Nerd Nite Pittsburgh is a lecture series that’s a mix between a comedy show, TED talk, and a social mixer! Speakers present for 15 minutes on a variety of topics related to science and technology, popular culture, history, and other nerdery with a vibe that’s as entertaining as it is academic! Audience members can ask questions, and beforehand, there is an entirely optional social game. Drinks, food, learning new and fascinating things, making friends with other nerds, we've got it all!

Our Speed Friending social game starts at 6:30, and then the big nerds hit the stage at 7:30. If you have a topic you are passionate about and you’d like to be a speaker at a later event, get in touch at pittsburgh@nerdnite.com! This event will feature the following presentations:

Juggling is Great Practice

Gabriel will demonstrate the basics of juggling and convince you to learn! Audience members will learn: how to get started juggling, some of the unique practice benefits specific to juggling, the 3 main juggling props, the difference between even and odd ball juggling, how long it takes to learn skills, and an intro to siteswap (the numbers of juggling!!)

Gabriel Colby is a trombonist, personal trainer/ wellness coach, and out-of-retirement professional juggler based in Pittsburgh, PA. He serves as principal trombone for Nu Deco Ensemble and is the trombone professor at Slippery Rock University. Gabriel also has two of his own music projects: a brass quintet, C Street Brass, and an electronic funk band, Beauty Slap.

In his free time, Gabriel enjoys all kinds of physical training, playing golf, eating ice cream, and being a devoted cat parent with his wife. His love for music, fitness, and education is evident in all aspects of his life, and he strives to inspire and motivate those around him.

How to Make Electricity from Plastic

What if you could trap static charge inside a piece of plastic and keep it there for years? It sounds like science fiction, but it's real, and you've probably used these materials without realizing it. Scientists invented electrets >100 years ago, and it has quietly shaped technologies ranging from microphones to spacecraft to N95 masks.

In this talk, Priscilla Prem and Bobby Karnavas from Pittsburgh Coastal Energy will dive into the history of electrets, explain why they seem almost magical, and reveal how modern advancements are pushing them into new territory, including devices that generate electricity from the movement of ocean waves. The future may be more electrostatic than you think.

Tappa-Tappa-Tappa

Legendary Pittsburgh Performer Kelsey Jumper lights up the stage with a deep dive into the forbidden art of tap dancing. Learn about the history of this uniquely American art form while simultaneously seeing (and hearing) how it's done. This talk will knock your socks off (tap shoes work best with socks, so put them back on before you try it at home).

When she's not spreading the good word about tap, Kelsey stays busy singing, playing multiple instruments, and making music and art that touches audiences in Pittsburgh, New York, and around the world.

WTF is Speed Friending?!

Our social game will take place before the show from 6:30-7:30. It's kind of like speed dating, but the idea is that you're trying to make new friends. If you're trying to get to know more folks in the area, there's really nothing like it. It's fun, easy, and moderated by our friendly crew of nerds.

A web application will direct you to a new potential friend in the room every five minutes, and our team can provide you with icebreakers and conversation topics if you're feeling shy. It's a fun, low-stakes way to meet new people and connect with the nerds and humans of Pittsburgh.

If you're late, no problem, you can always join the next round. Similarly, you can sign out of the web app early if you want to stop. Speed friending is a totally optional part of the event, and you can also just hang out and grab a beer or some pizza (Spirit has phenomenal pizza) while other folks are participating in the game.

Important Info

This event is 21+ and requires ID. The venue has limited space, and there may not be door sales if we sell out, which happens regularly. Be sure to get a ticket before heading over.

Contact the host of Nerd Nite June 25, 2026