10+ events to check out this weekend, including the Pittsburgh Marathon

Above image courtesy of P3R.

This weekend is a busy one in Pittsburgh, with marathon preparations and celebrations in every corner of the city. If you or your kids aren’t running in it, it’s still a great family-friendly event. Head Downtown to watch. Some of the greatest runners in the world travel to Pittsburgh for this race — our hills are a unique and exciting challenge for these world-class competitors.

And besides the marathon, there are so many great events happening across the region, from nature hikes to stage performances. Check out this weekend’s top activities for families:

May 2 through May 22: Remake Learning Days

While not a weekend-only event, Remake Learning Days does start this week and runs for most of the month. Visit some of the hundreds of cool events (most of them free!) that let you celebrate creative and joyful learning as a family. Building a robot, code an art spinner, direct a film, explore the outdoors and make your own music at hundreds of in-person and virtual events hosted by schools, museums, libraries and tech companies. Find more details here. Nearly all events are free, but many require registration.

Friday, May 3:  Powdermill Avian Research Center guided tours, 8 a.m. 

Enjoy a free guided tour of the Carnegie Museum of Natural History’s program at Powdermill, which will teach about the bird banding lab and research facility including the flight tunnel. Visit the lab and see up-close how researchers safely capture and band birds, and learn about the data they gather. Hear about how they are studying avian perception of glass so that glass manufacturers and building designers can help reduce bird-window collisions. This event is free, but guests must pre-register for the tour and arrive at PARC by 8:00 a.m.

Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5: “Sleeping Beauty” at Pittsburgh Savoyards, various times. 

The Pittsburgh Savoyards is the city’s oldest continuously operating theater company, and they’re putting on “Sleeping Beauty” this weekend and next. This version, adapted by Andy Hicks, is perfect for kids and adults of all ages. Tickets to the show at their Bellevue theater location begin at $15 and can be purchased here.

Saturday, May 4: No-Sew DIY Upcycling with Nisha Blackwell, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

As part of Remake Learning Days, Knotzland founder and Pittsburgh style expert Nisha Blackwell hosts this family-friendly, free class where you’ll turn an old t-shirt into a stylish tote bag. Bring your own shirt or use one they’ll have available at this Remake Learning Days event. Details and registration can be found here.

Friday, May 3 – Sunday, May 5: “Witness for the Prosecution” at New Hazlett Theater

This classic Agatha Christie play is sure to engage kids as they become involved in a lively trial. Be one of the jurors and experience the shocking testimony and impassioned outbursts from witnesses as a young man and his attorney fight to escape a final verdict. This play runs this weekend and next, with a variety of performances designed for sensory needs and audio and visual impairments. Tickets begin at $19. Find all the details here.

Saturday, May 4: Kids of Steel Marathon and Toddler Trot, 9:30 a.m. 

While the big race is Sunday morning, there are plenty of chances for kids to get involved Saturday. From a toddler trot for the smallest racers to a one-mile fun run complete with swag bag and Smiley cookies, Saturday is all about kids at the Pittsburgh Marathon. It’s not too late to sign up for either of these events here.

Saturday, May 4: Star Wars Marathon at CLP, 10 a.m. 

May the Fourth be with you! To commemorate this day, the main branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is hosting a movie marathon that is appropriate for older kids and adults. This event is free, and the movie schedule can be found here. Stay for one, or stay for all.

Saturday, May 4: Cooking Matters for Families at CLP, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. 

This multigenerational cooking program by Share Our Strength is facilitated by Adagio Health, and is designed for participants of all ages. Through hands-on cooking lessons, children and their caregivers learn about healthy eating as a family and the importance of working together to plan and prepare healthy meals on a budget. All registered families will receive groceries to recreate meals. Each session is limited to five families. Please complete one registration for each member of your family who will attend.

Saturday, May 4: Open Pokemon Play at Game Masters PGH, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Got a kid who loves Pokemon? Stop by this free all-ages event at Game Masters PGH in West View. While you’re there, check out their other meetups and activities for kids and adults of all ages. Find details here.

Sunday, May 5: Pittsburgh Marathon, 7 a.m. 

Don’t let that early start time fool you. Unless you’re running, there’s plenty of fun to be had Downtown Sunday at the race – from start to finish. Spectators can line up anywhere along the course, but Point State Park is where the after party will be. At the Finish Line Festival, runners and their fans can grab a bite, pose for some photo opps, and watch the awards ceremony.

Sunday, May 5: Opening Day at the Depreciation Lands Museum, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

This interactive museum site in Allison Park is a great way to teach kids about the 1800’s in Pittsburgh. Costumed docents will guide visitors through the history of the time period with demonstrations and hands-on learning, from a forge to a mercantile. Admission is $3 for kids and $5 for adults. Find more details here.

Looking for more family fun? Check out our calendar and sign up for our newsletter so you’re always in the loop!