p.m. Suggested donation is $15. Location is at the corner of Catoma and Lanark Street. For more information, visit www.steelcityshakespeare.org.

Daughter’s Dinner at Calvary United Methodist Church

The Calvary United Methodist Women are sponsoring a lovely luncheon for women of all ages. Gather at noon in the Chapel. Lunch will begin at 12:30 p.m. Entertainment will feature Ventriloquist Cindy Speck and Friends. The cost is $10 for adults and $5 for girls under 10 years old. For reservations, please contact Kathy Wagner at kbwagner47@gmail.com or call 412-837-2081. The deadline for reservations is Sunday, May 12.

Yoga in Allegheny Commons Park

Yoga in the park is back again even bigger and better! Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh has partnered with some of Pittsburgh’s best yoga studios to bring free outdoor yoga to Allegheny Commons Park ALL SUMMER LONG!!! Entrance near Ridge Ave, and Brighton Rd- Across from Gus and Yaya’s! Kicking off the start of yoga in the park with a Main Squeeze Juice Truck! All events are (BYOM) bring your own mat or towel! For a full schedule of teachers and more information, visit the Facebook event page.

Garvin Field Day

Observatory Hill neighbor, Bonny Kwolek, applied for and received a grant to make improvements to Garvin Field located at the end of Garvin Street, off of Franklin. So please join other Observatory Hill neighbors to pick up trash, paint and weed to pretty it up. Afterwards, we will gather on the field for food and fun. Scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. For more information, click here.

Suit Drive and Workforce Development Event

On Saturday, May 18th Providence Family Support Center will be hosting a FREE Suit Drive and Workforce Development Event for local parents seeking employment and opportunities. Donors can drop off clean, gently used shirts, ties, shoes, accessories, and suits at Providence Family Support Center, 3113 Brighton Road Pittsburgh, PA 15212, from Wednesday, May 1 through Saturday, May 18. Call 412.766.6730, extension 316 for large pick up donations. For more information, click here.

Garden Bed Build Day & Gardener Lottery at Allegheny Commons Park

Please join from 9 AM-2 PM to build garden beds for the first season of this garden! With the help of Grow Pittsburgh, have garden bed kits will be available to assemble. In addition to bed construction, there will be various tasks to do this day for people of all abilities to help with. Any help for any amount of time is appreciated! At the end of the day, a drawing will take place for submitted applications in a blind lottery to assign garden plots. Applications can be found online here https://tinyurl.com/y45xtozy or in print at Sweet Time General Store & Gathering Place or Arnold’s Tea. Completed applications are due to the Community Garden Committee on May 11, & can be submitted online via email to communitygarden@deutschtown.org or dropped off at local businesses listed above. Rain date for Garden Bed Build Day will be May 19!

Sunday, May 19

Free Admission Day at Mattress Factory in Honor of Barbara Luderowski

In honor of Mattress Factory founder Barbara Luderowski, the museum will offer free admission to all on Sunday, May 19, from 1-5pm. More information here.

Pittsburgh Mixtape Semifinals at Scratch Food & Beverage

The MIXT&PE Cocktail Competition – Pittsburgh Semifinals, from 5 to 8 p.m. Cocktails inspired by your favorite songs. A certain screening of a certain finale featuring dragons in dining room and bar to follow. Find out more via the Facebook event page.

Have an event you’d like us to feature online in the Northside Happenings? Every week on our website, we announce free or almost-free events happening in the Northside on Thursdays through Sundays. Fill out our Google Form or email a paragraph detailing the name of the event, location, specifics and a website or contact information to editor@thenorthsidechronicle.com. Deadline is 4 p.m. on the Wednesday before the weekend.