12 Pittsburgh events for the long weekend: MLK celebrations, ’90s time-travel and more

Above image courtesy of Carnegie Science Center.

For this three-day weekend, there are several opportunities to learn about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. across the city. There are also some great library events perfect for a cold and snowy afternoon, as well as guided hikes with park rangers for more adventurous families.

Read on for great weekend ideas:

Friday, Jan. 12 through Sunday, Jan. 14: Totally Buggin’ at Alumni Theater Company

Throw on your denim overalls and oversized puffer jacket, and come down to Alumni Theater Company to witness the Young Artist Ensemble perform Totally Buggin’ – a collection of pieces inspired by the 1990’s. This fly cast has developed an original show that will remind us all how the ’90s was really all that and a bag of chips! ATC will time-travel you and your bigger kids back to the 1996 Grammy’s afterparty, then invite you to become a part of a live studio audience for ATC’s take on your typical 90’s sitcom. Through these one-act performances, the teenage cast explores how we may glorify the past as a simpler time but life was still just as complicated. Get details right here. (Appropriate for ages 8+. Children under 4 will not be admitted.)

Saturday, Jan. 13: Ballroom Dance Party for Kids, 9 a.m.

Starting this month, this fun introductory course through Los Sabrosos will cover a variety of  ballroom styles including the hustle, salsa, waltz, swing, jitterbug, foxtrot and more. Classes are designed to help participants explore ballroom music and technique. No partner required. Kids will switch partners in class. Learn more about pricing and packages here.

Saturday, Jan. 13: Attack Theatre Dance Company at CLP, 2 p.m. 

This art education program connects with students through the power of creative play. Each program focuses on using dance and movement to hone other skills such as critical thinking, communication, and creativity. This event, happening at CLP’s Beechview location, is free and open to kids of all ages. Find out more here.

Saturday, Jan. 13: Mad Science Presents Brixology: Bridges at CLP, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Mad Science is back at the Carnegie Library again, this month at the West End location. Come learn all about the science behind something Pittsburgh has a lot of… bridges! Find more details here.

Saturday, Jan.13 and Sunday, Jan 14: Winterfest at The Frick, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Come on out and experience festive, family-friendly activities including an exploration of Clayton (for a cost of $5), live performances and artist demos, cozy treats and warm beverages from The Café at the Frick. Campus and museum admission are free. Learn more about Winterfest right here.

Saturday, Jan. 13 and Sunday, Jan. 14: Locomotion Weekend at the Carnegie Science Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This building-wide celebration of model trains includes privately owned model train layouts. Locomotion Weekend activities are included in general admission. Advance tickets are recommended for this popular event.

Saturday, Jan. 13 and Sunday, Jan.14: Guided Hikes with Park Rangers at Allegheny County Parks, 1 p.m.

Explore the trails at eight area parks throughout the month. Participants will benefit from the knowledge of the park rangers as they explore local parks. Each hike is about two miles long with some elevation. Registration is free, but strongly suggested.

Monday, Jan. 15: Day Off at the Museum, Carnegie Museum of Art, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Have to work on MLK Day? Kids ages 6-10 are invited to spend their day off from school immersed in art, learning and fun. Registration is $75, with some scholarships available.

Monday, Jan. 15: King’s Corner and Streaming Justice at SLB Radio, various times

King’s Corner: Parents and children of all ages are invited to visit the SLB Radio Satellite Studio in the Big Red Room at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to hear, explore and talk about words of wisdom from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Streaming Justice: From 3 to 6 p.m., and repeating until midnight, tune in at SLB Radio and Youth Express for Streaming Justice, SLB Radio’s annual teen-hosted talk show about issues of civil rights and social justice.

(The SLB team is still looking for a few more teen hosts for Streaming Justice: Students in Grades 6 to 12 are invited to help host one-hour segments of this live radio talk show, which is SLB’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Day live broadcast focusing on civil rights — past, present and future. The broadcast will feature 100% teen hosts and teen-selected topics, music, conversation, listener phone calls and more, all streaming live at www.youthexpress.org or via the TuneIn or the Simple Radio app. Complete details and a simple application are available right here.)

Monday, Jan. 15: Hazelwood MLK Day Brunch at the Spartan Community Center, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Enjoy treats from Nicky P’s Café along with activities, musical performances and speakers who will share the life and legacy of Dr. King. Registration is free, but required.

Monday, Jan. 15: “Justice in Action” at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Kelly Strayhorn Theater honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with activities, education and performances. Registration is “pay what moves you” starting at $2.

Monday, Jan. 15: Repairing the World – Stories from the Tree of Life, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The students of Northgate High School’s No Place for Hate Youth Leadership Initiative, a project of the Anti-Defamation League, are hosting a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a viewing of the documentary “Repairing the World: Stories from the Tree of Life” Find out more details here.

Looking for more local fun? Check out our big winter guide, and sign up for our twice-weekly email blast packed with important events and local news coverage for parents.