Photo by jdanvers

Have you ever dreamed of celebrating Christmas Eve with the Steelers? If so, this year you might be able to make that dream a reality. Longstanding high-end Downtown retailer Larrimor‘s is giving away two tickets to the December 24th game against the St. Louis Rams!

To enter, all you have to do is visit Larrimor’s on Facebook, become a fan, and leave a comment on their wall answering the following question: In a dream world, what one person would you bring with you to the game and why? Larrimor’s will provide the tickets, but can’t guarantee your dream guest. Fans are already dreaming up the perfect game next to their best friends, military husbands and in one case Johnny Depp. The winner will be selected at random, but why not be creative with your answer? There’s no harm in dreaming!

Entries will be accepted until Wednesday, December 14th at noon. The winner will be announced on Thursday, December 15th on Larrimor’s Facebook page. Good luck!

Who wouldn’t want to win two free tickets to a Steelers game? Luckily for us, Pittsburgh shopping institution Larrimor’s is giving away two tickets to the December 12th Steelers vs. Bengals game.  All you have to do to enter is visit Larrimor’s on Facebook, become a fan, and leave a comment on their wall saying which Steeler you think desperately needs a fashion makeover! So far the most popular responses are Big Ben, and up until yesterday, Jeff Reed (even though he’s not an official Steeler anymore, he could still use some style help).

You have until midnight on Sunday, December 5th to enter and the winner will be announced via Facebook on December 6th. If you win, we’d be happy to be your date!

Admission: $10 cash at the door
Doors open at 7:00 p.m.
Presentations begin at 8:00 p.m.

We have recieved numerous emails asking what to do after the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  As you may know, Market Square is under construction (check out these articles on the impact of the construction on the Market Square businesses – Post-Gazette 2/5/2010 and Tribune Review 2/26/2010).  We are very sad to see another local business close and there are many Pittsburghers who are sad about the lack of a place to celebrate after the parade.

From The Pittsburgh Channel.com

Because of ongoing construction, the typical outdoor celebration with open containers in Market Square will not take place.Market Square restaurants will be open with beer specials, like The Original Oyster House, Primanti Brothers, Fat Tommy’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Las Velas Mexican Restaurant, which is going Irish for the day with breakfast burritos, Irish tacos and burritos and green margaritas.

• More Events:Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Web Site

Open containers of alcohol are not permitted along the parade route. Pittsburgh police said anyone who violates the open container law is subject to a $200 fine.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade Info:

Saturday, March 13, 2010 – 10am
New parade route this year. Start at Greyhound station to Grant; right on Blvd. of Allies; to Stanwix & Commonwealth Place.

Be a fan of the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Facebook and follow @PghStPatsParade on Twitter

Please share any St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations here in the comments – maybe we can organize a new venue for post parade celebrations.

The Cultural District has been organizing these gallery crawls for the past few years – I have made it down town for a few of these friday evening events and it is always a great and interesting time.  All of the Gallerys along and near Penn Avenue open their doors and put out a spread of snacks.  Since it is July and warm enough to be outside I think that tomorrow’s Gallery Crawl will be extra fun with lots of outdoor activities too.

Gallery Crawl in the Cultural District
Friday, July 17, 2009
5:30-9pm

Check out the entire huge list of gallery crawl events here.

Looking for something to do afer 9pm? check out Cosmopolitian Pittsburgh – a benefit for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust (h/t to Chris Lugo for including this in his July Events List)

Image by Barack Obama via Flickr

Know of other light up night activities?  Please share!

I know we have blogged about this in the past but I think that the Summer Gallery Crawl is worth a stop this Friday.  Galleries, shops and more will stay open until 9pm on Friday.  Everything is free – no admission necessary.

See what other bloggers have said about past Gallery Crawls:

• ArtInPittsburgh – January 2008
• Pictures of Pittsburgh – April 2008
  
• Outside Perspective – April 2008

I am including the race specifics – where to watch the start and finish below. Here is the short version with other activities included. Also check out the Trib’s Spectator Guide -which has lots of helpful info like what each color jersey means (via BikePGH).

• Friday, June 27 – Bedford to Latrobe
  • While you are in Latrobe you might want to take a drive out to Ligonier – the library has an exhibit of Antique Bike Paraphernalia up until July 12, 2008.
• Saturday, June 28 – Ligonier to Pittsburgh
  • Noon – 6pm South Side Celebrates 250
    • Arts Festival, Sidewalk Sales and More
• Sunday, June 29 – Downtown Pittsburgh Criterium
  • Free Bike Valet – Bike PGH will safely watch your bikes while you watch the race.  Park at one of the trail lots and bike downtown for the finish.

Friday, June 27 – Bedford to Latrobe
Start: Bedford, Penn and South Juliana Street
Finish: Latrobe, Ligonier and Alexandria Street
Estimated Finish Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM Followed by Awards Ceremony

Highmark Healthy High Five Finish Line Festival: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Lot on Ligonier Street near Alexandria Street

Saturday, June 28 – Ligonier to Pittsburgh
Start: Ligonier, Market Street just off Route 30
Finish: Pittsburgh Southside, Sidney Street right before Hot Metal Street
Official Start Time: Noon Opening Ceremonies: 11:30 AM
Miles: 91 Kilometers: 146
Estimated Finish Time: 2:55 – 3:30 PM Followed by Awards Ceremony at American Eagle Outfitters HQ on Sidney Street right before Hot Metal Street

Highmark Healthy High Five Finish Line Festival: 2:00PM – 9:00PM
28th and Sidney Street in Pittsburgh Southside

Sunday, June 29 – Downtown Pittsburgh Criterium
Start/Finish Line: Blvd of the Allies and Stanwix Street
Official Start Time: 5 PM, Opening Ceremonies: 4:00 PM
Miles: 50 Kilometers: 80.5 (33 laps on a 1.5 mile/2.4km circuit)
Approximate Finish Time: 6:50 PM, Awards Ceremony to follow

Highmark Healthy High 5 Finish Line Festival: 2:00PM – 9:00PM
Blvd of the Allies and Stanwix Street

More Blog Coverage:

• Giro di Keir – this is the blog of one of the cyclists on Team Race Pro – he writes about arriving in Philly.
  
• Urban Velo

This event was a big big success last year.  I have to admit I was a bit skeptical about this idea, but after seeing the pictures and video it looks like everyone had a great time.