11 Things to do this weekend, including free science and writing classes
Photo above courtesy of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Photo by Melissa R. Campbell.
The first official weekend of spring in Pittsburgh is jam-packed with things to do, including free science classes, open mic events, writing classes, and more (yes, those are all free). Read on to find out where all the fun is happening this weekend in and around Pittsburgh.
Friday, Mar. 24: Youth Maker Night at Assemble, 5 p.m. to 7 pm.
This Youth Maker Night for students in grades 5-8 focuses on the spoken word with guest speaker Diarra Imani. Pizza is provided and no experience is necessary. Students will participate in rage-releasing meditations, joy mantras and spoken word art. They will then create a framed poem that they will author and design with affirmations.The workshop will incorporate storytelling, yoga, poetry, and a maker activity. Details can be found here.
Friday, Mar. 24: Career Day with MomsWork, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This free career afternoon includes child care, Career Development Center workshops, professional headshots, resume review, mock interviews, and more. This is a half day for Pittsburgh Public Schools, so pick up your kids and come spend the day with MomsWork. Optional paid lunch options for adults and kids. More details can be found here.
Friday, Mar. 24: The Legacy of Women in Hip Hop, 8 p.m.
This event takes place at the Trust Arts Education Center. The Pittsburgh Humanities Festival presents an evening of discussion with two-time USA DMC champion DJ Perly, graffiti artist Juliandra Jones, and street dance artist Teena Marie Custer. A concert follows with Grammy-nominated Rapper Monie Love, a DJ set by DJ Perly, and performances by local female emcees. This event is best for teens and adults. Tickets are $20.
Saturday, Mar. 25: The Alloy School Winter/Spring Family Dance Session, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Each Saturday through April 8, expert teaching artists guide six 50-minute classes in KST’s two dance studios at 5530 Penn Ave. Every session is designed to teach you new moves and give you insight into the cultural roots of these different styles. Classes are conducted in a casual atmosphere where various forms of attire including a leotard, pajamas, business suit, or costume are all welcomed. More details can be found here.
Saturday, Mar. 25: Sensory Play at Andrew Bayne Memorial Library, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join other preschool and early elementary-aged kids at Bellevue’s library for a sensory immersive experience complete with slime, Play-Doh, and paint. Come dressed to get messy! This event is free. Check out the library website for more information. No registration is required.
Saturday, Mar. 25: “Where’s the Air?” with Mad Science at CLP, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This fabulously free event by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will bring their science experts at Mad Science to the downtown branch, where kids aged pre-K to second grade will learn the science behind air. Kids will learn about vortexes, watch a can explode, and take home a paper helicopter. Find out more details here.
Saturday, Mar. 25: Young Dreamer’s Bookstore Pop-up at CLP, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
At the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s East Liberty location, The Young Dreamers’ Bookstore presents Dreaming with Authors featuring Kelly Starling Lyons. This event will kick-off with an introduction to the author followed by an introduction to her work including Miles Lewis Book King of the Ice, Jada Jones Book Series, Sing a Song, My Hands Tell a Story, and Ty Travels Book Series. Mrs. Starling Lyons will then read her award-winning book My Hands Tell a Story to the audience.
Saturday, Mar. 25: Tree Idenitification Hike at Settler’s Cabin, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Did you know that many of our native Pennsylvania plants are entirely unique in the plant world? Participants will learn different ways to identify them, how they grow, and how they can benefit humans and wildlife. Join the Allegheny County Park Rangers at Settlers Cabin Park for a tree identification hike. Meet at Panhandle Connecter Trail Parking Lot at Settlers Cabin Park. Registration is required.
Saturday, Mar. 25: Free pictures with the Easter Bunny, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Come to Do It Best Home Center in Ambridge for free photos (of kids and/or pets) with the giant rodent himself. This event is totally free, but please bring your phone or own camera to capture the photo opp.
Saturday, Mar. 25: Maple Madness at Succop Nature Preserve, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For kids interested in the history of maple surgaring, check out this affordable family event. Cost is $6 for Audubon members and $12 for nonmembers. Participants will learn how the maple tree has been used for generations, tour the maple sugar demonstration and learn the science behind it. They’ll even learn how to make their own syrup. Registration is required.
Sunday, Mar. 26: Autism-friendly open mic event at The Lindsay, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center, in partnership with Band Together Pittsburgh, will host its first autism friendly open mic session of the year, an opportunity for those on the spectrum to perform music, recite poetry, tell stories or perform any other creative endeavor. Do you just want to practice talking in front of a group of people? Stand up and tell a joke, say hello, or do anything you want at the open mic. It’s okay to just come watch, too. More details can be found here. This event is free, but RSVP is requested so that snacks can be provided.
Are you signed up for the Kidsburgh newsletter? It’s the best way to make sure your family knows what’s going on around the city.
Don’t miss our March guide of things to do as well as our summer camp guide. Looking for more fun events in Pittsburgh for families? Don’t miss our daily events calendar for even more fun.
