7 free and low-cost things to do in February

February may be the shortest month of the year, but there are plenty of events at Pitt and in the city to keep you busy. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the first national commemoration of Black history, and the University is celebrating alongside Pittsburgh's vibrant cultural scene.

From powerful panel discussions and free concerts, here are 7 ways to stay engaged without blowing your budget.

A century of progress

Thursday, Feb. 5, 1 p.m.

Kick off Black History Month with Equipoise and the Office of Institutional Engagement and Wellbeing. Along with exploring the impact of Black history celebrations, the program will feature a panel discussion facilitated by Shallegra Moye (EDUC '22G), director of educational enrichment and transition programs at the School of Education.

Where: O'Hara Student Center Dining Room, 3900 O’Hara St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Tickets: All are welcome at this free event, but you'll need to register in advance.

[Plus, nominate a Community Champion through Feb. 4.]

A collaborative stitch

Tuesday, Feb. 10, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Design a quilt square, ward off climate anxiety and contribute to a collaborative artwork at this no-experience-needed sewing session. Participants can cut and pin their own designs, and the completed quilt will be featured at the Eco-Artisans Show on April 8. No sewing experience required.

Where: William Pitt Union, Kimbo Conference Room, 3959 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Tickets: Free and open to the Pitt community. Registration encouraged for refreshments.

Classical, choral and jazz

Various dates and times

Pitt’s Department of Music is hosting a lineup of performances across classical, choral and jazz traditions this month. Highlights include Music on the Edge on Feb. 6, where pianist Amy Williams will perform Morton Feldman’s Triadic Memories in honor of the composer’s 100th birthday; the Heinz Chapel Choir Chamber Choir Festival on Feb. 15; and the Pitt Jazz Studies Big Band Festival as well as a Pitt Symphony Orchestra concert on Feb. 18.

Where: Bellefield Hall, 315 S. Bellefield Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213; and Heinz Memorial Chapel, 4200 Fifth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Tickets: Most events are free and open to the public. Music on the Edge is free with a Pitt student ID; general admission is $20.

Transformations on stage

Feb. 20-March 1

As part of Pitt Stages’ 2025-26 season theme, “Transformations,” Pitt Theatre presents The “Trees” by Agnes Borinsky, a surreal play in which siblings Sheila and David become mysteriously rooted to the earth after a late-night walk home. As word of this incident spreads, a community forms around them. The play explores themes of connection, care and humanity’s relationship with the natural world. All performances are relaxed performances, with an ASL-interpreted show on Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. Assistive listening devices are available upon request.

Where: Rauh Studio Theatre, Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Tickets: $15 for students, artists and educators; $25 general admission

A signature celebration

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m.

Pitt’s annual K. Leroy Irvis Celebration marks the culmination of Black History Month programming across the University. The event honors seven Community Champions whose work reflects Irvis’ legacy of leadership, public service, education and cultural enrichment, with remarks, award presentations and a shared dinner.

Where: Alumni Hall, Connolly Ballroom, 4227 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

Tickets: Free, but advance registration is required.

Explore work by local artists

Feb. 19-March 29

Include a stop at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center in downtown Pittsburgh, and while you’re there, check out visual art by local makers from the third annual Envisioning a Just Pittsburgh exhibition. Winning Writing for the Page submissions will also be on display at the Gallery @ Main at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s main branch in the Oakland neighborhood.

Where: August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222; Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Main, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Tickets: Free and open to the public.

Black History and heritage

All month

Explore more than 250 years of African American history in Western Pennsylvania through the Heinz History Center’s “From Slavery to Freedom” exhibition. The long-term gallery traces the region’s story from early African roots and the Underground Railroad to civic activism and community life in the present day, with artifacts, multimedia displays and interactive experiences.

Where: Senator John Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

Tickets: Free for Pitt students with a valid ID through Pitt Arts. General admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $10 for students and youth. Purchase online or at the center.

Photography by Aimee Obidzinski