April Fun: Cool things to do in the Beaver Valley & Pittsburgh this April

Scott Tady, Beaver County Times
Updated ·9 min read

April showers us with excellent entertainment in the Beaver Valley and a bit beyond.

From the Beaver County Maple Syrup & Music Festival, to a Monaca library fundraiser starring top-tier Pittsburgh comic Mike Wysocki, to craft shows galore, you've got options.

Here's our April Fun Calendar to help you find good times.

April 1

Maria Becoates-Bey performs jazz 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Eddie V's restaurant, 501 Grant St., Pittsburgh.

April 2

The Suits, a nationally touring quartet singing four genres of hit music across four decades, 7:30 p.m. Beaver Falls Middle School. bvcommunityconcert.org.

The Suits will sing in Beaver Falls.
The Suits will sing in Beaver Falls.

"The Importance of Being Earnest" presented by Pittsburgh Public Theater at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh. Runs through April 14. trustarts.org.

April 3

"Moral AI, And How We Get There," 7:30 p.m. Greer Cabaret Theater, Pittsburgh. A discussion on artificial intelligence and concerns ranging from racial equity to personal privacy, co-hosted by Carnegie Mellon University. trustarts.org.

April 4

Upper Ohio Valley Petroglyphs free annual meeting, 7 p.m. Beaver County Court House (rear entrance). Susan Weaver from the Museum of Ceramics in East Liverpool will share information on the rock carvings at Smith’s Ferry, Brown’s Island and Wellsville Dam, and bring tracings made by volunteers in the 1920s. visitbeavercounty.com.

Zig from The Delaney's, 5-8 p.m. Jackson's Restaurant Restaurant + Bar, Center Township. jacksonsbeavervalley.com.

Buzz Worthy Trivia, 7 p.m. Altered Genius Brewing, Ambridge. alteredgeniusbrewing.com.

Zig Daniels will entertain at Jacksons Restaurant + Bar in Center Township.
Zig Daniels will entertain at Jacksons Restaurant + Bar in Center Township.

April 5

Bobcat Players present "The Underpants," a farce by Steve Martin, opening 7:30 p.m. at Beaver Area High School. bobcatplayers.com. Other performances at 7:30 p.m. April 6, 11-13.

"Exploring the Tastes, Perceptions, and Histories of Soul Food," dinner and discussion with a James Beard Award-winning food historian, 7:30 p.m. Greer Cabaret Theater, Pittsburgh. trustarts.org.

April 6

Rochester PTA Spring Craft Show, with food trucks, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Rochester Area School District complex.

Hop Into Spring Craft & Vendor Show, 1 to 6 p.m. Patterson Township Volunteer Fire Department. tswickedwonders.com.

Tribute To Tina Turner starring Karen Durrant, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Strand Theater, Zelienople. thestrandtheater.org.

Beaver County Spring Model Train & Hobby Sale 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monaca Turners. bcmrr.railfan.net

April 7

Hop Into Spring Craft & Vendor Show, continues 1 to 6 p.m. Patterson Township Volunteer Fire Department. tswickedwonders.com.

April 8

Solar Eclipse. 2 to 4:30 p.m. Maximum eclipse 3:17 p.m.

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Pittsburgh Opera’s annual fashion show 6:30 p.m. at the Bitz Opera Factory at 2425 Liberty Ave. in Pittsburgh's Strip District. A cocktail hour followed by runway modeling as Pittsburgh Opera’s award-winning Resident Artists will perform.

April 9

Trivia Night, 7 p.m. Brady's Run Grille, Fallston.

April 10

“Marketing The Presidency: 125 Years of Presidential Artifacts" presented at 6 p.m. at Old Economy Village, Ambridge. Presidential historian Steve Mihaly will offer a lively, informative 50-minute visual presentation showcasing the often odd and weird items presidential campaigns have produced over the last century to entice voters to support them. friends-of-old-economy-village.ticketleap.com.

April 11

Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m. Grand Valley Inn, Fallston.

"Wait Wait… Don't Tell Me!" National Public Radio’s Peabody Award-winning comedy news quiz show, 7:30 p.m. Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. trustarts,org.

Merrick Art Gallery presents sculptor Gadi Leshem demonstrating his earthenware clay sculpture techniques,7 p.m. at the gallery, 1100 Fifth Ave., New Brighton.

Gadi Leshem will demonstrate his sculpture techniques in a free event at the Merrick Art Gallery in New Brighton.
Gadi Leshem will demonstrate his sculpture techniques in a free event at the Merrick Art Gallery in New Brighton.

