PITTSBURGH — The Senator John Heinz History Center, 1212 Smallman St., will host Vietnam War veteran and author Tim O'Brien for an evening program on Sept. 18 at 7 p.m.

O'Brien is the award-winning author of “The Things They Carried” — considered one of the preeminent pieces of Vietnam War literature.

Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968, O'Brien served in the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1970 and was awarded the Purple Heart. In the decades following the war, O'Brien drew inspiration from his experiences in Vietnam for his writings.

This program is presented in conjunction with The Vietnam War: 1945-1975 exhibition on display at the History Center through Sept. 22.

Tickets for the 7 p.m. program are $20 for general admission and $10 for veterans, active duty service members and students. Visit heinzhistorycenter.org/timobrien.

Sing Hosanna! plans its Christmas in August dinner theater featuring “Christmas Choir” at noon Aug. 17 in the St. Peter Parish hall, 127 Franklin St.The show will feature Michael Traverso, Sherry O'Donnell, Jordan Davis, Devin Cupps, Kyleigh Spink, Anya Maschmeier, Ashley Schwartz, Alisha Stephenson, Duke Loring, Kim Gaiser, Malachi Stephenson, Tyler Pollock, TommyLynn Kilian, Alayna Bestwick, Olivia Slater and Lily Maschmeier.Tickets, which include dinner, are $22 for adults and $7 for children 10 and younger.Reservations are due by Aug. 14.Get tickets from cast members or at May's Music Shoppe.Call 724-290-8900.

The summer continues to offer up major festivals.The 34th East Brady Riverfest opens Thursday and continues through Sunday, featuring live music each night, food, craft and vendor booths, fireworks and other activities.Other upcoming festivals include:Portersville Steam Show's summer event, Aug. 1 to 4Regatta at Lake Arthur, Muddy Creek Township, Aug. 3 to 4Butler Farm Show, Connoquenessing Township, Aug. 5 to 10North Washington Rodeo, Aug. 13 to 17.

PITTSBURGH — The Fort Pitt Museum, part of the Smithsonian-affiliated Senator John Heinz History Center museum system, will host its fifth annual Women’s History Seminar starting at 10 a.m. Saturday at the museum in Point State Park.In this installation of the Fort Pitt Speaker Series, two guest speakers will share presentations focused on 18th-century women’s history: Catherine Kerrison and Jennifer Van Horn. Admission is $15. Register at heinzhistorycenter.org/events.