This weekend in the Northside: a class for bird lovers at the National Aviary, the Third Annual Garbage Olympics, the 15th Annual Chocolate House Tour in Brighton Heights, and more.

Photo from a stop on the 2017 Brighton Heights Chocolate Tour by Neil Strebig

Thursday, September 19

Celebration of Humanity for Northside Common Ministries at Alloy 26

Honor those who make the commitment to help improve the lives of the areas hungry and homeless. Heavy Appetizer Buffet by Fabled Table Catering and Refreshments. This year’s event includes a Silent Auction and original works of art available for purchase from local artists committed to the work of Northside Common Ministries (NCM). Help NCM raise funds to feed the 950 hungry people who use their food pantry every month and 450 homeless men who stay at our shelter every year. Event is from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here.

Appreciating Avian Architecture – Nest Building

Join National Aviary Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill for a series of classes focusing on unique aspects of birds, from behavior to appearance. The Classes for Bird Lovers will be held from 10:00 to 11:30 am on Thursdays, September 12, 19, and 26, and include both classroom time, and time walking in and around the National Aviary. Every booking qualifies for the free bonus class on October 3! Refreshments will be served. Call 412-258-9445 to register for any of the classes. This week, Ornithologist Bob Mulvihill will introduce you to the fascinating techniques and materials birds use to create safe places for their eggs and young, then lead you on a short walk through the National Aviary to search for nests.

New beer and can release, a run and a ride, Gaucho, reggae at Allegheny City Brewing (ACB)

Experience Observatory Hill Haze IPA. Released in draft and in cans – brewed with local hops harvested in Observatory Hill. Fleet Feet Run Club. Check-in begins at 6:15 PM, the run starts at 6:30pm, and there are both 3 and 5-mile route options. Beer Ride. Bear Dog Bicycles will lead you around the Northside for a casual bike ride to a secret location where everyone will get a sample of the new IPA. Then everyone will be led back to ACB. 6pm. Gaucho’s Asado Food Truck. what else is there to say! Reggae Night. DJ Reason will be spinning reggae records! More information available on Facebook.

Friday, September 20

Allegheny Mountains Lot Refresh

Join Grounded Strategies for a work day in the Northside at Allegheny Mountains Lot at the intersection of California Avenue and Benton Avenue! This lot was damaged and needs repair. Volunteers can join staff in restoring it to its former glory. Get your hands dirty with weeding, mulching, and general site refresh. Come ready to work in warm or cool weather. To sign up, please email info@groundedpgh.org. For more information about the site click here.

Northside Farmers Market in Allegheny Commons Park

Did you know the Citiparks Farmers Market accepts ACCESS cards? Check it out this and every Friday for the summer from 3 to 7 p.m. at Allegheny Commons Park at the corner of East Ohio Street and Cedar Avenue. Stock up on fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, cheese, baked goods, flowers, and more. For more information, head to the Facebook event page.

Saturday, September 21

ALCOSAN Open House

Enjoy a day of exhibits and educational activities at the region’s largest environmental festival that opens at 9 a.m. Admission is free at this family friendly event that features , watershed demonstrations, laboratory and treatment plant tours. This event is rain or shine and runs until 4 p.pm. For more information, visit ALCOSAN’s website, here.

Third Annual Garbage Olympics

Get ready for the third annual Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics. Fineview/Perry Hilltop Meeting Place: Fowler/PC Park at 9 a.m. For more info. contact: 412.444.8087. Closing ceremony at 12:00 p.m. Threadbare Cider and Mead, 1291 Spring Garden Ave. Prizes will be awarded for: Dirtiest volunteer, most garbage collected, most volunteers, and strangest item found. The main Facebook event page is here.

FAHRZEUGFEST 2.0 – German Motor Vehicle Show

Back for year 2! FAHRZEUGFEST German Motor Vehicle Show, presented by Annex PGH. Food, music, beer and German cars. The set up will be in the same spot as last year, right in the Foreland Street parking lot in Historic Deutschtown, Northside Pittsburgh. For more information, and for vehicle entry, email Annexpgh@outlook.com. Hope to see you all out here again for this amazing free event. Facebook event page is here.

Oktoberfest – Penn Brewery

Penn Brewery’s annual Oktoberfest is back for another two weekends of fun! As always, they will combine old-time traditions with new sounds and flavors. Join at the mid-19th-century building and Biergarten for two weekends of cold bier, delicious food, traditional Bavarian music and plenty of Gemutlichkeit! Today’s event is scheduled for 5 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. More information is available on the Penn Brewery website or via Facebook.

Sunday, September 22

Pittsburgh Police K-9 Unit Meet & Greet

People sometimes take for granted what Police Officers and K-9 Units do on a daily basis. To show appreciation, Wagsburg has partnered with Pittsburgh Police to help build awareness and raise money for the Officer Rocco K-9 Memorial Fund. The fund has been created to provide on-going care, training and support for the City of Pittsburgh Police Bureau – Canine Division. This week, stop by from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to meet Officer Butch & Zane (Comfort Dog). More information is listed on the Facebook event page.

BBGuns / Cordoba at The Government Center

A Sunday evening of jazz and hip-hop from Chicago’s own Cordoba – CHI and hometown heroes BBGuns at your favorite local record store, The Government Center. BYOB / $5. Event is from 7 to 10 p.m. Facebook event page is here.

15th Annual Chocolate House Tour

Join the Brighton Heights Citizens Federation for the 15th Annual Chocolate House tour from 1 to 5pm. The tour will begin at Legion Memorial Park between Davis and Orchlee Avenues at Shadeland Avenue. Plan to come hungry, because this year, the House Tour Committee invited Just Roll’d Up, a local fave Sushi and Poke food truck, who will have the best eats in town for you to purchase! Early Bird Tickets (Before Sept 15th) are $15 for 1, $25 for 2. After the 15th, tickets will be $20 for 1, $35 for 2. Please contact the Federation by phone, 412-734-0233 or email bhcf@brightonheights.org, to volunteer a home for tour, place advertising in our Tour booklet, or volunteer on the House Tour Planning Committee! Tickets are available through Eventbrite and will also be sold at the door. If you wish to pay for early bird tickets with cash or check please leave a message for Joe at 412-734-0233. More information is available via Facebook.

Fall Festival Market

Join the Five Points Business District of Observatory Hill for their last market of the year from 9am – 4pm. Located in Observatory Hill’s public parking lot across from Perry Traditional High School. Shop the flea market for deals, grab a bite to eat and meet the committee working to revitalize the business district. Street food and homemade baked goods will be available to purchase at this family friendly event. Plus a fun photo opportunity to take a picture with a scarecrow. All proceeds benefit the groups’ annual Light Up Night held in the same space on the first Friday of December.

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.