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Party with a Purpose: HOTHOUSE sets sail at Downtown's historic Union Trust Building

Rewriting the book on fundraisers, The Sprout Fund presents its sixth annual Hothouse benefit bash this Saturday, transforming a former shopping arcade built by industrialist Henry Clay Frick into a living, breathing, pulsating showcase of regional art and community initiatives.

Go up, up and away into the auspicious upper floors and hallowed halls of Downtown’s historic Union Trust Building where Sprout will showcase its largest and most varied array of programming in Hothouse history. The always interactive anti-gala will feature 50 Sprout-supported projects, augmented by a dizzying lineup of 15 musical acts activating 5 stages. And Hothouse knows how to do food and drink right, with irresistible fare from 40 of Pittsburgh’s fave vendors, from Vanilla Pastry Studio to Seviche. Not to mention complimentary cocktails.

Every summer, the highly anticipated happening draws more than 2,000 party-goers to a unique redevelopment site, where featured artists, environmentalists, musicians, urbanistas, and all-around culture enthusiasts mix and mingle with Sprout staff and supporters. This weekend, performers include young composers and chamber musicians from Alia Musica and the Marcus Kim Trio, Ben Opie’s avant-jazz Braxton Project, psych-rock outfit Harangue, and hip-hop phenom Hands Down.

Where to start? Receive a neighborly greeting in a re-creation of Mr. Rogers’ famous living room set (expect a Speedy Delivery!), and step into deepLocal phone booths to use your cell to explore Pittsurgh and meet new people.

Party with a purpose as you learn how to transform a vacant lot into an urban farm with Grow Pittsburgh, and discover the best kayaking spots with Venture Outdoors. Get into art at Dr. Sketchy’s burlesque drawing session and go with the flow at Allegheny CleanWays’ interactive river life exhibit. Don’t miss a hip-hop competition led by the Emcees of Rhyme Calisthenics and a strobe-light performance by Zafira Dance Company. Take a break from the crowds at the Wild Waterways Conservancy campsite, and chill out in the Jazz Lounge with DJ J.Malls & the Musicians of Wylie Avenue.

Don’t forget to look up! Event architects Thommy Conroy and James Maszle, along with lighting designers Rob Long and Doug McDermott of Clear Story Creative, will transform the landmark’s terra cotta and stained glass grandeur into a epicenter of the imagination.

Ditch the car and take public transportation to Hothouse, or use Bike Pittsburgh’s complimentary bike valet. To purchase tickets and learn more about Hothouse, go here.