Weekend fun guide: the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and more family events across the region

Above image by Paul G. Wiegman of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

Everyone’s Irish in Pittsburgh when our annual parade happening this Saturday! And if you’re looking for other events, we’ve got those, too: Check out the changes coming to the Carnegie Libraries of Pittsburgh, explore the world of maple syrup season, or take your kids to a free community cooking class.

If you don’t see something that sparks your interest here, we’ve also got a great big guide to springtime events in the region. Whatever your interest, the Pittsburgh region has something that’s a perfect fit for your family this weekend.

Thursday, March 14 – Saturday, March 16: Just Between Friends Consignment Sale

Start your weekend off early at one of the largest consignment sales in the region. Hosted at the AHN Montour Sports Complex, there will be thousands of items in good quality at a steep discount. Check out all of the details, including information about presale shopping, here. This event is family-friendly and strollers are welcome.

Saturday, March 16: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 10 a.m.

Our city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, thought to be the third largest in the country, begins at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street, marching to Grant Street, turning onto Boulevard of the Allies to the reviewing stand on Stanwix Street. Be prepared for three hours of revelry!

Saturday, March 16: Pittsburgh Youth Climate Action Summit, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

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.

Saturday, March 16: Spring Open House at CLP Mount Washington, 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

There are lots of exciting changes to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh family of libraries, and they’re hosting some events to let residents know about them. This weekend, stop by the Mount Washington location for some light refreshments and learn about new programs, extended hours and more. Details can be found here.

Saturday, March 16: “Meet the Maker” at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 11 a.m. 

Meet and create with Dick Esterle, the artist behind “Space Chips,” who will help kids explore geometric shapes and colors to build collaborative cardboard sculptures. This event is included with museum admission.

Saturday, March 16: Cooking with the Community “Taste of Italy,” 11 a.m. 

Join Hazelwood Local and Community Kitchen Pittsburgh for a free cooking workshop with a little taste of Italy. At this session, families will create several pasta dishes together. They will learn how to prepare all of the ingredients and put together a delicious meal. All food and necessary equipment provided — just bring your appetite. Space is limited so please RSVP here.

Saturday, March 16: Soil Sisters presents Germination Necklaces, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Come to the Beechview location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for a family-friendly event with Soil Sisters. Spring is all about growth and new life, and germination necklaces are a great way to help kids understand the life cycle of nature. Check out all the details right here.

Saturday, March 16: Maple Madness with the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania, various times

Bring the kids out to see a maple sugar demonstration trail and learn about the history and science of maple syrup. There are various time slots, and some slots are full so please pre-register by clicking into the calendar and choosing one of the times. This event will be at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel this Saturday and will be held at Succop Nature Park in Butler on March 23. Registration is $12.

Saturday, March 16: Spring Flower Show Opening at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, various times

While it may still snow outside, it’s springtime at Phipps. Their spring flower show opens this weekend and runs through April 14.  Tickets are $21.95 for grownups, $19.95 for seniors, $13.95 for ages 2 -18, free for those younger than 2. Note: Phipps Conservatory offers discounted tickets for families receiving public assistance.

Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17: Sensory-Friendly Weekend, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Does someone in your family find the museum overwhelming? This weekend, expect lower lighting in select galleries, video sounds and background audio that have been turned off in select galleries, as well as calming spaces and take-away support materials such as single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc. Registration is $15 for kids, $25 for grownups.

Looking for more great family 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.