Your weekend events guide for May 2-4: Toypalooza, marathon fun, drive-in movies and much more

Above photo courtesy of P3R.

The first weekend of May in Pittsburgh is always race weekend, with events hosted by the Pittsburgh Marathon for racers of all ages. We’ve got details below. And if you’re not into running (or spectating), there are plenty of other fun things happening this weekend in and around the city, as well. Check it out:

Friday, May 2 and Saturday, May 3: Drive-In Movies at Allegheny County Parks, 7 p.m.

On Friday at Boyce Park and Saturday at Settlers Cabin Park, Allegheny County Parks will be showing “Inside Out 2.” This family-friendly event is totally free, and cars may begin parking at 7 p.m. with movies beginning at sunset. Find details about this weekend as well as upcoming movies here.

Friday, May 2-Sunday, May 4: “Star Wars” films at the Carnegie Science Center

“May the Fourth” has become its own special holiday. These favorite films are more fun than ever on the city’s biggest screen. Head to the Rangos Giant Cinema to catch “Star Wars: A New Hope” on May 2, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” on May 3, and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi” on May 4. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, May 3: Kids of Steel Marathon, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

It’s not too late to sign up for this one-mile fun run that crosses bridge and races through Downtown. There’s no pressure to run, so kids can walk, skip, or dance their way across the finish line. This event ends with a celebration at Point State Park. Find more details here.

Saturday, May 3: Toypalooza Toy Show at AHN Sports Complex, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

For kids (and kids at heart), this 50,000 square foot toy expo will be packed with over 300 toy tables. From the fun to the zany, the variety of toys will delight and surprise visitors. Purchase tickets online for early admission. Tickets are $5 and kids 12 and under are free.

Saturday, May 3: Storytime at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. 

If you’re looking for a laid-back and casual event for littles this weekend, stop by the entrance to Dinosaurs in Their Time for a storytime complete with a chance to touch museum specimens. This event is free with admission. Find more details here.

Saturday, May 3: AANHPI Heritage Month Celebration at CLP, 1 p.m. 

This weekend at the main branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Asian-American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island Heritage Month will begin with a free performance by the Flying Strings Youth Ensemble. This performance is free, but RSVPs are requested for planning purposes.

Saturday, May 3: Music of “Star Wars” at Heinz Hall, 7:30 p.m.

This event is perfect for the eve of May the Fourth (be with you) Day. The Pittsburgh Symphony brings the galaxy to life with John Williams’ unforgettable themes from all the epic films from “A New Hope” to “Rogue One.” Tickets are $35-$90.

Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4: Sensory-Friendly Weekend at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, visitors to the museum will be able to enjoy the exhibits in a sensory-inclusive setting. There will be reduced audio and visual elements to avoid overstimulation. Calming spaces with support materials, including single-use ear plugs, sunglasses, fidget toys, etc., will be available. Museum experts will be on-hand to talk for as little or as long as you want about favorite topics like dinosaurs, rocks, gems, animals, bugs, and much more. This event is included with regular admission.

Sunday, May 4: The Pittsburgh Marathon

This epic race draws runners from all over the world who want to be challenged by our hilly terrain. If you’re not coming to cheer on a loved one, it’s still a great time to cheer on everyone else! Find a spot along the course, make some signs, ring a bell, and cheer on the city. Find all the race day details here.

Sunday, May 4: Young Artist Community Exhibition at the Carnegie Museum of Art, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

Celebrate the exhibition of artworks made by youth artists from the Latino Community Center, Assemble and Braddock Youth Project. This celebration is free with museum admission.

Looking for more family activities for this month and beyond? Sign up for our newsletter and check out our Instagram feed. They are both loaded with events for families to enjoy together.