President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration is just a week away, and there's no shortage of local rallying points, parties, meetups and protests to ring in our newest commander in chief.
Whether you're ready to "Make America Great Again" or reaching for the tissues over the thought of an Obama-less White House, here's a list of what's happening in the Pittsburgh region.
Sunday, Jan. 15
Children’s March for Peace and Kindness, 3-3:45 p.m., Schenley Plaza, 4100 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
“The aim is to give parents a way to share their values with their children and provide kids a forum for communicating with the President-elect. We will write letters on postcards and then march around the park, stopping at a mailbox to mail our letters,” said event organizer Paola Scommegna.
Monday, Jan. 16
15th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration, 2-7 p.m., Union Project, 801 N. Negley Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
The annual MLK holiday celebration will reflect on the past year’s conversations about race and invite ideas for how to facilitate dialogue under the new administration. All the sessions include the arts in some way “Speak Up-poetry,” “Sing Up,” “Design Up.”
"New President. Same King. New Dream?" Discussion with Jacquea Mae, 5-9 p.m., Everyday Cafe, Homewood, Pittsburgh, PA
Local activist Jacquea Mae will facilitate a conversation around the status of Martin Luther King's Dream and what this generation is doing to keep the dream alive during this time of racial tension and new leadership.
Tuesday, Jan. 17
Smallman Stands Up, 11 a.m. - 11:59 p.m., Smallman Galley, 54 21st Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Each day of the week-long event, 20 percent of bar sales will benefit an organization “moving our nation forward.” Tuesday:Sierra Club. Wednesday: ADL - Anti-Defamation League. Thursday: ACLU Nationwide. Friday: Planned Parenthood
Tuesdays with Toomey Pittsburgh: Oppose Trump Cabinet Appointments, 12:20-1:20 p.m., 100 W Station Square Drive Suite 225, Pittsburgh, PA
Organizers are gathering at Crazy Mocha on Bessemer Court in Station Square at noon to gather constituent letters opposing Trump's Cabinet selections, strategize and walk down to the Grand Concourse at 12:20 p.m. to engage with Toomey's staff.
Pittsburgh Pre-Women's March On Washington Meet and Greet, 6-9 p.m., William Penn Tavern, 739 Bellefonte St., Pittsburgh, PA
A meet and greet for men and women planning to attend the upcoming Women's March on Washington and other local anti-Inauguration events. Open to anyone "who wants to get offline and meet some of the other progressives who want to protect our rights, use our voice and support those in vulnerable communities both here locally, at the state level and nationally."
Wednesday, Jan. 18
The Future Of DACA and Immigration Law and Policy, 12-1 p.m., Barco Law Building, 3900 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Panelists will talk about the possible implications of immigration law changes if Trump follows through with this campaign promises. The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) will be discussed in-depth, as well as what sanctuary cities could provide for immigrants.
What’s Next? (The Valley Democrats), 7-9 p.m., Harmar House, Harmarville, 1321 Freeport Road, Cheswick, PA
Allegheny Valley Democrats are asking members to contribute ideas for community initiatives under the Trump administration. They’re ready to “re-vamp” their organization, while continuing to stand by the Democratic values.
Thursday, Jan. 19
Rally to Protect Our Students, Our Schools and Our Communities, 4-5 p.m., Concord Elementary School, 2350 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA
Education advocates, students and parents will gather to “demand protection” and investment in education under the new administration. They’re specifically protesting the nomination of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education. Contact: 412-431-5900
Women's March Print Workshop!, 5-8 p.m., Artists Image Resource, 518 Foreland St., Pittsburgh, PA
Prepare for the inauguration and national Women's March with AIR through a quick demo on how to screenprint. Pre-made screens and stencils will be available to print shirts, posters, patches, bags and banners. First demo is at 5:30 p.m., otherwise the workshop is drop-in. Materials and printing assistance are available at special rates. Tickets are available at artistsimageresource.org
Pre-Inauguration Funera-Fest, 5:30-8:55 p.m., Howlers, 4509 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA
If you’re sad about the inauguration or Obama leaving, Howlers wants to help you feel a little better with some libations. A few bands will play in the back room.
Fashion is Political (fashion show), 6-9 p.m., Spirit, 242 51st Street, Pittsburgh, PA
This fashion show features works by designers who focus on representing minority groups they say President-elect Trump “won’t fight for,” including the Black Lives Matter movement, people with disabilities and LGBTQ individuals.
Rights and Pints: The Inauguration Edition, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Smallman Galley, 54 21st Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh’s (new) Young Leadership Outreach Team has asked ACLU-PA legal director Vic Walczak to talk about the ACLU’s work and how people can employ resources to combat Trump’s campaign promises involving the threatening of civil liberties.
Trapped (women’s reproductive health), 6:30-9 p.m., Eddy Theater, Woodland Road, Pittsburgh, PA
The incoming administration has threatened to defund Planned Parenthood and other women’s health care organizations. Trapped is a film about the challenges facing providers and the recent 2016 Whole Woman’s Health v. Hellerstedt decision. After the film, women’s reproductive health advocates will talk about legal and political action that can be taken going forward.
Inauguration Day, Friday, Jan. 20
Design as Protest, all day, online
A nationwide action connecting activists, community organizers, architects, planners, designers and artists with the direct intention of utilizing their skills to stand up to injustice, discrimination and hate.
The People’s Inauguration,12-2 p.m., Freedom Corner Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
A people’s inauguration pledging support for economic, racial, reproductive, climate, education, disability, immigrant, LGBTQ justice and rights.
Inauguration Day Alternative, 12-2 p.m., August Wilson Center, 980 Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
The Friends of the August Wilson Center will gather to praise Barack Obama's accomplishments and provide an open mic opportunity for Pittsburghers to share their thoughts and "commitment to Fight Back."
Pittsburgh: Get on the Bus to DC and Demand to Dump Trump, 1:30-8:30 p.m., Edgewood Towne Centre Giant Eagle, 1705 S. Braddock Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
ANSWER-Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and End Racism) is offering a ride down to DC for the day. Tickets are $35. Contact: codyryanwebb@gmail.com
#HopeNight Lantern Lighting, 4 p.m., citywide
Hope Night is a city-wide bipartisan, interfaith luminary and land-only lantern lighting to honor and stand in solidarity with those targeted by hate and ignorance.
Resist Trump: Occupy the Inauguration, 4-7 p.m., Point State Park
Socialist Alternative Pittsburgh activists will protest Trump and broader issues of racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia and the rising threat of fascism in the United States. Contact: saPGHbc@gmail.com
East Liberty and Justice for All, 5:30-9 p.m., East Liberty Presbyterian Church, 116 South Highland Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
This event is a celebration of diversity, looking to empower marginalized peoples and includes opportunities to create art, eat food and listen to poetry readings and jazz performances.
Westmoreland County Republican Committee Inaugural Ball, 7 p.m.-12 a.m., Ramada, Greensburg, 100 Ramada Inn Drive, Greensburg, PA
Local Republicans will celebrate the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump with food, a cash bar and viewing of the Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C.
The Freedom To Marry- Free Screening, 7-9 p.m., Alphabet City (City of Asylum), 40 W. North Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Catch a screening of "The Freedom to Marry," looking at four decades of the civil rights fight for same-sex marriage.
What a Joke Pittsburgh, 8-9 p.m., Unplanned Comedy Pittsburgh, 5601 Butler Street (second floor), Pittsburgh, PA
This local performance is part of a national comedy fest raising money for the ACLU. Tickets are $15 and performers include Mike Wysocki, Ed Bailey and other comedians.
Saturday, Jan. 21
#19 Summit Against Racism, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, 616 N Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA
Hosted by the Metro-Urban Institute and the Black and White Reunion, the conference promises to provide a forum for discussion about the current state of race relations in the U.S., what we have learned so far and pathways to deeper understanding, healing and social action. There is a fee to attend. For more information contact summitagainstracism@gmail.com
Women’s March on Washington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Independence Ave SW & 3rd St SW, Washington, DC
Men and women from 50 states unite in solidarity with their partners and children for the protection of human rights, safety, health and families -- recognizing that America’s vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of the country.
Women’s March on Pittsburgh, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Pittsburgh City-County Building, 414 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh women will plan to meet up and “send a bold message to our new government on their first day in office, and to the world that women's rights are human rights.”
Our Feminism Must Be Intersectional Rally/March, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Penn Plaza Apartments, 5704 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA
"A hollaback march to the one in D.C." The rally offers intersectional solidarity and collective resistance in a safe space aiming to be welcoming to all, including people of color, trans women, gender nonconforming people, those with disabilities, young children and elders alike.
Humans of the Walk for Life, 12-12:30 p.m.,Civic Way, Pittsburgh, PA
The Life Matters Journal team says the meetup will include a number of individuals telling their story about life and death and human rights. A small docket of speakers are planned, but organizers say they want the sharing experience to be “Humans of New York” style.
Nasty Woman & Bad Hombre Poetry Reading,4 p.m., Staghorn Garden Cafe, 517 Greenfield St 15207
Local poets will gather for readings and to raise funds for organizations, both local and national. The published "Nasty Woman & Bad Hombre Anthology" will provide funds for the ACLU, Pittsburgh Women's Shelter, Planned Parenthood and The Art House. Submissions for the anthology are being taken through February.
Sunday, Jan. 22
Reproductive Rights Rally, 2-4 p.m., Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Marking the 44th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, pro-choice advocates, including the American Association of University Women-Pitt, will march for reproductive rights. Afterward, in classroom 324, participants are invited to attend a discussion on how to ensure access to care under the new administration.
Sunday, Jan. 29
2017 Pittsburgh Resistance Inaugural Ball, 1-4 p.m., Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, 1047 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh PA
Activists, organizers and community leaders will gather to talk about how to resist violence and oppression against vulnerable populations in 2017.
Did we miss anything? Email web@wesa.fm with information about who, what, when and where your event is taking place to add yours.