“An Evening of Working Class Poetry (and Music)” with poets Robert Walicki, Robert Gibb, Jason Irwin, Paola Corso and singer/songwriters Kelsey Jumper and Danny Rectenwald, 7-9 p.m. The Pump House, 880 E. Waterfront Drive, Munhall. eventbrite.com.

April 12

Steel City Con opens at 10 a.m., at Monroeville Convention Center. The three-day pop culture convention features Shannon Doherty, Heather Graham, Geena Davis, Molly Ringwald, Debra Messing, Susan Sarandon, John Carpenter and more. steelcitycon.com.

Improv comedy with The Dinner Theatre Rejects, the Baby Bello, Beaver Falls. thebellobuilding.com.

The Dinner Theatre Rejects, a Youngstown comedy improv troupe, will bring laughs to the Baby Bello in Beaver Falls.
The Dinner Theatre Rejects, a Youngstown comedy improv troupe, will bring laughs to the Baby Bello in Beaver Falls.

One-Act Festival begins a two-night run at 7 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland. lincolnparkarts.org.

"Khūrākī," a culinary-theatrical collaboration of Afghanistan, begins three-day performances at the Hillman Center for Performing Arts, Fox Chapel. realtimeinterventions.thundertix.com.

April 13

Chili Cookoff Fundraiser, 1-4 p.m. Big Beaver Borough Volunteer Fire Co., 621 Friendship Road.

Tapped for Sap, 25K Trail Race, Bradys Run Park. visitBeaverCounty.com.

Mobsters, Molls, & Marinara, an evening of comedy, mystery and pasta, 6 p.m. Feast Hall at Old Economy Village, Ambridge. friends-of-old-economy-village.ticketleap.com.

Annual Hike 4 Kidz Benefit for Disabled Children, hosted by North Country Trail Association, Wampum Chapter and Knights of Columbus. Check-in is 8-11 a.m. All welcome for 2.5-, 5-, 7.5-, or 10-mile hikes through a beautiful trail section along the Little Beaver Creek in Darlington Township to help support special children for McGuire Memorial, St. Anthony’s School Programs and St. Monica’s Catholic Academy.

Back to The '80s Night, a 1980s-themed dance party at the Ramada by Wydham Beaver Falls, 7 p.m. wyndhamhotels.com.

Holi Festival, 6-9 p.m. bringing the vibrant colors and joyous spirit of the Hindu celebration to Atithi Studios, 1020 N. Canal St., Sharpsburg. Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a revered Hindu festival marking the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. It also coincides with the Bengali New Year.

Holi Festival, bringing the vibrant colors and joyous spirit of the Hindu celebration to Atithi Studios in Sharpsburg. Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a revered Hindu festival marking the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. It also coincides with the Bengali New Year on April 14.
Holi Festival, bringing the vibrant colors and joyous spirit of the Hindu celebration to Atithi Studios in Sharpsburg. Holi, known as the Festival of Colors, is a revered Hindu festival marking the end of winter and the triumph of good over evil. It also coincides with the Bengali New Year on April 14.

April 14

Tea for Tails Luncheon to benefit the Beaver County Humane Society, 11:30 a.m. The Fez in Hopewell Township, with buffet, cash bar, prizes, best hat contest. beavercountyhumanesociety.org.

April 15

"Tropical Forest Hawai‘i: Aloha ʻĀina," continues at Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens in Pittsburgh, an immersive journey through the rich history, nature and culture of the Hawaiian archipelago. phipps.conservatory.org.

April 16

Key of G Live, a Garth Brooks tribute, 7:30 p.m. Beaver Falls Middle School. bvcommunityconcert.org.

April 17

"Company," the Tony Award-winning musical continues at the Benedum Center, Pittsburgh. Runs April 16-12. trustarts.org.

"Company," the smash-hit Broadway revival of a Stephen Sondheim show, will entertain audiences at the Benedum Center.
"Company," the smash-hit Broadway revival of a Stephen Sondheim show, will entertain audiences at the Benedum Center.

April 18

Y'inz Prov Improv Comedy, 7 p.m. Fermata Brewing, Ambridge. fermatabrewing.beer.

"Man of La Mancha" presented by Center Theatre Players, 7:30 p.m. at the Sandy Reigel Theater inside the Rochester Community Building. Runs through April 20. CenterTheatrePlayers.com.

Free Fall dance rock and variety, 5-8 p.m. Jackson's Restaurant + Bar, Center Township. jacksonsbeavervalley.com.

Free Fall will entertain at Jackson's Restaurant + Bar in Center Township.
Free Fall will entertain at Jackson's Restaurant + Bar in Center Township.

April 19

Comedy Show: Laughs for The Library starring Mike Wysocki and Suzanne Lawrence, 6:30 p.m. Center Stage, Center Township. A fundraiser for Monaca Public Library. eventbrite.com.

