10 fun weekend events in Pittsburgh, including a paint party, a celebration of seeds and more

Above image courtesy of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

With unpredictable March weather, it’s always good to have a mix of family-friendly events in mind when making weekend plans. Thankfully, there’s a lot happening this first full weekend of March in and around the ‘Burgh. Take a peek at some of the region’s best family activities:

Thursday, March 6–Sunday, March 9: Disney on Ice: Mickey’s Search Party at PPG Paints Arena

Your kid’s favorite Disney characters — Elsa, Moana, Mickey, Minnie and more — will take to the ice in this colorful show at PPG Paints Arena. There are multiple show times all weekend. Tickets start at $26.

Friday, March 7–Sunday, March 9: “I Never Saw Another Butterfly and The Terezin Promise” at The New Hazlett Center for Performing Arts

In the Terezin concentration camp, Austrian artist Friedl Dicker-Brandeis teaches Jewish children to make poems and drawings in secret art classes. Witness her passion, the children’s creativity and the irrepressible power of art to bring hope and healing into the darkest hours of the Holocaust. Tickets are $39, $19 for students. An afternoon sensory-friendly performance will be held on March 1.

Friday, March 7–Sunday, March 16: Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show

If you’ve never taken your kids to this expo, you may be surprised how much it offers to keep little ones entertained. The event opens this weekend, running all week and through the following weekend. From new gadgets and interesting displays to freebies and food, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon (indoors). Kids under 6 are free, kids ages 7-12 are $4, and teens/adults are $12. Find more info here.

Saturday, March 8: Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank Walk-In Food Distributions, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This weekend, the food bank is offering two distributions, on the North Side and in Homewood. Families will receive frozen protein, shelf-stable foods, and produce. Find the full list of dates and locations here.

Saturday, March 8: Celebration of Seeds at CLP Main, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This event, held in collaboration with Grow Pittsburgh and Phipps Conservatory, offers a variety of activities including “seed stories,” conversations with gardening experts, hands-on activities for children and teens, and a selection of free seeds for the public. Participants are encouraged to bring untreated non-GMO seeds to share. This event is free and all the details can be found here.

Saturday, March 8: Kennywood and Sandcastle Summer Hiring Event, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For teens looking for a summer job, this hiring fair is a great place to start. Kennywood and Sandcastle have positions open for applicants age 14 and up. Employees get free admission all season, tickets for families and friends, discounts, and other perks. This hiring event will take place at Kennywood Park. Find more details here.

Saturday, March 8: Illustriously Lit Paint Party at CLP South Side, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This free event is a great way to discover the joy of painting. Kids in grades K through 5th will learn basic painting skills to create their own masterpiece in this one-hour workshop at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s South Side location.  Find more info here.

Saturday, March 8: Collaborative Music Story Hour at B is for Books, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Are you raising an aspiring music superstar? Well, the folks at You Be You Music will be coming to B is for Books for a music story hour. Children of all ages are invited to explore the bond between music and books in a child-led jam session. Instruments and snacks will be provided. This event is free, like all events at B is for Books (learn all about this cool place right here). Find more details here.

Sunday, March 9: Azure Family Concerts Winter Series presents Enchanted Melodies, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“Enchanted Melodies,” an Azure Family Concerts event presented by Autism Pittsburgh, will be taking place at The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center in Sewickley this Sunday. Join musicians Emily Gallagher and Caleb Glickman for an enchanted afternoon of musical storytelling. See what happens when a princess finds her own storybook and discovers the importance of finding her own path. The audience is encouraged to sing, dance and play along to bring the story to life. Children, teens, and adults of all abilities are welcome to attend and participate. Tickets are free, but RSVPs are required.

Sunday, March 9: Playdate at the Library, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Children learn and grow through family play, so that’s what this free event at the Allegheny location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is all about. Playdate is a time for families to grow their community while they enjoy toys, games and supplies in the children’s space. Families can also connect with the Children’s Services staff. This event is for children birth through 5 years old. Find more details here.

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