Down in Front!

Editors’ Pick:
ORCHIDS AT ARTSMITHS
Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17
You don’t have to drive to Shadyside to go to The Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania’s annual show this year! The event is moving to Artsmiths on McFarland Road, featuring professional and amateur exhibits, orchid vendors, educational lectures, orchid repotting and more. Tickets are free. Proceeds from sales will benefit the Orchid Society. www.oswp.org
FISH FRYDAYS
Fridays March 8-April 12
Get the scoop on our local fish fries! This Lenten season, Mt. Lebanon magazine staffers and bloggers will be making the rounds to local churches to see who’s got the best fish sandwich, pierogies, desserts and more. Visit lebomag.com periodically to get the latest update on our fish fry adventure.
COLOR YOUR WORLD
Saturday, March 30
Support two great organizations—the Mt. Lebanon Junior Women’s Club and Jeremiah’s Place, which provides emergency care for young children—at the MLJWC Color Your World Gala. This whimsical event at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will include plated dinner, an open bar, silent auction and more. www.MLJWC.com
WOMEN OF PITTSBURGH HIKE
Saturday, March 2
Celebrate Women’s History Month with Venture Outdoors on a three-hour history walk. The guided tour through Oakland will pass by important historical sites and will focus on some of Pittsburgh’s most famous and influential women. Beginning at 9 a.m., this easy hike is $8 for members and $12 for non-members. www.VentureOutdoors.org
CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL Friday to Sunday, March 15-17
For its 15th anniversary, the Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival is presenting its largest show yet at the Doubletree in Green Tree. The three-day celebration will include a marketplace, exhibitions, block party, scavenger hunt, classes and demos focused on knitting, crochet, sewing, quilting, fiber arts and more.www.PghKnitAndCrochet.com
PURIM PARTY
Sunday, March 17
Are you curious to see what Purim is all about? Check out the South Hills Community Purim Carnival on Sunday, March 17, at 12:15 p.m. at the South Hills JCC. Games, prizes, food, inflatables, face painting, and a balloon artist. For more information and to register: www.southhillsjewishpittsburgh.org/purim19

PHOTO SALON OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, March 31
The best images submitted this year by the members of the Photo Section, Academy of Science and Art of Pittsburgh, will be on display on the upper level of Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center from 1 to 4 p.m. Judges will award prizes to the best photographs in 11 categories. Club members will be on hand to answer questions about their photographs and the club. Go to page 52 to see entries from previous years’ shows. www.PghPhoto.org
REACH FOR A STAR
Saturday, March 9
The Center for Theater Arts (CTA) will host its 38th annual Reach for a Star gala at the Hilton Garden Inn Pittsburgh Southpointe. The event begins with a patron’s reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by a cocktail hour and auction at 7. Live entertainment will follow dinner, with a chance to hear from special guests—past guests have included Broadway stars and famous composers. www.CenterForTheaterArts.org
PUPS AND PJs Friday, March 16
Enjoy a fun night out while your kids have a fun night in at Humane Animal Rescue’s headquarters on Hamilton Avenue in the East End. Kids can enjoy a movie night with games, pizza, popcorn and a meet and greet with a cuddly animal. Drop them off in their favorite PJs along with a sleeping bag and pillow at 6 p.m. and pick them up at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $25 per child and $10 for each additional sibling. www.HumaneAnimalRescue.org
GIFTING GALA
Saturday, April 6
This evening of cocktails, conversation and dancing helps fund Family House, a “home away from home” for patients and families who travel to Pittsburgh for medical care. Join 250 of Pittsburgh’s top industry and healthcare leaders at J. Verno Studios on the South Side.
www.FamilyHouse.org
EMPTY BOWLS
Sunday, March 10
A simple dinner of soup and bread from local restaurants serves as a reminder of those who are facing hunger. This event at Rodef Shalom Congregation on 5th Avenue in Oakland will also include children’s activities, a silent auction and artisan pottery for guests to take home. Sessions are 1 to 3:30 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. www.PittsburghFoodBank.org.