It’s cold here, but it’s Summertime Somewhere
It might be the winter of the polar vortex in Pittsburgh, but the National Aviary is throwing a tropical party on the theory that it’s “Summertime Somewhere.”
The North Side attraction will open its doors after hours from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, for a 21and-up party with Penn Brewery beers, wine, signature cocktails, light bites from Atria’s, upclose encounters with tropical birds, summer lawn games, live music and more.
Events Manager Laura Daversa said the aviary holds a party every February or March to show off its tropical birds in the middle of the Pittsburgh winter.
Guests will get to see some birds and other animals that they might not normally see on a standard visit to the aviary. A parrot and an aracari (a small toucan) will make appearances, as will a sloth that lives in the aviary’s tropical rainforest room. The sloth is a nocturnal creature, so guests might see it behaving a bit more energetically than it normally would during the daytime, Ms. Daversa said.
Guests will get a welcome drink at the door along with summery light bites like fruit skewers and focaccia bites. Atria’s, the restaurant chain that provides catering for aviary events, is also developing a menu of food that will be available for an additional cost, such as Cuban sandwiches, pot roast poutine, seared Atlantic salmon with sushi fried rice and more.
City of Play will bring custom lawn games as well as outdoor standbys like cornhole. Best Feeds Garden Centers will lead guests in making a succulent craft, and DJ Joel Lindsey will play music reminiscent of a summertime road trip playlist, Ms. Daversa said. There will even be a “parrot painting demonstration” in which a talented bird will create a work of art.
Guests also can choose to treat rainbow lorikeets to cups of nectar or try out a full-body flight simulator for an additional $5 for each of those activities.
Last year’s party attracted 350, Ms. Daversa said.
These parties “are very important to the Natural Aviary, and the funds support our conservation mission,” she added.
Tickets are $30 online or $35 at the door. For information or tickets: aviary.org/summertime-somewhere.