16 awesome March events in Pittsburgh and beyond (many of them free!)

Photo above by Kelly Sikkema used by permission via Unsplash.

As spring begins to break in Pittsburgh (though we all know March can be fickle), there’s a slew of things to do for families. There are so many March events in Pittsburgh and the surrounding communities, including theater performances, outdoor adventures, conventions and more.

Below you’ll find just a few of the best ones. Be sure to check our daily calendar for more.

March 2-5: Disney on Ice presents “Into the Magic”

Your kid’s favorite Disney characters – like Elsa, Moana, Mickey, and Minnie – will take to the ice in a spectacular, colorful show at PPG Paints Arena. (Pro tip: Purchase light-up toys and accessories beforehand to save money on the day of the show. They can be expensive when purchased inside the arena.) Tickets start at $26.

March 3-12: “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”

On a rainy day in London, four children step through a magical wardrobe — and so it begins. Prime Stage Theater presents the beloved C.S. Lewis story at the New Hazlett Theater. A sensory-inclusive performance is planned for March 11 and an audio-description show happens on March 12. Tickets start at $18 with a pay-what-you-wish price available on March 3.

March 3-12: Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show

This event is jam-packed with activities for every age. Check out the latest options for home remodeling while also checking out pet exhibits, model railroads, Steel City LUG Lego displays, a children’s village with craft activities, and more. Tickets begin at just $4, and kids under 6 are free.

March 4: Family Nature Walk at Powdermill Nature Reserve

This popular event will fill up fast — the cost is “pay what you can,” so do pre-register at the link above. Kids and families of all ages will meet at the atrium at 2 p.m. to begin the guided tour of local flora and fauna.

March 4: Sew It With Words

Using the embroidery features of the sewing machine, students will create a small pouch or pillow decorated with a mantra or saying of their choice. Some sewing experience is helpful but not required. For ages 14 to adult. Registration is $25 at Trust Arts Education Center.

March 4: Let’s Act! Creativity at Play

Families come together in this play-based workshop that uses theater and improvisation games to promote problem-solving, team building and creative thinking. Best for ages 3 and older. Registration is $10 at Trust Arts Education Center.

March. 5: Temple Ohav Shalom Purim Carnival

Join the congregation at Temple Ohav Shalom from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on March 5 to celebrate Purim, which marks the triumph of the Jewish people over their Persian captors in the 5th century. Celebrate with food, games and prizes, a bounce house, and more. Tickets start at 2 for $1 and more details can be found on their website.

March 5: Breakdancing for Kids with Los Sabrosos Dance Co.

This class, which runs from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., is for beginner and intermediate dancers. These easy, fun classes are where students learn the first steps to becoming a breakdancer. Students will get the chance to explore new movements gradually as the teacher breaks down the moves into simple steps. Classes can be purchased individually or as a package. Find out more information on the Los Sabrosos website.

March 8: Sensory-Friendly Morning at the National Aviary

For children who require a calmer environment to enjoy the aviary, this Wednesday-morning event is perfect. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the live immersive bird show will feature a consistently low stimulation level for lights or noises. The aviary also has a social story available to prepare kids for the event, and backpacks from Kulture City with headphones and fidgets are available to borrow.

March 9-11: Le Patin Libre Ice Show

This contemporary ice-skating company from Montreal has developed a new work, “Carte Blanche,” specifically for Pittsburgh. Tickets start at $15 and the show will be at the UPMC Rink at PPG Plaza.

March 16: Teen Night at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

The museum is excited to bring back its teen series for 2023 with this exploration of Artistry in Science, which will be held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the 16th. There is art in everything, from dioramas to sketching to taxidermy. This event is also free with a membership, and every teen in the area gets a free Carnegie Museums membership. This event has limited space, so do sign up. Details on membership and sign-up can be found here.

March 18: Washington County Kids Fest

This jam-packed and free event is one not to miss. With appearances by princesses, Wild World of Animals, a Mascot Mashup race and tons of other kid-friendly activities, it’s one of the biggest free family events in the region. Find out more info here. 

March 9-April 2: “Once” by Pittsburgh Musical Theater

This Pittsburgh Musical Theater tells the story of a young Dubliner who gave up on love and music, and the girl who inspired him to dream again. Tickets are $40. and the show will be at the Gargaro Theater.

March 25: Sensory Play at Andrew Bayne Memorial Library

Join other preschool and early elementary-aged kids at Bellevue’s library for a sensory immersive experience complete with slime, Play-Doh, and paint. Come dressed to get messy! This event is free and runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the library website for more information.

March 25: Free Pictures with the Easter Bunny

Come to Do It Best Home Center in Ambridge for free photos (of kids and/or pets) with the giant rodent himself. This event is totally free, but please bring your phone or own camera to capture the photo opp. The bunny will be in attendance from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

March 31: Bunny Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

It’s that time of year when the big bunny returns to the trolley museum. March 31 is the first of five spring events at the museum. Kids will ride the trolley, take photos with the bunny, pet smaller bunnies (courtesy of the local 4-H), and enjoy other springtime activities. Kids 3 and under are free and tickets begin at $13 for everyone else. Advanced purchase is recommended for this popular event.

Are you signed up for the Kidsburgh newsletter? It’s the best way to make sure your family knows what’s going on around the city.

We also have a big guide to indoor play places for these last few chilly days before spring breaks, as well as an indoor pool guide. Looking for more March events in Pittsburgh for families? Don’t miss our daily events calendar for even more fun