PITTSBURGH — November is shaping up to be an exceptional month for Black arts and culture in Pittsburgh. From internationally acclaimed musicians and celebrated local artists to independent film, fashion, theater and exhibitions exploring the African American experience, the city’s cultural calendar offers something for nearly every interest.
At the center of the month’s programming are several of Pittsburgh’s most important cultural institutions, including the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Kelly Strayhorn Theater, MCG Jazz and the Senator John Heinz History Center.
The lineup also reflects the breadth of Black artistic expression, connecting Pittsburgh’s rich cultural legacy with contemporary voices, emerging talent and the global African diaspora.
Whether you’re looking for an evening of live jazz, an opportunity to explore Black history, an inspiring theatrical experience or a celebration of African heritage, here are some November events to put on your calendar.
LIVE MUSIC & PERFORMANCE
Ami Taf Ra & Kamasi Washington: The Prophet & The Madman
Friday, November 6 | 6 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
City Winery Pittsburgh, 1627 Smallman Street
Tickets required.
An extraordinary meeting of contemporary jazz, North African musical traditions, gospel and spiritual storytelling brings acclaimed saxophonist, composer and producer Kamasi Washington together with vocalist and composer Ami Taf Ra.
Their collaborative project, The Prophet and the Madman, explores healing, ancestral memory and transformation through an expansive musical experience. The performance draws from Moroccan Gnawa, Arabic musical traditions, soul and spiritual jazz.
Natural Woman: The Music of Aretha Franklin
November 13–15
Heinz Hall, Downtown Pittsburgh
Tickets required.
The music of the Queen of Soul takes center stage as Grammy-nominated vocalist and pianist Sheléa joins the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra for a powerful tribute to Aretha Franklin.
Audiences can expect celebrated classics including Respect, Chain of Fools, (You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman and Say a Little Prayer.
Performances are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Conducted by Byron Stripling, this production celebrates the extraordinary musical legacy of one of America’s most influential voices.
Gerald Albright: Hot Chocolate Tour
Saturday, November 14 | 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
MCG Jazz, 1815 Metropolitan Street
Tickets required.
Multi-Grammy-nominated saxophonist Gerald Albright returns to Pittsburgh with his Hot Chocolate project, an evening of contemporary jazz, soulful grooves and musical storytelling.
A celebrated performer whose career spans more than four decades, Albright brings a distinctive sound that has made him a favorite among contemporary jazz audiences.
Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble Inaugural Concert
Thursday, November 19 | 8 p.m.
Bellefield Hall Auditorium, University of Pittsburgh
Free admission.
The University of Pittsburgh’s newly formed Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble makes its debut with an inaugural concert directed by Zane Cupec.
The performance offers an opportunity to experience the musical connections between African and Latin American traditions through jazz, rhythm and improvisation.
Suite Life: A Celebration of Billy Strayhorn & Gene Kelly
Saturday, November 28 | 7:30–9 p.m.
Kelly Strayhorn Theater, East Liberty
Pay What Moves You: $35–$65 for concert admission.
One of Pittsburgh’s beloved cultural traditions returns, celebrating two hometown legends whose creative contributions have reached audiences around the world.
With musical direction by Pittsburgh-based saxophonist Yoko Suzuki and direction by Monteze Freeland, this year’s production features young artists from Alumni Theater Company.
Through live music, dance, singing and original spoken word, Suite Life reimagines timeless favorites while connecting the legacies of Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly with the next generation of Pittsburgh performers.
A VIP reception and inaugural Suite Life Paradigm Awards begin at 6 p.m.
VISUAL ARTS & MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS
Lavett Ballard: A Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose
On view throughout November through December 27
August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Downtown
Free admission.
Artist Lavett Ballard brings an evocative exploration of Black femininity, identity and historical memory to the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.
Using reclaimed wood, historical photographs, collage and mixed-media assemblages, Ballard creates visually rich works that examine the experiences and representations of Black women across generations.
The exhibition invites visitors to consider beauty, resilience, womanhood and the power of reclaiming historical narratives.
Greetings: An Exploration of the Black Dap
On view through November 29
August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Downtown
The exhibition Greetings explores the history and cultural significance of the dap, a gesture of connection, recognition and solidarity deeply embedded in Black culture.
Tracing its roots to African American military service members during the Vietnam War era, the exhibition examines how this expression evolved into a recognizable cultural tradition.
Visitors can also experience the special Greetings: Kickback on Thursday, November 12, from 7–9 p.m. The interactive gathering features music, games, spades and opportunities for community connection. Registration is required.
Tea with Mytris: Lavett Ballard in Conversation
Sunday, November 15 | 2:30–4 p.m.
August Wilson African American Cultural Center
Tickets: $45 general admission; member and youth discounts available.
Art lovers have another opportunity to engage with Ballard’s work during this special edition of Tea with Mytris.
