16 things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh, including the Children’s Theater Festival, GOTR’s 5K and more

Photo above courtesy of Girls on the Run 5K.

With just a few weekends left in the school year, that summer vibe is setting in. It’s also time for the EQT Children’s Theater Festival so there is a great lineup of affordable live theater events, which we’ve included below. Check out some of these great (and mostly free!) things to do this weekend in Pittsburgh and beyond:

Friday, May 19: Nature Weaving & Foraged Basket Weaving at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Students from age 5 to age 18 are invited to the Children’s Museum for this free workshop to explore weaving with natural, foraged natural materials. These classes are free with Children’s Museum admission (the Children’s Museum participates in Museums for All).

Friday May 19 to Sunday, May 21: EQT Children’s Festival, Cultural District 

Come to the Cultural District for three days of (mostly free!) fun with hands-on activities, street performances and a bunch of ticketed theater productions. Check out some of the available shows, which run all weekend, below (and don’t miss all the free fun happening Downtown): 

• “Sleeping Beauty,” Benedum Center: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre and the PBT Orchestra bring the drama and romance of this well-known fairytale. Tickets start at $29.

• “The Gruffalo,” Byham Theater: Based on the beloved story of Mouse, who meets the cunning Fox, an eccentric old Owl, and a high-spirited Snake. Will the terrifying Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner? Best for kids ages 3 and older. Tickets are $12.

• “Origami Tales,” Outdoor Space at 7th Street and Penn Avenue, Cultural District: Using origami, music and audience participation, storyteller Kuniko Yamamoto provides a magical entry into Japanese culture. Best for ages 3 and older. Tickets are $12.

• “Buoyant Sea,” Trust Arts Education Center: Little kids sing and splash with their grown-ups in a water-table play about the joy of togetherness. Best for ages 18 months to 4 years. Tickets are $12.

• “Hiccup!,” Pittsburgh Playhouse: The Windmill Theater Company of Australia heads to the outback for a hilarious story about a sleep-deprived camper, a quokka and an emu who discover a koala with a loud case of the hiccups. Best for ages 3-9 years. Tickets are $12.

• “A Letter for Elena,” Pittsburgh Playhouse: At the crossroads of theater and dance, this story unfolds itself like a treasure hunt where the path of mourning is slowly drawn, and words take form to say goodbye. Best for ages 7 and older. Tickets are $12.

• “Sakasaka,” Outdoor space at 7th Street and Penn Avenue, Cultural District: In this wordless physical comedy, three clowns use the poetry of motion trying to drink a glass of water while teaching the importance of water conservation and scarcity. Tickets are $12.

• “It’s OK to be Different,” Byham Theater: Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia delivers important messages of acceptance, understanding, and self-confidence. Best for ages 3-7. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, May 20: Idlewild and SoakZone Opening Day

This iconic park features amusement rides, Storybook Forest, Jumpin’ Jungle and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood. You can get all the details here. Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Idewild offer a joint membership, which you may want to check out. 

Saturday, May 20: Kre.a.div Kingz of Pittsburgh Creative Art Event at The Frick, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

All ages are welcome to create art with purpose with the new Black collective, the Kre.a.div Kingz. During this free event at the Frick Pittsburgh, visitors will see the Kingz’s artwork, create alongside them, and join in a conversation about the evolution of their careers and how they are using their experience to pave the way for young artists.

Saturday, May 20: Touch-A-Truck at Moon Park,  11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

See and touch trucks from all over the region. Meet with those in our community who operate the trucks, take a picture with them and learn about their work. Food trucks will be available as well. This event is free.

Saturday, May 20: Wild Kratts Creature Power at the Children’s Museum, opens at 12 p.m.

At this new Children’s Museum exhibit, kids can explore animal habitats from around the globe, discover incredible creature powers and go on a mission to foil the villains’ nefarious plans at this interactive exhibit based on the popular PBS Kids series “Wild Kratts.” Opening weekend activities include live animal ambassadors and a touch table from Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.

Saturday, May 20: Super Science Saturday: Backyard Biology, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Learn about nature that’s close to home in backyards and nearby parks. Super Science Saturday is free with admission to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

Saturday, May 20: Open House at Camp Agape in Hickory, 2 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Families will find games, food, fishing, K-9 dog handlers from “Paw and Order” showing their skills and even a Vortex Helicopter during this open house event. Tour Camp Agape in Hickory, Pa., to see what they’ll be offering during this year’s summer camp and learn about signing up. Details here.

Sunday, May 21: Girls on the Run 5K at The Waterfront, 9 a.m. 

The Waterfront Shopping Center will host Girls on the Run’s annual Spring Season Celebratory 5K, with 1,300 girls set to line Waterfront Drive for the walk/run, along with many buddy runners who will run alongside them for encouragement and support. Acrowd of 5,000 total visitors (including spectators and runners) expected to attend. Waterfront Drive will be temporarily shut down and used for the 5K track. Get all the details right here.

Sunday, May 21: Fred Rogers Productions’ Mini-Golf Celebration at Cool Springs, 10 a.m. 

This inaugural fundraising event for nonprofit Fred Rogers Productions begins at 10 a.m. and offers a full day of fun. Families can enjoy a light-hearted mini-golf competition among teams of two. (Sign up: Teams can include one caregiver and one child or siblings and other family members/friends.) Other festivities include music, games, and photo-ops with characters from “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” “Alma’s Way,” “Donkey Hodie,” and other special guests. All proceeds will go to FRP and the advancement of children’s media. Get more info here and tickets (including a free tier) can be reserved here.

Don’t miss our summer camp guide when you’re planning for the next few months.  Looking for more fun events in Pittsburgh for families? Check out our daily events calendar for even more fun.