18 awesome things to do in November in Pittsburgh, from free crafting and STEAM fun to Light Up Night!

With spooky season behind us, it’s officially the most wonderful time of the year in Pittsburgh. Between Light Up Night festivities and a slew of free crafting and STEAM events at different local venues, there’s no shortage of things to do in November in Pittsburgh. (And don’t miss the pumpkin-picking and apple-picking fun throughout our region!) 

Nov. 1 (and Nov. 8, 15, 22, 29): Assemble Middle School Maker Nights,  4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Assemble Afterschool is a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, & Math) program for kids in grades 6-8 that offers a space to learn through making, testing out wild ideas and building a better future. Join Assemble teachers for afterschool fun each Tuesday. Students explore the beautiful worlds of science, technology, engineering, arts, and math each week with hands-on activities and creative inventions. 

Nov. 3 – 6: “The Little Mermaid” at the Byham Theater

This Young Artist performance is presented by students of Pittsburgh Musical Theater Conservatory in collaboration with the CAPA Orchestra. Tickets start at $19.50.

Nov. 4: No Cost Farmers Market at Carnegie Libraries, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Join your local librarians and staff from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank for this free event that combines reading and groceries. No pre-registration is required, but please bring bags or a cart for your food. Don’t forget to take a new book home, too! Details can be found here.

Nov. 4 – 13: “Frankenstein” at the New Hazlett Theater

This Prime Stage Theatre production follows the 18-year-old Mary Shelley as she imagines her famously monstrous story throughout a stormy night. Suitable for ages 13 through adult. Details and tickets here.

Nov. 5: Everyday Heroes concert at Heinz Hall

This Fiddlesticks family concert shines a light on the heroes we meet every day. Come early for an hour of activities, followed by a concert that includes “Stars and Stripes Forever,” Dvořák’s “Songs My Mother Taught Me” and John William’s theme from “Superman.” Tickets start at $16.

Nov. 5: Mad Science and Carnegie Libraries Present Dinosaurs, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m.

Join Mad Science at the Hazlewood library to investigate the needs and habitats of different types of dinosaurs at this free event. The interactive hands-on exhibits allow kids to deepen their understanding of fossils and dinosaurs. Participants will make a cast of a dinosaur tooth. More details can be found here. 

Nov. 5 (and Nov. 12, 19, 26): Saturday Crafternoons at Assemble, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Saturday Crafternoon is a weekly drop-in program for learners 5-11 years old. Join Assemble teachers and guest experts each week as we explore the dynamic world of STEAM. Find out more here!

Nov. 6: Sensory Friendly Day at Splash Lagoon, beginning at 2 p.m.

Although it isn’t in Pittsburgh, Splash Lagoon isn’t far. This indoor waterpark is a popular destination for local families looking for a cold-weather getaway, but the indoor cavernous space can be overwhelming for kids with sensory issues. With that in mind, Splash Lagoon is hosting a sensory-friendly family day in conjunction with the Autism Society of Northwestern PA. And half-price tickets (with a free ropes course ticket!) are available here. 

Nov. 6: EQT 10 Miler with Kids of Steel, all day event 

For the first time, kids can run with their parents during the EQT 10 Miler due to a new partnership with the Kids of Steel program. “We know that finding childcare can be one obstacle that prevents parents and/or guardians from participating on race day. With this new program, parents can take the time to focus on their fitness goals while knowing that their kids are having fun as they MOVE with our Kids of STEEL team,” says Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. Registration is here. 

Nov. 9 (and Nov. 19): Preschool Adventures: Ready for Blast Off at the Carnegie Science Center, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Add this to your list of out-of-this-world things to do in November in Pittsburgh. These workshops are designed for little scientists between 3-5 years to cultivate a love for learning and to teach them basic science concepts. Tickets are $14, separate from Science Center admission.

Nov. 12: Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Hex Bug STEAM Challenge, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Uh-oh! The Hexbugs are at it again! This is a STEAM challenge where kids can build a maze or set of obstacles for their Hexbugs using straws, tape and other scrap items on poster board. Did the bugs make it through your maze? Why or why not? Work together with your family to see if you can make a maze that these robotic creepy-crawlies can solve! More info here. 

Nov. 18: Light Up Night, 4:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

One of the most festive things to do in November in Pittsburgh: This annual celebration is the official kickoff of our city’s holiday celebration. Experience a full night of vibrant activities and events, including concerts from national and local artists, extraordinary firework displays, family activities, the seasonal opening of Pittsburgh’s winter attractions, the spectacular illumination of the Golden Triangle, and more!

Nov. 18: UPMC Rink at PPG Place Opening

In conjunction with Light Up Night, the rink at PPG Place opens for the season and remains in place through February 26, 2023. The rink can get crowded on nights and weekends. So for young skaters, a weekday morning might be best. After the holiday season officially closes on Jan. 8, the rink has special family and student discounts available on different nights of the week. Full details and pricing can be found here.

Nov. 18: “Elf” in Concert at Heinz Hall, 7 p.m.

Watch the heartwarming adventures of Buddy the Elf while the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performs the John Debney score from this beloved movie. Tickets begin at $25.

Nov. 19: Family Adventures: Sustainable Stories at the Carnegie Science Center, 3:30 p.m.

Join a guided tour of themed exhibits, followed by hands-on activities and experiments. Best for ages 6 and older. Tickets and details here ($14, separate from general admission).

Nov. 19: Story Saturday: A Boy Named Isamu, Carnegie Museum of Art, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

This storytime includes a reading of the James Yang book followed by an art-making activity for ages 12 and younger. Free with museum admission.

Nov. 22 – 27: “Les Miserables” at the Benedum Center, various times

The Broadway-touring production has been brilliantly restaged while retaining the epic story and stirring music. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Tickets start at $35.

Nov. 30: Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Benedum, 7 p.m.

This show, which is best suited for kids ages 3 and older, is a blend of classic and modern. Contemporary dance combined with digital graffiti is paired with the classic music from “The Nutcracker.” Tickets are available here. 

Don’t forget to sign up for the Kidsburgh newsletter here, if you haven’t already – it’s the best way to make sure you don’t miss a thing!  And for things to do in November in Pittsburgh? Check out our daily calendar and big fall events guide.