11 things to do this weekend, from a Diwali celebration to an early visit from Santa

 Photo above by Udayaditya Barua on Unsplash.

While Light Up Night is still a week away, there is so much going on this weekend that you don’t want to miss. Check out one of the many family-friendly (and affordable) plays going on right now, participate in a free family library event, or settle in for a holiday movie at the Carnegie Science Center’s Rangos Cinema.

It’s a great weekend for little Yinzers:

Friday, Nov. 10: Playdate at CLP Woods Run, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Children learn and grow through play! Playdate is a time for families to grow their community, enjoy toys, games and supplies in the children’s space and connect with the amazing children’s librarians at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. This event, at Woods Run Library in the North Side, is designed for children ages birth to five years and their caregivers. It’s also totally free. Find the details here.

Friday, Nov. 10 – Sunday, Nov. 12: “We Are All Artists” 

This art show, hosted by the Butler Art Center and Gallery, features the works of artists with disabilities and special needs from around the Pittsburgh area. The show opens on Nov. 8 and runs through Nov. 25, with an opening reception open to all artists and visitors on Nov. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Find all the details here.

Friday, Nov. 10 – Sunday, Nov. 12: Cirque Carnival at Heinz Hall

Troupe Vertigo joins the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra to amaze audiences with physical feats by aerialists, acrobats and strongmen, all choreographed into live works of art in front of and above the Orchestra. Tickets are $25-$105.

Friday, Nov. 10 – Sunday, Nov. 12: “Freaky Friday” at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center

Located in the town of Midland in Beaver County, Lincoln Park is a performing arts charter school bursting with talent. This fall, they’re putting on “Freaky Friday” for fans. What happens when a mom and her teen daughter swap bodies? A whole lot of hijinx.  Tickets begin at $18 and the show runs both this weekend and next.

Saturday, Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day Flag Folding at the Heinz History Center, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

The Heinz History Center is celebrating 101 days of civic duty, and this weekend that event is a public flag folding to honor local veterans. The giant 36-foot American flag will be ceremoniously folded in the Great Hall. Information on the event can be found here. Veterans receive free admission, and anyone can attend the ceremony for free but will need to purchase a ticket to enjoy the rest of the museum. Don’t forget the Heinz History Center participates in discounted admissions for those that receive Medicaid or EBT.

Saturday, Nov. 11: Musical Instrument Petting Zoo at CLP Lawrenceville, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Have your kids ever been curious about musical instruments? This event is the perfect place to check them out.  Not only can kids explore instruments and learn more about them, there will be plenty of information on hand from various local musical programs. It’s a one-stop shop for kids who want to learn more about musical hobbies. The details on this free event can be found here.

Sarurday, Nov. 11:  Family Fun at CLP Beechview, 11 a.m. to  11:30 a.m. 11:30 

Join other families at the Beechview location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for stories, songs and action rhymes. During this 30-minute program, families will meet new friends and develop early literacy skills. This program is desgined for children ages birth to five years and their caregivers. It’s free and details are here.

Saturday, Nov. 11: Super Science Saturday features animal communication, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is excited to host another Super Science Saturday. This one is all about how animals talk to one another. From tweets to growls to noises humans cannot even hear, animals have unique and special ways of “talking” without words. This event is $15 and the details can be found here.

Saturday, Nov. 11: Santa Visits Tangier Outlets, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

Come down to Washington County for a tree lighting and visits with Santa this weekend. There will also be carriage rides, a station to make reindeer food, a holiday dance party and chances to win prizes.

Saturday, Nov. 11 – Sunday, Nov. 12: “The Miracle Worker,” New Hazlett Theater

Prime Stage Theatre Company opens its season with the Tony Award-winning play about Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan. Best for ages 11 and older. Tickets  are available at a variety of price points and with several accomodations, include pay-what-you-can dates, sensory inclusive performances,  and ASL and audio-described dates.

Sunday, Nov. 12: Open House in Celebration of Diwali, 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Representative Arvind Venkat is proud to host an event to celeberate the Hindu festival of lights at 9800B McKnight Road, Suite 130 in Ross Township this weekend. Dr. Venkat, the first Indian American state representative in Pennsylvania, sponsored legislation to make Diwali a state holiday this year. This event is co-sponsored by North Hills Community Outreach, and RSVP’s are encouraged at (412)348-8028 or at his website.

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