Are you ready? It’s time to pack away that giant skeleton (or put his Santa outfit on) and get ready for November events. The month kicks off with a celebration of one of the city’s largest ancestry groups, and is full of creative and fun events all month long.
Sit down with your family calendar and choose some of these top November events to enjoy with your kids:
Nov. 1: Slovak Heritage Festival, Cathedral of Learning
Celebrate Pittsburgh’s Slovak roots with an afternoon of traditional music, folk dancing and cultural discovery. Browse Slovak and Eastern European food and goods, explore cultural displays and visit the Czechoslovak Nationality Room during the festival’s 36th annual celebration. Admission is free, and the event runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Find more details here.
Nov. 3: Full Day Youth Art Workshop: Sculpture at The Frick Pittsburgh
If your kids have the day off from school, give the day some creative dimension with a sculpture workshop for grades 2–5. Young artists will explore the Frick’s collections and work with teaching artists to create three-dimensional pieces using a variety of approaches. The workshop runs from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs $110. Get the details and register here.
Nov. 5-8: “Roald Dahl’s Matilda, the Musical,” Byham Theater
The story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. The Young Artist Production comes from Pittsburgh Musical Theater. Tickets start at $32.
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Nov. 5, 7, 9, 11 & 12: Girl Scout Try-It Events
Discover Girl Scout traditions, meet new friends and try hands-on activities at these free gatherings. Events take place at Fairview Elementary School on Nov. 5, Sto-Rox Public Library on Nov. 7, Hartwood Elementary School on Nov. 9, Kerr Elementary School on Nov. 11, and Cooper-Siegel Library and Plum Borough Community Library on Nov. 12. Caregivers are invited to learn about local troops and volunteer opportunities while girls explore activities that may include crafts, songs and STEM projects. Check times and find a gathering near you here.
Nov. 6-8: Pittsburgh Pet Expo at the David Lawrence Convention Center
Enjoy a variety of exciting activities, including agility demonstrations, grooming competitions and educational seminars led by industry experts. Tickets are $15 for grownups, $12 for seniors and vets, $8 for ages 13-17, free for ages 12 and younger.
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pet Expo.
Nov. 10 & 17: Fall into Art at Penn Hills Library
Bring autumn’s colorful palette to the art table at these free creative sessions for children of all ages. Young artists are invited to make seasonal artwork from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on both dates. Registration is required; reserve a spot and learn more here.
Nov. 7: Pirate Fun with Friends Cruise, Gateway Clipper Fleet
Kids will enjoy a DJ dance party and a special show along with games and activities. Admission is $36 for grownups, $21 for ages 3-12, free for ages 2 and younger.
Nov. 14: Fiddlesticks: Once Upon a Melody at Heinz Hall
Fiddlesticks loves a good fairytale and has a big question. Can music tell a story all by itself? With help from his orchestra friends, he invites young listeners to help build a brand-new fairy tale through sound. Hear how music brings us heroes, villains and magical moments in this imagination-sparking concert. Tickets start at $24.
Nov. 14: Discovery Time: Fun with Senses at the Frick Environmental Center
Stop by for kids activities related to the senses. Conduct a fragrant experiment in the smell lab, explore different nature textures with your hands, or view nature through a kaleidoscope. Registration is free.
The Frick Environmental Center hosts many free family activities.
Nov. 19: DRUMline Live Holiday Spectacular at the Benedum Center
The festive sounds of holiday cheer combine Gospel, Jazz, Soul, Motown rhythm and “The Nutcracker Suite” with a hip-hop beat and the driving force of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band. Tickets start at $29.
Nov. 18: Grace Lin: “The Little Stone Buddha” at White Whale Bookstore
Meet the author and illustrator behind favorites such as “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” and “A Big Mooncake for Little Star.” Grace Lin visits with her newest picture book, “The Little Stone Buddha,” a story about a community coming together to build something beautiful. Ideal for ages 4–8, the free event runs from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Plan your visit here.
Nov. 20 and 22: “How to Train Your Dragon” in Concert at Heinz Hall
The screening features this acclaimed film presented in HD, with composer John Powell’s Academy Award-nominated score performed live to picture by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Tickets start at $43.
Nov. 21: Taffy Pull & Fall Finale at Meadowcroft Rockshelter & Historic Village
This lively seasonal send-off combines hands-on history with sweet traditions. Create corn husk crafts, watch hearth cooking and make old-fashioned candy to take home. Programming is free with admission, but taffy pulling is $5.
Nov. 21: Pittsburgh Light Up Night
Kick off the holiday season as Downtown trades fall evenings for festive lights. This year’s celebration marks Light Up Night’s 65th anniversary, bringing longtime traditions, holiday experiences and a fireworks finale to the city. The full 2026 schedule is still to come; watch for updates and plan your evening here.
Light Up Night photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Nov. 24: SkyWatch: Stars for All – Growing Up With Stars at the Kamin Science Center
Gaze upon the wonders of the cosmos with astronomy experts in an exciting one-on-one experience. SkyWatch features our cutting-edge planetarium, private observatory deck and professional telescopes. Registration is $12.
Nov. 24-29: “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical” at the Benedum Center
Magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original illustrations help to transport audiences to the whimsical world of Whoville and helps remind us of the true meaning of the holiday season. Tickets start at $43.
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