9 awesome things to do this weekend, from creative workshops and bonding with animals to a food truck feast

Looking for cool things to do this weekend with your kids? Pittsburgh has plenty to keep you busy. Here are nine options we love:

Friday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 14: Pittsburgh Pet Expo at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Various times
Where can you bond with rare reptiles, cheer on racing hermit crabs, and find your new forever friend all under one roof? The East Coast’s largest pet expo returns for animal experiences of all kinds after being stalled due to the pandemic. There’s so much animal action not to miss like the talented Devil Dogs who will wow crowds with their lightning-fast agility, incredible tricks and high-flying frisbee stunts. While taking in 2 acres of pet-related programming, animal lovers can peruse 200 exhibitor booths, meet with vets, hear powerful stories of veteran service dogs, snap selfies with tropical birds and more. Pets on a leash are welcome to attend and participate in the festivities, including a costume contest hosted by Val Porter of WDVE. Tickets are $5 for kids 16 and under, $10 for grownups (though adults get in for $5 on Friday night!).

Friday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 14: “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical,” Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center
Various times
Kids are in love with “Descendants,” the Disney Channel phenom about the offspring of infamous villains like Cruella, Maleficent and Jafar. You can be the hero by ordering tickets to “Disney’s Descendants: The Musical,” a new stage show that includes villainous songs such as “Rotten to the Core” and “Chillin’ Like a Villain.” Tickets are $18-$25 for performances that run Fridays through Sundays.

Saturday, Nov. 13: I Made It! for the Holidays at The Block Northway
10 a.m.-6 p.m.
This holiday season, skip the mall, ditch Amazon and pledge to buy local. Window shop and find all of your handmade gift needs — and some cool loot for yourself — when I Made It! returns with its indoor holiday market. More than 100 local artisans, makers, resellers and craft food purveyors will set up shop at the North Hills retail complex from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. View the list of vendors and start making your gift list.

Saturday, November 13: WQED’s Cardigan Day
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
November is the perfect time to slip into your favorite cozy cardigan, honor Fred Rogers and celebrate World Kindness Day. Join WQED at one of six participating Cardigan Day locations to snap a selfie, share it on social media using the hashtag #CardiganDay, and spread kindness far and wide.

Saturday, Nov. 13: Food Truck A Palooza at the Monroeville Convention Center
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Before they dock for the winter, Pittsburgh’s favorite mobile eateries will pull into the Monroeville Convention Center for a day of delivering local and global cuisine. There’s so much to feast on at one of the country’s only indoor food truck festivals — from sammies, crepes and chili to ice cream, chicken and waffles. New this year is a giant inflatable snow globe outfitted with festive holiday décor and an artificial snow play area where you can snap winter wonderland photos of your kids. Additional offerings include a tailgate zone with free games, live music, roving entertainment and a holiday marketplace. Buy tickets.

Saturday, November 13: Easy Reading Fair at Collison
11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Calling all bookworms, zine lovers and fans of all kinds of printed matter to this free fair at the DIY space Collision. Featured exhibitors will include artists, publications, collectives, designers, shops and others. See a list of participating vendors and get all the details here.

Saturday, Nov. 13: Animated Arias Brown Bag Concert at Pittsburgh Opera
12 p.m.
Add some opera to your lunch break. Pittsburgh Opera and Point Park University are debuting an innovative new partnership during this premiere of six videos works accompanied by live performances of opera music. The student-produced animated shorts feature music from operas such as Carmen, The Magic Flute and The Barber of Seville. Register for free.

Saturday, Nov. 13: Creative Workshops, Trust Arts Education Center
Various times
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust hosts creative workshops this month. Youth in grades 6-8 will learn to tell stories through onstage scenes in the Playwriting Workshop. At the Music Production Workshop, high school kids will gain experience in studio engineering, mixing and mastering music. Kids in grades 6 to 10 will discover fascinating techniques of applying wax and dye to fabric during the Batik Art Workshop. Each session is priced at $25.

Sunday, Nov. 14: Virtual Polishfest
Various times
Hop online to celebrate rich Polish, Lithuanian and Carpatho-Rusyn traditions. Running through Nov. 21, the free cultural celebration will feature online music and dance performances, culinary demonstrations, historical presentations, folk art offerings and more.

For more cool events happening in the Pittsburgh region, check out Kidsburgh’s events calendar.