Get a taste of the world in 1st Crosstown Cookout

A new event this year promises tantalizing aromas and funky artwork in what normally serves as a parking lot.

From 3 to 8 p.m. Sunday, the Crosstown Cookout will feature barbecue from Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, gyros and falafel from Leena’s Food Truck and Southernstyle fare from The Vandal at the Monongahela Wharf parking lot.

The Summit, a Mount Washington Bar, will provide libations along with Embury Bar Pop-Up, the latest iteration of what used to be a Strip District bar. In addition, Iron City will provide beer.

Sara Ruth, co-owner of Fame15 Creative, a small business marketing agency, said her firm and The Summit owners cooked up the idea as a way to showcase local restaurants and increase public awareness of their businesses.

“We wanted to cross-market all the businesses and have a really big, kick-ass party,” Ms. Ruth said.

In deciding on a site, organizers figured “it’s a party in the summer and everybody wants to be by the river,” Ms. Ruth said. So they settled on the Mon Wharf parking lot.

Given the location near the river, it made sense for the event to raise money for Riverlife, a nonprofit that aims to restore and promote Pittsburgh’s riverfronts.

Spray paint artist A. Gaglia will paint doors donated by G.I. Haul, the event’s trash removal company. Jeremy Raymer, another spray paint artist, will create a Warhol-style piece. Hot Honey, The Lava Game and other groups will provide live music.

Admission is $5, but VIP tickets are available for $40. Each VIP gets a drink voucher, a food voucher, VIP restroom access and a “local love swag bag” valued at $25. Festival parking is free.

Tickets: showclix.com/event/ the-summit-presents-the-crosstown-cookout.

More festivals

Voodoo Brewery Food Truck Throwdown: Craft beers from Homestead’s Voodoo Brewery, live music, food truck fare. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday at The Priory, North Side (VIP hour starts at 5:30 p.m.). Cost is $30 for general admission with four beer tastings, $15 for designated drivers (includes food passport), and $50 for VIPs (food passport, four beer tastings and a one-on-one session with brewers). Benefits Homeless Children’s Education Fund. homelessfund.org.

Feastival: Food truck and other food, live music, arts and crafts, kids’ activities. 2:30 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 6 in the McKees Rocks Municipal Lot. Free general admission; VIP tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door. pghfeastival.com.

Act 1 Winefest: Local wines and food. 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 6 at Red Barn Theater in Fombell, Beaver County. Cost is $20; $5 for designated drivers. Proceeds benefit the theater. 724-650-3054.

Mountain Beer Fest: Craft brews, along with live country and rock music. Noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 6 and 7 at Seven Springs Festival Grounds. Somerset. $30 for Saturday or $25 for Sunday; $5 extra at gate; $10 for designated drivers. 7springs.com.

“Wine”aPalooza: Local wines, live music, shopping. Three-hour sessions at 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m. on Aug. 14 at Stage AE, North Shore. $35 to $40 in advance; $50 at door. promowestlive.com/ events/1664. Dinners

North American Wild Game Dinner: Five courses featuring wild game such as boar, alligator, buffalo and quail. 6 p.m. Thursday at Cioppino, Downtown. $85 per person; $40 more for choice of wine or whiskey pairings. Reservations required: 412-281-3090.

Local Foods Potluck: Bring a potluck dish of six to eight servings made with homegrown or locally grown foods, plus copies of the recipe for sharing. 6 p.m. Aug. 5 at Peters Township Public Library. Registration required by Aug. 3: 724-941-9430.

New patio at Lidia’s: Lidia’s in the Strip District has opened a new outdoor patio with fireplace, couches and wicker furniture. A new menu, served on the patio and in the

restaurant bar, includes signature cocktails, Italian wines and small plates for sharing. Happy Hours Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. when small plates are half-price and drink prices reduced. lidias-pittsburgh.com. Classes

Shopping on a Budget: Lindsay Wojtaszek of Just Harvest shares tips on product selection, cost savings, meal planning, food for special diets and more, plus information about food stamp eligibility and Just Harvest’s programming. 7 p.m. Aug. 3 at East End Food Co-op, Point Breeze. Free, but reserve a spot: 412-242-3598.

Mushroom classes and walk: Mushroom Basics at 10:30 a.m., Jelly, Club & Coral Fungi at 1:30 p.m. and mushroom walk at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 6 at Cooper-Siegel Library, Fox Chapel (walk is in Salamander Park). $10 per class; walk is free. wpamushroomclub.org/ events/mushroom-education-class.

Veggie booklet

Totally Veggies Resource Guide: Penn State Extension’s new 44-page color booklet includes vegetable cooking techniques and simple vegetablebased recipes such as Swiss chard lasagna and strawberry salsa. $10. To order: 1-877-345-0691. To preview online: extension.psu.edu/publications/agrs-138/view.