10 Pittsburgh family events this weekend, from the Children’s Theater Festival to the free Ultimate Play Day

Above image courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

Thinking ahead to the weekend? We are, too. The warm weather and looming summer break are on everyone’s minds, so get out and explore!

It is once again time for the EQT Children’s Theater Festival, which is one of the best weekends for family entertainment in Pittsburgh all year. These low-cost family-friendly shows are the perfect way to introduce kids to live theater. If you’re looking to get outside, it’s also a perfect weekend for that. From the Fred Rogers Productions Mini Golf Outing to Idewild’s opening day, it will be hard to choose just a few activities this weekend.

Check out this lineup of Pittsburgh family events:

Thursday, May 16: Market Square Farmer’s Market Kickoff, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Start your weekend off a day early with the return of Downtown’s farmers market. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy will be passing out free daffodil bulbs and Just Harvest will be on hand to facilitate SNAP purchases. For every $5 in SNAP spent at the market, $2 additional dollars will be credited. Contact the Downtown Pittsburgh Partnership for more information.

Friday, May 17 – Sunday, May 19: EQT Children’s Theater Festival

Now in its 38th year, the EQT Children’s Theater Festival fosters imagination through high-quality professional theater performances from around the world. Paid tickets are required for the theatrical performances, but the festival is packed with dozens of free activities happening throughout three days of fun. Tickets for all of these shows, as well as more info, can be found here. Tickets begin at $12, and pre-purchase is suggested for all shows. Check out the lineup below.

• “Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster,” Byham Theater. This is the story about a monster so terrible he isn’t the least bit scary.  A sensory-friendly performance is planned for May 19.
• “Finding North,” Pittsburgh Playhouse. This one-man play is drawn from historical research and oral histories of Underground Railroad hero John P. Parker, as well as contemporary American immigrants.
• “Waves, All that Glows Sees,” Trust Arts Education Center. This magical adventure is for toddlers from ages 18 months to 4 years old.
• Sunjata Kamalenya, August Wilson Center for African American Culture. Sunjata Kamalenya (translated: Sunjata for Youth) is a new interactive production based on the story of the Lion King.
• “Frolic,” Trust Arts Education Center. Frolic is meant to spark fun in a sensory-friendly space created for and with neurodivergent audiences ages 5 and up and their families.
• “Poli Pop.” Pittsburgh Playhouse. This colorful and playful new theater production uses live musicians, interactive animations, painted projection mapping, and loads of theatrical imagination.
• “Cinderella,” Benedum Center. Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the PBT Orchestra present the full-length ballet that brims with true love, classical choreography, magnificent costumes and sets.

Saturday, May 18: Flower and Food Fest at Butler’s Alameda Park, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join Butler County Parks & Recreation, in partnership with the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County, as they host a Flower & Food Fest at Alameda Park. The park will be transformed into a showcase of vendors geared to helping families welcome spring. You’ll find plant vendors, children’s activities, farmer’s market favorites, food options and the Master Gardener Plant Sale. Find more details here.

Saturday, May 18: Handmade Arcade Spring Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Handmade Arcade’s Spring Market returns in partnership with venue host Construction Junction. Shop with 30 talented new and emerging makers, artists, and craftspeople from around the region. Featuring home décor, inventive ceramics, bold artwork, handcrafted accessories, statement jewelry, and more, shoppers will be sure to find a one-of-a-kind piece. Local food and coffee vendors will also be on-site. This event is free and does not require registration. (And while you’re there, check out the Center for Creative Reuse, which is right around the corner.)

Saturday, May 18: Opening of “How People Make Things” at the Children’s Museum, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This beloved exhibit is returning to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and will run through September. “How People Make Things” was created by Children’s Museum in collaboration with Family Communications, Inc., the producer of “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood,” and the University of Pittsburgh Center for Learning in Out-of-School Environments. Since its creation, this exhibit has visited 40 other sites across the country. Come welcome it home!

Saturday, May 18: Sweat and Sway with Hazelwood Local, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Join Hazelwood Local and Center of Life for Sweat & Sway, an afternoon of free movement classes for adults and families. Get ready to break a sweat and move to the rhythm during this day filled with fun and fitness. Along with free roller skating and a variety of free classes, local organizations and groups will be on hand to provide information and additional activities. Find the full schedule of events and more details here.

Saturday, May 18: Opening Day at Idlewild Park, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Idlewild Park’s 40-plus rides and attractions are a prime destination for little ones. The rides that don’t require a bathing suit will be up and running this weekend. SoakZone opens Memorial Day weekend. Tickets start at $39.99, but check with local libraries and community centers, because many have discounted tickets.

Saturday, May 18: Ultimate Play Day at Riverview Park, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

This annual event is an opportunity for people from throughout the Pittsburgh region to play together and raise awareness of the benefits of play for all ages. This event is free, but registration is required.

Saturday, May 18: Pittsburgh Mac and Cheese Festival, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

More than 30 mac and cheese variations will be offered by chefs, food trucks and vendors at this cheesy festival in the Strip District. Tickets are $20-$69, but are free for kids 12 and younger.

Sunday, May 19: Fred Rogers Productions Mini Golf Outing, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

The event will take place at Cool Springs in Bethel Park and is a family-friendly event that will feature a light-hearted mini-golf competition among teams of two as a kid-friendly alternative to a typical charitable golf outing. Other fun festivities include music, games, and photo-ops with characters from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Alma’s Way” and other special guests. All proceeds will go to Fred Rogers Productions and the advancement of children’s media. Find out more info here.

If you’re looking for more family resources in Pittsburgh, we’ve got your covered. Check out our camp guides and calendar of events. And sign up for our newsletter so you’re always in the loop, too!