17 March events in Pittsburgh for families, from live theater to hands-on STEAM fun

Above image courtesy of Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

March in Pittsburgh can be a tempestuous month. Some days are warm and sunny, while others are dreary — and there’s always the possibility of snow! Thankfully, we’ve got a list of great March events in Pittsburgh for families, happening indoors and out.

Most are free or low cost, so if you’re looking for March events in Pittsburgh to fill a weekend (or your entire spring break “staycation”), read on. (And don’t miss our guides to upcoming “maple syrup season” events and the Friday Night Fish Fry map, plus creative Maker Monday activities!)

March 1-10: “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank” at New Hazlett Theater

Immerse yourself in this inspiring multimedia true life story of Eva Schloss and Ed Silverberg, who were childhood friends of Anne Frank, and learn about their experience surviving the Holocaust during World War II. There will be sensory-friendly, audio described, and sign language interpreted performances. Tickets begin at $19.

March 2: Empower Her 2024

This year, Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania has joined forces with The Lindsey Vonn Foundation and Queens Gambit to create a one-of-a-kind day focused on female empowerment. This event is designed for 7–14-year-old girls to embrace who they are, define their future, and realize they can change the world. In this free event, attendees will learn about mental and physical health, how to create healthy relationships, how to build confidence, how to persevere with goal-setting techniques, and finally, how to put all those things together to become a strong leader and have a positive impact on their community. Find all the details here.

March 5: Sound Fusion, Heinz Hall

Pittsburgh Symphony Associate Conductor Jacob Joyce leads the Pittsburgh premiere of Mason Bates’ mixed-media concerto, “Philharmonia Fantastique.” This family-friendly concert is a great introduction to classical music. Tickets are priced at pay-what-you-wish from $5-$40.

March 5, 12, 19, 26: Storkbites new mom support group

Have a baby under a year? Meet with other local moms and a labor and delivery nurse weekly to connect and learn. This class is free. Though the current session began in January, mothers can join in at any time. Find out more about Storkbites here and read our full story here.

March 7,14, 21, 28: Pillar postpartum support group

For moms with babies under six months old, this weekly group meets from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Station Square. Lean on other parents and find your community. Details about the group can be found here. Check out Pillar’s Instagram for helpful info, too.

March 7-17: “Grease,” Pittsburgh Musical Theater

How many of today’s kids have seen “Grease?” Bring your kids and sing along to some of your favorites. Celebrate Rydell High’s class of 1959 in all its duck-tailed, bobby-sox wearing, gum-snapping glory. Tickets start at $19.50.

March 8: History Uncorked: We Love The ’90s at the Heinz History Center

This one is for the parents! While it can be painful to see our own childhood fashion coming back into style, the truth is most of us had some great experiences in the 90’s. This 21+ event at the Heinz History Center will feature food and drink from local vendors, a 90’s arcade, throwback music by DJ Bonics, and a chance to relive your teen years. Tickets begin at $65 and include food and two drinks.

March 9: Ibeji Rhythms: Dance and Play at the Trust Arts Education Center

Explore the rich musical and dance traditions of West Africa, then build an instrument of your own to continue the celebration. Admission is $25 for a family of six.

March 9: “The Princess Bride” in Concert, Heinz Hall

View “The Princess Bride” on the big screen, with Mark Knopfler’s score played by the Pittsburgh Symphony. Tickets start at $35.

March 9: Sensory-friendly viewing of “Kung-Fu Panda 4”

A sensory friendly screening of “Kung Fu Panda 4,” the latest installment in the popular animated series, will be presented on Saturday, March 9 at 10:30 a.m. at The Lindsay Theater in Sewickley. Sensory-friendly screenings are specially designed for people and families impacted by autism and other special needs, with accommodations to ensure the comfort of all guests. Tickets are $8.75 each.

March 13: Sensational Spring at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens

This event is designed for children ages 3 to 6 and their adults. At Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, they know that connecting with nature is essential to child development, sparking creativity and imagination – and winter is as fascinating as any other season for discovery in nature. Each visit will include time in the Garden’s different habitats, a story reading, a craft project and time for free play outdoors. The cost is $10 to $15.

March 14: Littlest Animal Friends

Caregivers and your little ones, join the staff at Animal Friends for an experience designed just for you. Nurture your child’s love of four-legged friends while engaging in animal-themed activities from story time to singing to art-making. Also included are play and exploration time in the Humane Education & Engagement Center, as well as an optional adoption-floor scavenger hunt that will acquaint you with adoptable dogs, cats, and rabbits. Registration is required to attend. This event is at 11 a.m. and the cost is $10.

March 16: St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Did you know that our city’s parade is one of the biggest in the country. Many Irish immigrants flocked to this region for jobs in the steel industry, so we have a strong Irish community that loves to celebrate this holiday. At 10 a.m., the parade will kick off Downtown, and will be packed with bands and performances. The event planners invite everyone to come join them, and are fond of saying, “Everyone is Irish for a day!” Find all the details here.

March 16: Pittsburgh Youth Climate Action Summit

Designed by teens for teens, the Pittsburgh Youth Climate Action Summit connects young people from around the region with one shared goal… climate action for all. The Summit is a unique opportunity for students interested in climate change and environmental issues to learn from each other and to take action! This all-day event is free and includes keynote speakers, breakout sessions, an art contest, activities and more. Find more details here.

March 16–17: Sensory-friendly weekend at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Love the museum, but find it a bit overwhelming? From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend, the museum will have lower lighting in select galleries, video sounds and exhibit background audio turned off in select galleries, calming spaces, and take-away support materials like single use ear plugs, sunglasses, and fidgets available for guests. Please register before March 15 to receive a welcome guide by email with helpful event information.

March 22,23, 24, 29, and 30: Bunny Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Hop on board and ring in spring with the Easter bunny. There will be crafts, games, live bunnies, a trolley ride, and a chance to snap a photo. This popular event often sells out, so get tickets early. Tickets begin at $17, and children under 3 are free.

March 23, 24, 29, 30: Eggstravaganza at the National Aviary

Hop on over to the National Aviary for a spring celebration. This event is included with admission, but reserving tickets is recommended. Guests will have an egg-cellent time exploring the Aviary’s immersive habitats and searching for eggs on an egg-themed scavenger hunt. Experience a fun and engaging story time and craft, and don’t forget to stop by for a picture with the big Bunny, too!

Looking for more March events in Pittsburgh? Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter or check out our calendar. You can even submit events for your community or organization to let Pittsburgh families know about it.