Hey, inflation, I know you’re not a sentient being but: Fight me.
Free is good. Real good. Mix a little freeness with some socializing and you’ve got a recipe for a good time for which your wallet and psyche will be grateful.
Here’s a handful of interesting, free events happening this weekend:
Forge Nights: Free open mic and tasting event
Community Forge is a Wilkinsburg-based nonprofit with a mission of promoting economic equity in and around Pittsburgh. But they also know how to get down. And anyone can come to hang for free. The open mic and tasting event brings together and celebrates the talent of local musicians, poets, comedians and more, as well as local “culinary entrepreneurs,” who will be serving up tasty treats.
8-11 p.m. Saturday, 1256 Franklin Ave., Wilkinsburg.
‘Mercuralia’: An original exhibition
Local artist Dominic Lazzini, who goes by “DÏ,” uses acrylic, ink and spray paint to create works of neo-expressionism — abstract paintings with a modern street feel that carries with it, but is not bogged down by, philosophical and historical themes, and toys with brand images and capitalism in the vein of Basquiat. He also incorporates random objects such as scrap metal, glitter and WD-40 in his work. DÏ has put together modern works for a free exhibition, called “Mercuralia,” at Wick Monet, a space for art and artists in Shadyside. It is an exclusive show with a limited number of spots for reservation.
7 p.m. Saturday, 5404 Walnut St., Shadyside.
‘SWEETNESS’: A collaborative arts show
Here’s something that’s extra sweet: artistic collaboration. A group of local artists offers a free presentation of their interactive show made up of a mishmash of performance art, film, emerging media, and music. On hand at the Frick Fine Arts Building is Sophie Stewart from Point Park University Dance, special effects artist Reghan Meadows, photographer Jeff Smee, rapper Mario Quinn, and Kobe Ritter from the Charlottesville Ballet. The interactive part involves the internet and camera on one’s phone, so bring that along if you want to interact with the experimental, collaborative effort. Limited seats are available.
3:45 p.m. Saturday, 650 Schenley Drive, Oakland.
Ligonier Highland Games Celtic Christmas Show
Top of the holiday to you! For the Christmas season, in particular, there are multitudes of ways to ring in the return of jolly St. Nick. The Strip pub Mullaney’s Harp and Fiddle has a show for the variety of the Celtic Christmas featuring acts like Mike Gallagher, Abbots Cross, DruidSong and RichPatrick. Call Mullaney’s to reserve a table.
7-11 p.m. Saturday, 2329 Penn Ave., Strip District.
Solomon is a features writer at The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike.