11 things to do this weekend around Pittsburgh, from a fishing derby to Homewood’s Block Party and more free events

Photo above courtesy of Homewood Block Party. 

Whether your family wants to enjoy the great outdoors or take in a play or art exhibit this weekend, there is a wide variety of activities happening across the region. Learn to fly fish, cruise with superheroes and princesses on the river, or take a guided sculpture walk.

Check out all the fun things to do this weekend: 

Thursday, April 13: An evening with “Last Kids on Earth” author Max Brallier, 6:00 p.m.

Get a jump on the weekend with this Thursday night event. The best-selling author of the “Last Kids on Earth” series, Max Brallier, spent part of his childhood in Pittsburgh. He’s coming to town this week to discuss (and sign) his latest book at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall in Oakland during Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures’ Words & Pictures series. Register for your free ticket here.

Friday, April 14: Good Fridays at the Andy Warhol Museum, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Did you know the Warhol is family-friendly, with lots of programs for kids and teens? Each Friday, the museum is open later than usual and offers half-priced admission. The Andy Warhol Museum is also a part of the Carnegie family of museums, so your membership works here, too. Details here. 

Friday, April 14 – Sunday, April 16: “Popcorn Falls” at the Little Lake Theatre, various times

Catch the final weekend of this show! The sleepy town of Popcorn Falls is forced into bankruptcy. Their only hope – open a theater! Two actors play more than 20 roles in this silly farce. Best for ages 10 and older. Get tickets here.

Saturday, April 15: Jack Wilson Memorial Fishing Derby, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Come to the Darlington Polo Field in Beaver County for a kids’ fishing derby with prizes, concessions, and more. Kids will fish in age group brackets ranging from age 3-18, with adult groups as well. The cost is $5 and more information can be found here. 

Saturday, April 15: Family Fun Story Times, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Join librarians and other local families at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Woods Run and East Liberty to learn valuable early literacy skills with other families. These events are best for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Find out more information here. 

Saturday, April 15: Homewood Block Party with Trying Together, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center and Trying Together are hosting a free event in the Homewood community. There will be craft activities, face painting, dancing, and more for all ages. There will be a wide variety of resources from organizations in Homewood and the Pittsburgh area for caregivers and families. Check out the flyer for more information or visit The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center Facebook Group.

Saturday, April 15 and Sunday, April 16: “Perseverance,” New Hazlett Theater, various times

Prime Stage presents the true story of a man who spent his teen years enduring the horrors of Auschwitz. He eventually arrived in Pittsburgh as a penniless refugee intent on reshaping his family’s destiny. Discover his story during this powerful production by Prime Stage. Tickets are $19 for students and $24 for adults. A recorded performance will be available to stream from April 24 to May 7.

Sunday, April 16: Introduction to Fly Fishing, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This course, hosted by Allegheny County Parks and L.L. Bean, is designed for ages 12 and up (including adults). It’s officially fishing season in Pittsburgh, and fly fishing introduces tweens and teens to this interactive and fast-paced hobby. The cost is $69.95 for one three-hour course, which will occur on Sunday mornings now through June. 

Sunday, April 16: Guided Sculpture Walk at Hartwood Acres, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join the park rangers to learn about the sculptures and the artists behind them in the newly developed sculpture garden. This will be a short walk on paved surfaces. This event is free, but registration is required.

Sunday, April 16: Princess and Superhero Cruise on the Gateway Clipper Fleet, 1:30 p.m.

Little princesses and tough superheroes will have a blast with interactive games and a DJ dance party. The warm weather means it’s the perfect weekend to take in city sights from the top deck, too. Tickets are $20 for kids and $32 for grownups.

Sunday, April 16: Healthy Kids Spring Running Series, 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

For $45, this local group offers a five-week youth running series for girls and boys ages 2-14. The group is designed with a cross-country mindset to provide a positive and fun introduction to running. The program is set to take place Sundays, beginning April 16 at Pine Township Community Park. Find more details here.  

Looking for more things to do in Pittsburgh for families? Don’t miss our daily events calendar and check out our big guide to spring events. 

Planning a night out? Here’s our guide to kid-friendly Pittsburgh restaurants.

And are you signed up for the Kidsburgh newsletter? It’s the best way to make sure your family knows what’s going on around Pittsburgh and the surrounding region.