One of Pittsburgh's premier comics, Mike Wysocki, will headline a fundraiser for Monaca Public Library.
One of Pittsburgh's premier comics, Mike Wysocki, will headline a fundraiser for Monaca Public Library.

April 20

Beaver County Maple Syrup Festival begins, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bradys Run Park, Brighton Township.

Connect with the spirits as the Pittsburgh Medium, Rev. Marjorie Rivera, returns to Monaca Turners for a 5 p.m. dinner event. eventbrite.com.

Bags, Baskets & Bingo Bash, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Fez, Hopewell Township. visitbeavercounty.com.

Kennywood Park amusement park opens for the season. kennywood.com.

Earth Day free family-friendly event outdoors at the Sisters of St. Joseph facility in Baden.

Spring Fling Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Chippewa United Methodist Church.

Jay Wiley, local rocker, 7 p.m. at Big Sewickley Creek Brewing, Economy. sewickleybrewing.com.

Ellwood City native Jay Wiley is a popular local performer.
Ellwood City native Jay Wiley is a popular local performer.

April 21

Beaver County Maple Syrup Festival continues, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Bradys Run Park.

Pittsburgh Summer Camp Expo, 1 to 4 p.m., UPMC Events Center, Moon Township. A free opportunity for western Pennsylvania parents and kids to explore a diverse array of summer camps and family-friendly attractions in a tradeshow-style setting. robinson.macaronikid.com.

April 22

Zumba Family Reunion, celebrating 16 years of Zumba in Beaver County, 6-8 p.m., Chippewa UMC Community Life Center. Join a night of "special guest stars" dancing the night away raising money for Bags & Blessings.

David Sedaris, humorist, 7:30 p.m. Carnegie Music Hall of Oakland. etix.com.

April 23

Play pinball and vintage arcade games at Pinball PA, Hopewell Shopping Center. Hours are 2-10 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays; open at 11 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays. pinballpa.com.

April 24

Dollar Dog Night with $1 hot dogs as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park. mlbtickets.com.

April 25

“An Entertaining Story,” a slide-illustrated lecture presented by India Hicks, author, model and TV personality for the BBC and Bravo, 10:30 a.m., Carnegie Music Hall and Music Hall Foyer of Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh. Her presentation will include charming family stories and a touch of British royal history. Coffee at 9:30 a.m. wccarnegieart.org

Summer Kick-Off Beach Party 7 p.m., pop-up bar with a rotation of clips from classic and contemporary beach party films, Strand Theater, Zelienople. thestrandtheater.org.

Pittsburgh Yinzer Fest, runs through April 28, a celebration all things Pittsburgh with local musical groups, actors, artists and chefs, David Lawrence Convention Center. pittsburghcc.com

More: 'Barbie' movie concert heads to Burgettstown with all-woman orchestra playing Star Lake

April 26

"Footloose" opens 7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center, Midland. Continues through April 28 and May 3-5. lincolnparkarts.org.

Working Breed rock band, 7 p.m. Beaver Station Cultural & Event Center. beaverstation.org.

Pittsburgh art-rock band Working Breed makes its Beaver debut in April.
Pittsburgh art-rock band Working Breed makes its Beaver debut in April.

April 27

#IMOMSOHARD, comedy show, 8 p.m. Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall, Munhall.

April 28

Opening reception for Beaver Valley Artists' 47th annual art exhibition, Merrick Art Gallery, 1100 Fifth Ave., New Brighton. Artist William Kofmehl publicly will critique artworks in the show. Refreshments will be served. The show will be at the Merrick April 16 to May 9. Hours are 10-2 Tuesdays through Thursdays, 1-4 p.m. Sundays. merrickartgallery.org.

A sculptured work by artist William Kofmehl, juror for the Beaver Valley Artists' 47th annual art exhibition at the Merrick Art Gallery, New Brighton.
A sculptured work by artist William Kofmehl, juror for the Beaver Valley Artists' 47th annual art exhibition at the Merrick Art Gallery, New Brighton.

Naked Bowling, 4 p.m. Crafton Ingram Lanes. Hosted by Pittsburgh Area Naturists.

April 29

Pizza cookie decorating class, 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tusca's Pizzeria, Brighton Township.

April 30

Magicians Naathan Phan & Hayden Allcorn in "History of Magic: Part 1," at Liberty Magic Theater, Pittsburgh. Show runs April 3 to May 12. trustarts.org.

Got a suggestion for the May Fun Calendar? Send details to stady@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: April Fun Calendar gives cool ideas for Beaver County & Pittsburgh