Pittsburgh weekend guide: It’s time for Flamingo Fest, plus other fun family activities

Photo by Mike Faix courtesy of the National Aviary.

Your Pittsburgh weekend guide is here! This last weekend in February is packed with things to do, from live theater to hands-on experiences with local flora and fauna. Don’t forget to check out our guide to Black History Month events and the Fish Fry Map, too.

Friday, Feb. 23 – Sunday, Feb. 25: “Fiddler on the Roof” in Concert, Heinz Hall

Winter is the perfect time to introduce your kids to live theater, and this show is a great start. This presentation features John Williams’ Oscar-winning score adaptation performed live along to the 1971 feature film. Tickets start at $25.

Saturday, Feb. 24: Tree Pittsburgh’s Sapling Saturdays presents Animals in Winter, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

How do Pittsburgh’s wild animals survive the winter? Do trees help, and if so, how? The folks at Tree Pittsburgh invite you and your saplings to look for clues at Tree Pittsburgh’s riverside campus, which is home to foxes, deer, turtles, butterflies, birds and other creatures large and small. The event will start with some outdoor exploration (weather permitting), followed by indoor games, crafts, snacks, and more. Great for kids in grades K-5 (accompanied by an adult). Cost is $5.

Saturday, Feb. 24: Project Pipeline with National Organization of Minority Architects, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Join NOMA PGH at Carnegie Library’s Knoxville location for the first of three workshops for the Project Pipeline series in Pittsburgh. Children in grades 6-12 will have the opportunity to learn how architects make decisions about which material to use in their designs and will leave empowered to share informed feedback about the environment around them. Registration for the Winter Workshop closes on Friday at noon to allow the NOMA team to prep for the number of students and volunteers. Workshop cost is $5. (But if needed, families are welcome to e-mail nomapgh@gmail.com to have the fee waived. Also, students attend multiple workshops this year will be offered discounted tickets to attend the summer camp, happening Aug. 1-4.)

Saturday, Feb. 24: Azure Family Concerts Black History Month Event at CLP, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Azure presents an interactive, sensory-friendly live music program celebrating African American musicians and composers. This event will be held at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s East Liberty location. Participants are invited to move and make music of their own. All ages, abilities, and behaviors welcome. Find more details here.

Saturday, Feb. 24: Fiddlesticks at the PSO, 11:15 a.m. 

This family-friendly show is perfect for younger audiences. Fiddlesticks is a great introduction for young kids to the world of live symphony music, as well as the talented performers at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Feel free to move, dance, and bop along through the show. Tickets start at $18.

Saturday, Feb. 24:  Super Science Saturday at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. 

This session’s theme is “Neighborhood Nature.” From a sidewalk crack teeming with plant life to majestic birds of prey soaring over our three rivers, nature is everywhere in the Burgh! Examine how tech can help us look for wildlife high and low. Investigate the biodiversity of Pittsburgh and learn how organisms are thriving in and around the Steel City. This event is $15 and more information can be found here.

Saturday, Feb. 24: Alice in Wonderland at Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Hall, 2 p.m. 

The timeless adventures of Alice are brought to life by the Carnegie Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $18- $24 at www.carnegieperformingartscenter.com. Portraying Alice on her journey through Wonderland is Ana Lewis of Carnegie, and more than 50 children in fairytale costumes round out the cast. For information call 412-279-8887 or visit the website.

Saturday, Feb 24: “Rainbow Fish” at the Byham Theater, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

Adapted from the award-winning book, the Rainbow Fish will enchant little kids with his silver scales and heart of gold. Part of the Children’s Theater Series. Tickets are $12.

Saturday, Feb. 24 and Sunday, Feb. 25: Flamingo Fest at the National Aviary

Families can don their finest pink attire and head to the return of Flamingo Fest. Make a fun flamingo craft, learn about all things flamingo and meet the flock in Wetlands habitat. All of these activities included with Aviary admission.

Sunday, Feb. 25: Create Your Own Ecotwine Macrame Plant Holder at Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

Join zero waste artist Barb Grossman as she teaches you how to make rope/twine using fabric scraps and create a simple macramé plant hanger to take home. This workshop is open to students at all levels who can manipulate fabric with their fingers and tie knots. Attendees will learn a technique to create usable roping/twine while making sustainable products and reducing their carbon footprint a little bit at a time. All materials (except plant pots) will be provided. Students may bring a small pot of their choice for their plant hanger, if they wish. Best for ages 12 and up. The cost is $20-$30. Register here.

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