Memorial Day weekend guide to local family events – many of them free!

Above ChalkFest photo courtesy of Riverlife.

It’s hard to believe we are already at Memorial Day, with the end of the school year looming. If you’re looking for an event to honor our country’s heroes, there are several of those around the region. The city will be hosting its annual Memorial Day parade, which is one of the longest running Memorial Day events in the country. And for families looking to kick off the weekend early, Kennywood begins weekday operations this Thursday.

Check out this lineup of long weekend fun:

Friday, May 24: Interactive Sound Bath for Teens at CLP, 3 p.m.

This mindfulness program leads participants through creating meditative soundscapes using singing bowls, ocean drums, chimes and other instruments. Sound bathing is thought to enhance self-awareness, empathy and connection. Find more information here.

Friday, May 24: Flower Moon Friday Night Hike, 8:15 p.m.

Join one of Fern Hollow’s Environmental Educators in this guided hike and experience one of the community’s most popular parks like you’ve never seen it – by the light of May’s full moon, the “Flower Moon.” The staff at Fern Hollow says participants should bring their own headlamps, preferably with a red-light setting option, to be safe while maintaining the effect of hiking by moonlight on parts of the trail with more rugged or uneven terrain. The cost of this event begins at $5 per person. Find details and registration here.

Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26: Bicycle Heaven Bicycle Show and Swap Meet, 9 a.m. 

For the 14th year in a row, the world’s largest bicycle museum and bike shop (yep, right here in Pittsburgh!) is hosting a family-friendly event that packs two full days with bike advice, music, food, and exhibitions. Check out all the details here.

Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26: Riverlife Chalk Fest on the North Side, 1 p.m. 

This annual celebration of chalk art opens on Saturday at 1 p.m. and runs through Sunday. But eager families can drop by Isabella Street on the North Side on Friday evening to see chalk artists, including Pittsburgh’s “Chalking Dad” Erik Greenawalt, create their masterpieces. Get all the details here.

Saturday, May 25: Sandcastle Water Park Opening Day, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m .

They’ve dusted off those slides and filled the Lazy River. It’s time for Sandcastle season along the banks of the Mon River. Admission is half priced for opening day at $29.99, if purchased online before arrival. This opening weekend there are some great deals and incentives for season pass holders, as well as discounts on purchasing season passes. Find the details on opening day here.

Saturday, May 25: O’Ryan the O’Mazing’s Spectacular Circus Class, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This free class at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville location will teach children the basics of clowning, juggling, plate spinning and improvisational physical theater while having a whole lot of fun. This class is designed for elementary-aged children and their caregivers. Find all the details here.

Saturday, May 25: Everyone’s Open Mic at CLP, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Ms. Candace invites all kids in grades K to 5 to bring their written work or off-the-cuff talents to the South Side location of the Carnegie Library for a kid-friendly open mic afternoon. This space is designed to be inclusionary and all skill levels are welcome. Find details here.

Saturday, May 25: Eco Tour at Moraine State Park, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Explore a labyrinth of coves, exposed cliffs, and secret passageways on this paddleboard tour of Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park. Personal instruction is provided for new paddlers followed by a relaxed guided paddle. The cost is $75. Registration and details can be found here.

Monday, May 27: Memorial Day Parade, 10 a.m. 

Kicking off at Butler St. and 36th Street and ending at Allegheny Cemetery, this Memorial Day parade is family-friendly and features more than 65 community groups. Over 15,000 veterans are laid to rest at Allegheny Cemetery. Find all the details here.

Monday, May 27: Red, Wild, and Blue at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

This summer kickoff features special animal enrichment and family entertainment. The best part? It’s all included with zoo admission. Don’t forget that the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium now offers discounted admission to families receiving public assistance. Find details about Red, Wild, and Blue here.

There’s so much more happening in Kidsburgh this summer, from festivals to camp guides to tips on how to explore nature. Don’t miss our guide to May events and big summer camp guide. 

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