The artist joins gallerist, curator and art advisor Dr. Myrtis Bedolla for a conversation about the ideas and creative influences behind Ballard’s exhibition and Grand Staircase installation. The experience includes refreshments and a keepsake portrait opportunity.
HISTORY, FILM & COMMUNITY
From Slavery to Freedom: Brothers in Blood — Black in Vietnam
Wednesday, November 4 | 5:30 p.m.
Senator John Heinz History Center, Strip District
Free admission; registration required.
The History Center’s African American Program presents a screening of Brothers in Blood: Black in Vietnam as part of its ongoing From Slavery to Freedom film series.
The screening offers an opportunity to examine the experiences of Black American military personnel during the Vietnam War and engage in a broader conversation about race, service and the African American experience in wartime.
AFRICANISM Gala: FashionAFRICANA Celebrates 25 Years
Thursday, November 12 | 7–10 p.m.
The 1933 Club at Acrisure Stadium, North Shore
Tickets starting at $125.
FashionAFRICANA celebrates a remarkable 25-year legacy with its fourth annual AFRICANISM Gala.
The milestone event brings together fashion, art, music and cultural expression in a celebration of Black beauty and the diversity of the African diaspora.
The evening will feature an anniversary fashion presentation, special appearances, live music, an art auction and a tribute to the late actor Bill Nunn III.
Proceeds support the AFRICANA Initiative and the Bill Nunn Legacy Fund, helping advance arts education, scholarships and opportunities for emerging artists and young people.
MULTIDISCIPLINARY PERFORMANCE & THEATER
EmBody: The ReSanctification of Black & Brown Queerness
Saturday, November 14 | 7 p.m.
Sunday, November 15 | 1 p.m.
Three Stories, 937 Liberty Avenue, Downtown
Tickets required; $30 listed admission.
This multidisciplinary performance explores Black and Brown queer identity, ancestral memory, spirituality and the reclamation of self.
Through spoken word, live vocals, instrumental music, healing rituals and choreography, EmBody creates an immersive artistic experience centered on the sacredness of queer and transgender identities.
The production examines historical erasure, community, decolonization and the enduring importance of honoring stories that have too often been overlooked.
MORE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES TO EXPLORE
Three Rivers Film Festival
November 5–15 | Various Pittsburgh venues
Tickets and individual screening prices vary.
Film enthusiasts can also explore the 45th annual Three Rivers Film Festival, one of the region’s major showcases for independent cinema.
The festival features approximately 25–30 independent feature films, including dramas, comedies and documentaries, along with filmmaker conversations, Q&As and special events. While not exclusively Black-focused, it offers another opportunity to experience independent storytelling and diverse creative perspectives.
International Poetry Forum: 60th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, November 15 | 3 p.m.
Alphabet City, North Side.
The International Poetry Forum marks its 60th anniversary with a celebration featuring Pittsburgh poet Joel Dias-Porter and Jake Grefenstette. The gathering recognizes the organization’s longstanding contribution to poetry, literary expression and the region’s cultural community.
NOVEMBER 2026: CULTURAL CALENDAR AT A GLANCE
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 4 | Brothers in Blood: Black in Vietnam | Heinz History Center |
| Nov. 5–15 | Three Rivers Film Festival | Various venues |
| Nov. 6 | Ami Taf Ra & Kamasi Washington | City Winery |
| Nov. 12 | Greetings: Kickback | August Wilson Center |
| Nov. 12 | AFRICANISM Gala | Acrisure Stadium |
| Nov. 13–15 | Natural Woman: Aretha Franklin Tribute | Heinz Hall |
| Nov. 14 | Gerald Albright | MCG Jazz |
| Nov. 14–15 | EmBody | Three Stories |
| Nov. 15 | Tea with Mytris | August Wilson Center |
| Nov. 15 | International Poetry Forum Celebration | Alphabet City |
| Nov. 19 | Afro-Latin Jazz Ensemble | Pitt |
| Nov. 28 | Suite Life: Strayhorn & Kelly | Kelly Strayhorn Theater |
ONGOING EXHIBITIONS: Lavett Ballard’s A Rose Is a Rose Is a Rose and Greetings at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center remain on view throughout November.
Celebrating Pittsburgh’s Cultural Legacy
Pittsburgh’s November calendar is a reminder that Black culture is not confined to a single genre, generation or neighborhood. It is expressed through music, movement, visual storytelling, fashion, history and the creative voices that continue to shape the region.
From the legacy of Billy Strayhorn and Aretha Franklin to contemporary artists redefining Black identity and expression, these events offer residents and visitors opportunities to experience, support and celebrate the richness of the city’s cultural landscape.
Stay connected with Pittsburgh Urban Media for more community events, arts and culture, and the people and organizations moving Pittsburgh forward.