The city survived (and mostly thrived!) during the NFL Draft, but that doesn’t mean we get a weekend off. This weekend has lots of fun happening, from the opening of the Carnegie International to the Pittsburgh Marathon. There are also Remake Learning Days events, chances to explore nature, and a special PSO concert to prepare for May The Fourth (be with you).
Plan your first weekend in May right here:
Friday, May 1 through May 10: “Speak” at the New Hazlett Theater
Opening this Friday and running through May 10, this moving play focuses on the life and thoughts of a teenage girl. Based on the novel by Laurie Halse Anderson and adapted for the stage by Tammy Ryan, the play tells the story of a teenage girl who uses art to find her voice and redefine her identity. The play is an empowering testament to resilience and finding one’s voice and strength; it is a seminal performance not to be missed. This powerful Prime Stage show is best for older kids and adults. Tickets begin at $20.
Friday, May 1: Steam Explorers Day at the PA Trolley Museum, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dive into all five areas of STEAM with interactive activities, demos and experiments at stations spread throughout the Trolley Museum for this Remake Learning Days event. This family-friendly event is designed to engage homeschool students from pre-K through 12th grade in the five areas of STEAM: science, technology, engineering, art and math. Guests can purchase tickets at the museum on the day of the event, and members receive free admission. All kids 17 and under can enjoy the Trolley Museum free during the month of May thanks to Dollar Bank.
Friday, May 1-Sunday, May 3: “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” in Concert at Heinz Hall
We’re guessing you know the story by now: After the destruction of the Death Star, Darth Vader pursues Luke Skywalker, who is studying the ways of the Force with Jedi Master Yoda. This weekend, you can see it in a whole new way by watching the film with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performing John Williams’s Grammy-winning score. Tickets start at $43.
Courtesy of PSO.
Saturday, May 2: Opening of Carnegie International at the Carnegie Museum of Art
As the longest-running exhibition of international art in North America, this 59th edition will be the most collaborative and far-reaching International to date. The show will run through January 3, 2027. Curators will engage artists and contributors from around the world, transforming spaces in imaginative ways. By presenting these projects alongside historic works and by collaborating with partner institutions across Pittsburgh, including the Mattress Factory, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Kamin Science Center, and the YMCA, the International will highlight art’s invitation to expand perspectives. Learn more right here.
Photo of previous Carnegie International courtesy of KDKA.
Saturday, May 2: Planting Hope Bereavement Event at Hope’s Road, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Do you have a child or teen experiencing grief? Join Hope’s Road this weekend for a free event at their Valencia location. Grieving children, teenagers and their families will talk about coping with grief, while finding ways to grow through it. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and design a personalized planter pot to symbolize faith and hope. Staff will have additional creative activities at this event as well, and lunch will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, please call 724-898-0125 or visit the website.
Saturday, May 2: Story Saturday presents“A Chair for My Mother”at the Carnegie Museum of Art, 11 a.m.
A girl wants to buy her mom a new chair for their apartment — the kind of chair her mother deserves after being on her feet all day in the Blue Tile Diner. Celebrate Mother’s Day with this heartfelt story about care and the crowning moments between a mother and daughter. The story reading is followed by a making activity for kids ages 12 and younger. This event is free with museum admission.
Courtesy of the CMOA.
Saturday, May 2: Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank 10th Birthday Party, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join the staff and fellow parents as they gather at the Milk Bank’s future home in Bellevue to honor their first ten years of collective growth, strength, dedication, and healthy babies. The Milk Bank’s 10th Birthday Party will have something for everyone – great music, face painting for the little ones (and the young at heart ones), birthday cake, a dedicated kids’ table with activities to keep hands busy and imaginations running, and more surprises throughout the day. Find more info on this free event here.
Courtesy of the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank.
Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3: Pittsburgh Marathon
Whether you’re looking to participate in the Kids Marathon on Saturday or cheer on the big race Sunday morning, there are many events in the city this weekend to celebrate the big race. Find full details here.
Sunday, May 3: Nature Monoprint Workshop at the Frick Environmental Center, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Try your hand at monoprinting at this kid-friendly workshop. Nature monoprinting is a unique printmaking technique that uses foraged natural objects, like leaves and flowers, to create prints by transferring their textures and shapes onto paper with ink. The workshop begins by foraging for natural textures before heading indoors for printmaking. All supplies included and registration is just $5-$10.
Sunday, May 3: Little Minnows Story Time at White Whale Bookstore, 10:15 a.m.
This themed, free, cozy story time is offered at White Whale Bookstore every other Sunday. Stop by and listen to tales about community, snow, Black joy and more. This event is for children and their families, 2 years old and up. Find more info here.
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