10 fun weekend events for families in the Pittsburgh area, March 14-16

Above photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

This weekend, every yinzer is a little bit Irish! It’s time for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade Downtown, which is one of the largest celebrations in the country. There are also plenty of other family-friendly events this weekend, including sensory-friendly performances, expos and classes.

Check out this lineup of Pittsburgh family events before venturing out this weekend:

Friday, March 14–Sunday, March 16: Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show

Catch the final weekend of the Home and Garden Show as you plan your spring projects. If you’ve never taken your kids to this expo, there is actually a lot happening to keep little ones entertained. From new gadgets and interesting displays to freebies and food, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon indoors. Kids under 6 are free, kids ages 7-12 are $4, and teens/adults are $12. Find more info here.

Friday, March 14–Sunday, March 16: Pittsburgh Japanese Film Festival

This festival begins this weekend and runs through March 27. Check out Japanese films for all ages at Row House Cinema at the Rust Belt’s largest celebration of Japanese cinematography. Find the list of films and purchase tickets here.

Saturday, March 15: Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 10 a.m. 

One of the biggest and longest-running St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, this event will be stepping off at 10 a.m. on March 15. There is also a Parade Day Dash for runners before the parade begins. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or just for the day, find all the details here.

Saturday, March 15: Storytime at the Museum of Natural History, 10:15 a.m. 

Each Saturday morning, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History hosts a free and engaging storytime for museum visitors (admission to the museum is required). Meet at the entrance to Dinosaurs in Their Time for a fun story and some hands-on activities. Find more info here.

Saturday, March 15: August Wilson Center AWCommunity Day, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This free event at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center  highlights Black health, joy and growth, while promoting wellness, empowerment and connection. There will be a vendor market, live DJ, performances from local artists, and a wealth of resources and activities for all ages. This event is for all ages. Find more info here.

Saturday, March 15: Sound in Motion by Texture Contemporary Ballet, 4 p.m. 

Texture Contemporary Ballet’s Children’s Performance of “Sound in Motion” consists of excerpts from the main stage production, plus a fun, interactive portion on stage with the dancers for all children in attendance. The event is designed for children ages 10 and under, though all ages are welcome. It is a great opportunity to introduce children to dance as a performing art, enjoy a theater experience, and even learn a dance step or two. The activities focus on teaching the fundamental ideas of coordination, imagination, musicality, listening, following instructions, and working together. Tickets are $24 per family.(A family ticket includes up to 5 people)

Sunday, March 16: Warhol-Inspired Pop Art Workshop for Tweens at Vintage Max Mercantile, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Tween artists (recommended for grades 3-6) will make a collage of Warhol-inspired pop art prints using fruits and veggies as stamps. Your paid ticket includes a Warhol-inspired mini-lesson, a fully finished pop art project, the use of paint and materials, guided instruction, three hours of supervised social time, and pizza for lunch. This event is at Vintage Max Mercantile in Bellevue. Purchase tickets here.

Sunday, March 16: Vintage Makers Market at Bakery Square, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

This event, which is from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., will showcase local vendors and artisans who create unique gifts. Browse the offerings, stop for ice cream or a meal, and spend an afternoon in Bakery Square. Creative kids will find lots of inspiration for their own DIY projects. Find more details about the event here.

Sunday, March 16: Soil Scoopers Discovery Time at the Frick Environmental Center, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 

Soil is a vital part of the environment. Stop by the Environmental Center between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for family activities about soil for ages 3-8. Embark on a fungus scavenger hunt, decorate a worm, paint with dirt, and more. This event is free, but registration is required.

Sunday, March 16: ARTfully Uplifting Sensory-Friendly Performance, 2 p.m. 

The Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone. ARTfully UPlifting is a sensory-friendly performance specifically designed and created for neurodivergent individuals with sensory processing difficulties, sensory needs, and disabilities. A variety of live performances — singing, dancing, poetry, and more — will be showcased in a concert-style format. The entire theater offers a relaxed environment, including house lights up and production sound down. Tickets are $25.

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