16 November events full of warm and cozy fun for Pittsburgh families

Courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

November is a great month in Pittsburgh for family fun. It’s when the city lights up the iconic holiday trees throughout Downtown, kicking of a season full of festivities. It’s also a great month for theater, festivals and other community events.

Some of these require tickets, but we always make sure to include several low-cost and free options, too. Check out all the happenings this month—it’s a great time to be in Kidsburgh!

Nov. 1-10: “The Hobbit” at the O’Reilly Theater

This show opened on Oct. 23, but it runs through Nov. 10. So there’s still plenty of time to snag a ticket. This fantastical performance takes the audience right to Middle Earth without ever leaving the Steel City. Tickets begin at $40, with various times and price points still available.

Nov. 1-10: “Great Expectations” by Prime Stage Theater

The shows at the New Hazlett Theater put on by Prime Stage Theater are family-friendly and welcoming. This show, which runs for two weekends, features sensory-sensitive performances and audio described performances. You can get. details and tickets right here.

Nov. 2: Day of the Dead Festival with La Escuelita Arcoiris

Join La Escuelita Arcoiris in celebrating this annual celebration of life. Day of the Dead is a traditional Mexican holiday, celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2, aligning with All Saints Day. The purpose of the holiday is to honor loved ones who have died by offering them a family fiesta. This event includes live entertainment, kid-friendly crafts, face painting, life size puppets and a community altar. A neighborhood parade will be led by the musical ensemble Timbeleza. The event is free and open to all. Mexican Food trucks will be on-site. Find more details here.

Nov. 2: Hometown Homegrown at the Heinz History Center

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy more than 25 local food and beverage vendors from the region. In addition to the tasting event, visitors can explore all of the floors of History Center exhibitions. The Detre Library & Archives will showcase its historic cookbook collection and distribute special recipe cards to visitors for this event, too. Find more details here. Kids 17 and under are free all month, too!

Nov. 2: Saturday Game Day with Game Masters PGH

For a $5 fee per table, guests are welcome to chose from over 100 board games (or bring their own). This event, located in West View, is a great way to spend an hour (or the whole five hours!) learning new games and making new friends. This event runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and more details can be found here.

Nov. 7-10: “Beauty and the Beast” at the Byham Theater

This musical, put on by Pittsburgh Musical Theater, tells the classic French tale of Belle and her unlikely suitor. This show will run for four days, with tickets at a range of prices starting at just $17.50. Purchase tickets here.

Nov. 8-10: Pittsburgh Pet Expo

Did you know Pittsburgh hosts the largest pet expo in the country? For three days, come down to the convention center and see pet products, training tips, and more. Kids can even meet famous pets from shows like America’s Got Talent. Tickets begin at $7, and kids under 6 are free. On Friday night, all admissions are half price. Vaccinated and leashed pets are welcome to attend, too.

Nov. 9: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” at the Rangos Cinema at the Carnegie Science Center

The giant screen at the Rangos is the perfect place to view this iconic tale of mayhem and cheer. Showings of this popular holiday movie are happening at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets, available online or at the box office, are $12 (with a $2 discount for Science Center members).

Nov. 12: Allegheny County Park Rangers present Tracks and Scat at LAMP

At the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s LAMP location (Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians), the park rangers will be talking all things poop and paw prints for guests of all ages. This event is primarily geared towards kids in elementary school, but is open to all. This event is free, and will run from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find more details here.

Nov. 16: “I Made It! For the Holidays” Market

This market of handcrafted goods is the perfect spot to choose unique gifts for all of your loved ones. There are gifts at all price points, so it’s a good spot to encourage kids to shop for their siblings or other family members while supporting local makers. This event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Block Northway. Find details here.

Nov. 16: O’Ryan the O’Mazing’s Spectacular Circus Class

A free circus class? Yes, please! This event, at the West End branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, runs from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and is geared towards kids and adults of all ages. If you’ve ever wanted to learn to juggle or spin plates while having fun with friends, this event is the perfect choice. No registration is required and more details can be found here.

Nov. 16: SkyWatch at the Carnegie Science Center

Once a month, the Science Center opens up their giant telescope for visitors of all ages. The cost is $12, with a $2 discount for members. From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. staff will guide visitors through the basics of astronomy and what can be seen in Pittsburgh’s night sky. Find tickets here.

Nov. 22: Opening of People’s Gas Holiday Market

Each year, dozens of vendors pack Market Square with their festive wares. There’s live music, skating around the PPG tree and delicious food, too. This event runs through Dec. 23, but the hours vary each day. So please check the website for full details about this Pittsburgh holiday tradition.

Nov. 23: Light Up Night in Downtown Pittsburgh

It’s time to light the trees and make the city sparkle. For the 63rd year in a row, this event brings families from around the region to enjoy music, food, entertainment, and more at this well-loved local event. Check this page for details as the event gets closer.

Nov. 29: Flag Football Turkey Bowl at North Park Sports Complex

Itching to get a team together and battle other teams from around the region? This event consists of teams made up of 5-10 players, is co-ed, and has groups divided by age. Find more details here; pre-registration is required.

Nov. 29: “A Very Electric Christmas” at the Byham Theater

All ages can enjoy this magical tale of family, friendship and hope set to timeless holiday hits. Join Max, a bird, as he ends up lost at the North Pole instead of flying south for the winter. Tickets are $46.50-$76.50.

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