Hot Chip (Friday)
The British synthpop band arrives at Stage AE in advance of the Aug. 19 release of eighth album “Freakout/Release,” advanced by the funky single “Down.” Going for a full-band feel, this was the first time Hot Chip began work on a new record all together. Friedberg opens. Doors at 7 p.m. $29.50-$33; axs.com.
‘Misery’ (opening Friday)
Barebones productions returns to live theater and opens its 2022 season in what is certain to be harrowing fashion with “Misery,” screenwriter William Goldman’s 90-minute stage adaptation of the Stephen King novel about an acclaimed romance novelist rescued and held hostage by an unhinged fan. Artistic director Patrick Jordan directs the cast of three: Sheila McKenna as Annie, David Whalen as Paul and James Howard as Buster. “We’ve got some insane special effects,” Jordan promises. It opens Friday and runs through June 5 in the Barebones Black Box, 1211 Braddock Ave., Braddock. Times are 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays; barebonesproductions.com.
EQT Children’s Theater Festival (SaturdaySunday)
The 36th annual festival, presented by The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, returns live and in person for the first time since 2019, showcasing arts groups and performers from France, South Korea, Switzerland and the United States. They include Jumping Jack Theater doing “Starshine,” an immersive theater piece about the constellations; Treehouse Shakers’ “Flutter,” a piece about the seasons for babies and their caregivers; Experiential Theater and Children’s Theater of
Charlotte’s “Grimmz Fairy Tales,” a hip-hop remix of favorite fables; acrobatics and deathdefying feats from Won’Ma Afrika; Brush Theatre’s “Doodle POP!,” a visual adventure through the ocean; and Compagnia Baccalà’s “PSS PSS,” a silent physical comedy piece. Performances are at the Pittsburgh Playhouse, Byham Theater and Trust Arts Education Center, Downtown. Tickets are $12 each. Details at TrustArts.org/PGHKids.
Pittonkatonk (Saturday)
“BACK TO KICK SOME BRASS!!!!” is the tagline for this wild, free and largely horn-powered music festival held annually at the Vietnam Veterans Pavilion in Schenley Park. It spans Balkan brass, cumbia, hip-hop, big band and more with Son Rompe Pera (Mexico City), Gili Yalo & Anbessa Orchestra (Ethiopia/Israel/USA), Undertow Brass Band (Formerly What Cheer? Brigade Providence, R.I.), Torbaci (Toronto — featuring members of Lemon Bucket Orchestra), Kiko Villamizar (Colombia/Austin, Texas), Detroit Party Marching Band (Detroit) and Bitch Thunder (Toledo, Ohio). Representing Pittsburgh will be Colonel Eagleburger Band, Timbeleza, Big Blitz, 1Hood, Afro Yaqui Music Collective, May Day Marching Band and Pittsburgh Circus Arts Collab.
It begins at 1 p.m. More info at flow.page/pittonkatonk.
Greater Pittsburgh Festival of Books (Saturday)
Pittsburgh’s own Broadway star Billy Porter headlines this inaugural event with a sold-out presentation at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater discussing his book “Unprotected: A Memoir.” Elsewhere, more than 30 authors with ties to Pittsburgh will appear at venues in East Liberty paying tribute to Pittsburgh’s rich literary community with readings, Q&A sessions, signings, discussions and activities. It runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bakery Square, Carnegie Library (East Liberty branch), Duolingo, East Liberty Presbyterian Church, Kelly Strayhorn Theater and The Maverick. Free. Details at pittsburghbookfestival.org.
Golden Age Lager Fest (Saturday)
This festival, with two sessions, celebrates crisp lagers and the brewers who produce them at This Is Red, the historic former church in Munhall. Each ticket offers unlimited tastes from 20-plus breweries, a collectible glass and live music from Sierra Sellers and Buffalo Rose (1-4 p.m. session) and Natural Rat and The National Reserve (6-9 p.m
session). Participating breweries are 11th Hour, Alarmist, Allegheny City, Berwick, Cinderland, Dancing Gnome, East End, Elk Creek, Grist House, Hop Farm, Lavery, Necromancer, O.E.C., Old Thunder, Roundabout, Stick City, Trace, Tröegs and Voodoo. Tickets are $50; goldenagebeer.com.
The Peter Max Experience (all weekend)
This exhibition of work by the colorful and iconic ’60s/’70s pop artist continues at the Christine Frechard Gallery, 5126 Butler St., Lawrenceville. There will be receptions complimentary to the public from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. The pieces are available for purchase; christinefrechardgallery.com for more info.
EarthGang (Sunday)
The Atlanta duo, composed of Spillage Village founders Olu (aka Johnny Venus) and WowGr8 (aka Doctur Dot) hits Stage AE, having released fourth album “Ghetto Gods,” another cosmic blend of hip-hop, funk, reggae and R&B. The esteemed guest list included Future, JID, J. Cole, Musiq Soulchild, Baby Tate, CeeLo Green, Nick Cannon, and Ari Lennox. Mikes Dimes and Pigeons & Planes open. Doors at 6 p.m. $32.50; axs.com.