pittsburgh musical theater

11 things to do with Pittsburgh kids this weekend, including lots of great children’s theater and free events

Photo above by Paolo Chiabrando via Unsplash.

In the mood for a live performance? The city is hopping this weekend with a bunch of shows designed for families with young kids. So grab a playbill and settle in for a few hours. There’s also a musical festival designed for people on the autism spectrum, a celebration of independent bookstores and more — so many things to do with Pittsburgh kids.

Check out what the Steel City has going on this weekend:  

Friday, April 28: “The Lightning Thief: TYA Edition,” Byham Theater, 7 p.m.

Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school again. Plus, Zeus’s master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. Will he catch the true thief and solve the riddle of the Oracle?  Best for ages 7 and older. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, April 29: Handmade Arcade Spring Market, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The Spring Market hosts more than 30 new and emerging makers. Enhance your home décor with colorful fabrics, inventive ceramics, and bold artwork you won’t find anywhere else. There will also be live pottery demos, food trucks and make-and-take activities! This event, happening at Construction Junction, is free and does not require registration.

Saturday, April 29: Best Books for Babies diaper and book giveaway, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The fourth-annual Best Books for Babies event at the Carnegie Public Library’s Hill District branch is happening on April 29. Hosted by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (CLP) in partnership with Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank and sponsored by First National Bank, the event welcomes families and caregivers with children ages birth through 18 months, who will receive a “Best Books for Babies” 2023 book bundle and a two-week supply of diapers (sizes newborn through 4 will be available). No registration is necessary. Diapers and books will be available while supplies last.

Saturday, April 29: Fiddlesticks Family Concert, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Do you like to go outdoors and explore nature? Fiddlesticks does, and he’s on a mission to find what part of Pittsburgh’s nature inspires him most. From bugs and birds to trees and rivers, join Fiddlesticks for a musical adventure of the sounds of nature, including “Flight of the Bumble Bee,” “The Swan” from Carnival of the Animals and the Thunder and Lightning Polka. Designed for families with children ages 3-8. There will be activities before the show including crafts, dance, and singing lessons. Tickets begin at $11. 

things to do with Pittsburgh kids

Saturday, April 29: Stories Like Me Bookstore’s Independent Bookstore Day Celebration, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

It’s time to celebrate small booksellers across the country, and Pittsburgh is lucky to have so many great ones. Stop by Stories Like Me for a day of book readings and activities including puzzles and games with prizes. This event is free and more details can be found here. And check out our roundup of great bookstores for families

Pittsburgh bookstores
Photo used by permission from Stories Like Me.

Saturday, April 29: Story Saturday: “Linus: The Little Yellow Pencil,” 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Come to the Carnegie Museum of Art for this time of creativity. The in-person storytime is followed by an art-making activity. This event is best for ages 12 and younger. Registration is free and included in general admission.

Saturday, April 29: “JOUST! – A Mighty Medival Musical,” 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Join the students from Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s Conservatory in this child-produced production, part of the Tales and Treats Theater company. This play is appropriate for all ages, with a run time of 35 minutes. Learn the legend of King Arthur and his knights in a world where all the weapons are replaced by musical instruments. 

things to do with Pittsburgh kids

Saturday, April 29: Big Blue Swim School Family Fun Day, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Get a first look at Cranberry Township’s new swim school while enjoying ice cream, ribbon cutting, and music. They’ll be offering tours (lessons will be available beginning May 8), along with entertainment and activities indoors and outside. This event is free and open to the public. Learn more about the swim school here

Sunday, April 30: 2nd Annual Musical Autism Awareness Concert, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Join the 2nd Annual Musical Autism Awareness event at Schenley Park. This concert features live music, during which audience members are welcome to sit, stand, walk around, dance and more. All behaviors are welcome. This program is free and open to all ages. As an accessibility note, the organizers would like families to know the slope grade in this area of the park is flat. No registration is required. Just show up and enjoy! 

Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30: Little Mermaid Pollution Solution, 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Come to the Gemini Children’s Theater for this Earth Month lesson. The Little Mermaid has come back under the sea to visit her father, but the Sea Witch is up to her old tricks. She has polluted the water to drive out all the sea life in order to take over the underwater kingdom. It’s up to the Little Mermaid and her sea creature friends to save the day. Tickets are $15 for adults and children 3+ and $5 for children under 3.

Friday, April 28 – Sunday, April 30: “Perseverance” at Prime Stage Theater

This local tale holds important global messages. The world premiere of “Perseverance” brings to the stage a powerful memoir of healing and renewal. Few visitors to the G&S Jewelry Store in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood during the 1960s and ’70s were aware that the cheerful proprietor, Melvin Goldman, had spent his teens enduring the horrors of Auschwitz before arriving as a penniless refugee in postwar Pittsburgh intent on reshaping his family’s destiny. Tickets begin at $19 for students, with a variety of matinees and virtual shows available. This show runs from April 24 – May 7. Find details here

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Looking for more things to do with Pittsburgh kids? Don’t miss our spring guide of things to do as well as our summer camp guide. Looking for more fun events in Pittsburgh for families? And check out our daily events calendar for even more fun.