It’s time for Light Up Night, plus tons of family events: Your Pittsburgh-area weekend guide for Nov. 21-23 is here!

We’re in the homestretch this fall, with Thanksgiving break just around the corner and holiday festivities beginning around the city. (Don’t miss our many holiday-related guides, including Light Up Night and holiday events!) This weekend is a great chance to squeeze in some fun before the holiday season takes off at full speed. Check out what’s on tap around the Pittsburgh region:

Friday, Nov. 21: Wiggles and Giggles Toddler Time at the Penn Hills Library, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Librarians, caregivers, and toddlers will wiggle and giggle together as they share developmentally-appropriate interactive stories, songs, fingerplays, and more. This event is best for kids ages 2-3. Find more info here.

Friday, Nov. 21: Opening of Downtown People’s Gas Holiday Market, 11 a.m. 

It’s time once again for the holiday market, which will run through Dec. 24. Find food, handcrafted ornaments and holiday gifts, performances by local bands and choirs, and more. This year, due to construction in Market Square, the market will take place in the Cultural District. Check this page for regular updates.

Friday, Nov. 21: SouthSide Works Holiday Glow, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m 

SouthSide Works is glowing for the holiday and hosting an all-ages event to welcome the season at the first annual SouthSide Works Holiday Glow this weekend (rescheduled from last weekend due to that classic Pittsburgh weather, so you’re in luck!). Holiday revelers of all ages are invited to this free and festive event that will feature Santa’s big arrival followed by the lighting of the tree in the town square. There will be food and beverages available for purchase as well. Find the details here.

Friday, Nov. 21 and Sunday, Nov. 23: “Elf” In Concert at Heinz Hall

Watch this madcap holiday comedy about Buddy the Elf on the big screen, while the Pittsburgh Symphony plays the movie score. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Tickets are $64-$141.

Saturday, Nov. 22: Fall Celebration and Taffy Pull at Meadowcroft Rock Shelter, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Wrap up the season with a sweet celebration at Meadowcroft, a part of the Heinz History Center. This festive farewell will close out the season and be filled with hands-on history and delicious discoveries. Bring your sweet tooth and learn how early Americans satisfied theirs with historic candy-making demonstrations—and even try your hand at crafting an old-fashioned treat to take home. Watch hearth cooking in the cozy Hamilton Log House, create your own cornhusk crafts in the 18th-century frontier area, and test your skills with atlatl throwing in the Monongahela Indian Village. This event is included with museum membership or general admission price, with a $5 fee for taffy pulling. Pre-registration is required and space is limited. Tickets range from $7 to $15 and kids 5 and under are free.

Saturday, Nov. 22: 2025 WPIAL Football Championships at Acrisure Stadium, 11 a.m. 

After long, hard seasons, the region’s best football teams will compete for the championship on the big field for one final time this season. The first game will begin at 11:05 a.m. Tickets and info about the playoffs can be found here.

Saturday, Nov. 22: Squonking in the Library presents Musical Sounds at CLP Woods Run, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

“Musical Sounds” is a lively workshop where young minds will learn the joy of musical expression. Through rhythmic games, instrument building and sound connection, participants will experience making music led by Squonk‘s Bassist “T-Funk” Tony Thomas and Performing Tech Lex Vogelsong. This event is free and is best for kids in elementary and middle school. Find more info here.

Saturday, Nov. 22: Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse at CLP South Side, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

Flex your creativity and resourcefulness with Creative Reuse (find out what they do here). Explore an array of unique reused materials and learn how to create beautiful works of art, craft projects, and anything you can dream up while saving useful materials from the landfill. This event is free and is for guests of all ages.

Saturday, Nov. 22: Omnium Circus presents “I’m Possible” at the Byham Theater, 2 p.m. 

This world-renowned, comprehensively inclusive and accessible circus company brings excitement, thrills and joy to people of all ages as only a circus can. Tickets are $17.25-$44.85.

Saturday, Nov. 22: Pittsburgh Light Up Night

Mark your calendars for the 63rd annual Light Up Night. With music, games, food, and the kickoff of the holiday season, it’s a great event for families with kids of all ages. We’ve got a guide to all of the fun right here.

Sunday, Nov. 23: Family Fun Storytime at CLP Main, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Join library staff for stories, songs, and action rhymes at this free event for kids ages birth through 5 years. During this 30-minute program, families will meet new friends and develop early literacy skills in a laid-back setting. Find more information here.

Right now is the perfect time of year to sign up for the twice-weekly Kidsburgh newsletter. It’s the best way to stay on top of local holiday events and start the new year off right!