Pittsburgh Cultural Events | 1Hood Media Academy

cultural organizing

A man with glasses and tattoos on his arms holding a microphone on stage at an outdoor event. A large crowd of people is gathered in front, some taking pictures or videos, with food trucks and green trees in the background.

Driving social change through art and activism

Cultural organizing is at the heart of everything we do, but it is particularly felt through our impacted-led programs and events. 1Hood mobilizes our community through joy rather than strife. We build lasting collective power by centering our rich culture, boundless creativity, and care through Pittsburgh cultural events rooted in community.

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Cultural Organizing Programs

fridays on deck

A girl with a blue and white bow hair accessory jumping rope while smiling. Other women are in the background, one holding the jump rope. It is an outdoor setting with trees, parked cars, and residential buildings.

Our recurring summer program brings the party to city parks, creating a weekly safe space for families and youth to gather freely without over-policing.

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kiki in the hood

A group of people inside a restaurant or lounge, with two individuals standing and dancing in the middle, others sitting and clapping around them. The setting has framed pictures on the wall and a neon sign that reads 'HOOD'.

1Hood uplifts Pittsburgh’s Kiki Ballroom scene by hosting Kiki Lounges on First Fridays and supporting Kiki Balls where young people can gather to express, engage, and celebrate queer creativity and culture through queer events in Pittsburgh.

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The 1community board

A man with a beard, glasses, and a hoodie is holding a microphone and singing or talking on stage. Another person with sunglasses, a patterned headscarf, and patterned pants is also holding a microphone and performing. The stage has various equipment, and trees are visible in the background.

Explore upcoming arts and culture events in Pittsburgh presented by our friends and partners.

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fridays on deck

In the summer of 2022, 1Hood Media launched Fridays on Deck (FOD) in response to Black Pittsburgh families and youth calling for safe spaces to gather without over-policing. What began at Liberty Green Park has since expanded to the Hill District and other parks across the city. Throughout the summer, on as many Fridays as possible, FOD provides youth-led arts and culture programming featuring DJs, free food, family-friendly activities, wellness resources, and opportunities for community connection.

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A woman wearing glasses and a white t-shirt blowing bubbles while a young girl in a pink dress reaches to pop a bubble on a sidewalk with trees and parked cars in the background.

Three people practicing CPR on mannequins outdoors during a health or safety event, with an informational mobile van in the background.

Two men standing on stage with a banner in the background. One man has dreadlocks and is wearing a dark shirt, while the other has curly hair and is dressed in a suit. Both are making peace signs and looking at the camera.

Person wearing a white T-shirt with the message 'Trans People Won't Be Erased' printed on the back, standing in a dark environment.

Kiki Wave

Cultivating Space for Our Queer Community

Every first Friday of the month, 1Hood collaborates with the community to host Kiki First Friday Lounges, third-space gatherings where young people can connect, build community, and learn more about the city’s ballroom scene through conversation, creativity, and activities. We also support competitive Kiki Balls, grounding our presence in civic engagement. These queer events in Pittsburgh connect participants to community-based resources, including HIV/STI testing, voter registration, and wellness services, grounding joy and expression in care and collective support.

Upcoming Events

The 1Community Board

Explore upcoming events in Pittsburgh from our friends and partners.

Submit Your Event Here!

Community Event Posts