March is set to arrive like a lamb this weekend, with sunny skies and mild temps. That makes it a perfect weekend to get out and enjoy some nature-based activities or just stroll around the Strip District to grab a bite (and visit one of our award-winning museums!)
There are also a host of indoor activities for all ages. So there’s no reason to hear, “Mom, I’m bored!” this weekend.
Friday, Feb. 27: Winter Storytime in the Garden at the Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Join the Botanic Garden’s youth educator Ms. Colleen to discover the wonder of nature through inspiring stories and engaging crafts. The read-aloud will take place from 10:00 – 10:30 a.m., followed by a craft related to the story themes. This is a free program that will take place inside the Welcome Center during the winter months, so no admission is required. Find more info here.
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens.
Friday, Feb. 27: Black to the Future, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Join Community Forge’s BootUp program for Black to the Future. Now in its second year, Black to the Future is a community-centered celebration of Black innovation—past, present and future. This annual event highlights how creativity, technology and education can empower Black youth and shape what’s next. Through youth-led performances, interactive tech showcases and meaningful conversations, attendees and performers honor legacy while building pathways forward. This event is free and open to all ages. Find more information here.
Coutesy of Community Forge.
Friday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 1: Pittsburgh Gem Show
Come out to Cool Springs for this fun, free event for rockhounds of all ages. The Pittsburgh Gem Show brings the largest collection of sterling silver jewelry, rocks, gems, minerals and fossils to locations in southwestern Pennsylvania throughout the year. These products are hand-selected by artisans, gem cutters and miners around the world and represent the highest quality at great prices. Find details about the show here.
Saturday, Feb. 28: Special Olympics Polar Plunge, 9 a.m.
Join thousands of brave Polar Plungers in the Steel City for the coolest event of the winter (literally). The Pittsburgh Polar Plunge has something for everybody — food, music, dancing, games and extremely cold water. Most importantly, every dollar raised helps support vital programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in the Pittsburgh community. Start fundraising today to join the fun, or come out to cheer on the plungers. Find details about registration and donation here.
Courtesy of the Special Olympics.
Saturday, Feb. 28: The Spring Thaw Race at North Park, 10 a.m.
Every spring since 1977, avid runners have taken to North Park to celebrate rising temps and retreating ice in Pittsburgh. This weekend, runners (including kids and teens) are invited to run 5, 10, 15, or 20 miles around the lake and enjoy warm soup afterwards. Find more information about registration, rules, and more here. Registration begins at $45.
Saturday, Feb. 28: STEAM Lab presents Black Innovators at Penn Hills Library, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Kids in grades K-5 and their adults are invited to dig into some experiments with their hands and try new STEAM projects at this free event. Join library staff for new science topics each session that excite kids about science, art, math and more. This month, educators will focus on Black innovators. Register here.
Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1: South Park Theatre Variety Show
Enjoy two entertaining evenings of performances by students between the ages of 6 and 18. These students will display their talents, including singing, dancing, magic acts, acting performances, gymnastics and more! Tickets are $4 for general admission and will be sold at the door. There will be one 15-minute intermission, and concessions will be sold in the lobby. Raffle baskets geared to kids and adults will be raffled after each show, as well. All proceeds benefit the Children’s Theatre program. Please find more info about this event or getting involved with the South Park Theatre programming here.
Saturday, Feb. 28 and Sunday, March 1: Pittsburgh World Oddities Expo
Stop by the David L. Lawrence Convention Center this weekend to scope out a traveling celebration of all things weird, intriguing and magically macabre. There will be dozens of eclectic vendors and small businesses, as well as food and live music. See rare, preserved specimens that defy the laws of nature. Take a workshop and try your hand at taxidermy and rat skeleton articulation, or create a miniature diorama terrarium. To find a full list of events and purchase tickets, check here. Tickets begin at $20.
Courtesy of Pittsburgh. World Oddities Expo.
Sunday, March 1: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh Book Sale, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Come to the main (Oakland) branch of CLP to stock up on new-to-you books. Visitors will find accessible pricing, special collections and a perfect opportunity to expand the family bookshelf on a budget. Bring your own bags, and please do not bring a book scanner. Find more details here.
Sunday, March 1: Free Book Fair at Rodef Shalom, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
The JDAIM ( Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month) Book Fair is a free, inclusive book and resource fair celebrating Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month. The fair will feature seven authors whose works highlight disability, neurodiversity and inclusion, including the official launch party for “Milo the Mime,” a graphic youth book celebrating differences. Featured fun includes Mike the Balloon Guy, face painting and arts and crafts, Jeremy the Mime and more. Carnegie Library, PJ Library, and other partners will be on hand, along with a curated selection of disability-themed books from the synagogues’ libraries, offering families and readers meaningful stories and resources that reflect a wide range of lived experiences. Lunch will also be provided. Find out more about participating in this event here.
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Photo at top courtesy of the Pittsburgh Gem Show.