Pittsburgh families love May, because the weather stabilizes a bit and we can get outside and enjoy our beautiful city. It’s also a month packed with fun events, from the Pittsburgh Marathon to the Carnegie International. It’s also Remake Learning Days, where local schools and organizations hold hundreds of free events across the region for families. We’ve included several in this guide, but you can find the full list here.
May 1-May 10: “Speak” at the New Hazlett Theater
Opening on May 1 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.
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.
The Calder mobile at Pittsburgh International Airport debuted at the Carnegie International in 1958. Photo by Virginia Linn for Pittsburgh Magazine.
May 2: Grand Opening of We Rock the Spectrum Kids Gym
We Rock the Spectrum—Butler County is now open, welcoming families daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Cranberry Township. This inclusive kids’ gym offers sensory-safe play for children of all abilities, with specialized equipment like a zip slider and trampoline, plus treats and refreshments for a fun, family-friendly outing. Find more info here.
May 2-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.
May 5, 12, 19: Remake Learning Days Play and Learn Expo at The Homewood Children’s Village
Come to one of three sessions offered during RLD this year. The Homewood Children’s Village welcomes the community to learn about its Village Games endeavors — researching, playing, designing and developing games with students, teachers, parents and local universities. University, industry and organizational partners will present information and facilitate activities at this mini game expo. Participants will be able to play co-op video games, new and traditional tabletop games, and a few of the HCV-made literacy games. All events are free.
May 9: Family Podcasting with SLB Radio
Families are invited to SLB Radio’s Youth Media Center, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., to create a podcast together as part of Remake Learning Days. Learn to plan, record, and produce your own episode while sharing stories and making memories. Guided by experts, this hands-on experience lets families collaborate and leave with a keepsake recording. Find details about the event here.
At the SLB Radio studio inside the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, students use professional technology.
May 9: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Celebration, Kamin Science Center
The Kamin Science Center is prepared to help local families understand the important role of indigenous people in Pittsburgh and beyond this month. Join the cultural celebration with themed activities. This event is included with general admission.
May 13: Laser Cutting Custom Keychains with PrototypePGH
Learn laser engraving basics at PrototypePGH at this free Remake Learning Days event on May 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This free, hands-on workshop invites ages 8–18 to design and create a custom acrylic keychain using an XTool laser cutter, with a live demo and friendly, guided instruction. Pre-registration is required.
Courtesy of Remake Learning Days.
May 14-16: Allegheny County Marbles Championship, Family Division Courtyard
All local tournament champions qualify for this exciting culminating event. Winners of the countywide marbles championship, two boys and two girls, will receive a partial-expenses-paid trip to Wildwood, N.J., to compete in the 103rd National Marbles Tournament the week of June 21. Registration is free, and it’s fun to just go watch, too!
May 15-17: “My America, Our Flag” at the Heinz History Center
Celebrate America’s 250th at the Heinz History Center, May 15–17 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day. This drop-in, hands-on Remake Learning Days activity invites families to design a personal flag exploring identity and what America means to them. As always, the museum is free for kids; adult admission is $20.
Photo courtesy of Heinz History Center.
May 15-17: Balloon World, Fort Duquesne Boulevard
Take a whimsical journey through a balloon wonderland, featuring 250,000 balloons transformed into extraordinary sculptural installations, interactive exhibits and immersive environments. Timed tickets are $25.
May 15-16: Scholastic Book Fair, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
If you missed your school’s book fair (or just can’t get enough of books!) this event is a chance to add to your library while supporting our local children’s museum. Browse books and make purchases of your favorites. This event is included with museum admission.
May 16: Future Explorers Day at the Moonshot Museum
Join Moonshot Museum for Future Explorers Day, a free, high-energy Saturday event for pre-K–12 students and families as part of Remake Learning Days. Enjoy hands-on rover building, mission simulations, engineering challenges, and career panels with aerospace professionals. Explore real spacecraft construction and discover exciting pathways into space careers through interactive, age-appropriate activities. Find more details here.
Visitors get a view into the “clean room” where a real lander is being built by the Astrobotic team at Moonshot Museum.
May 24: USS Requin Memorial Day Ceremony, Kamin Science Center. Begin your holiday early to catch the Memorial Day Ceremony aboard the Science Center’s WWII submarine at 10 a.m. A visit aboard the USS Requin is included with general admission.
The USS Requin sits in the Ohio River Thursday Aug. 13, 1998 in Pittsburgh. Officials at the Carnegie Museum hoped the submarine attracts tourists to the new Carnegie Science Center. (AP Photo/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Robert J. Pavuchak)
May 26-31: “The Great Gatsby,” Benedum Center. Based on the classic American novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the Tony Award-winning musical is an unforgettable journey of love, wealth and tragedy that brings the Roaring Twenties to life on stage. Tickets start at $55.
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