This long weekend is packed with events centered on education about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as other events ranging from hikes to stage performances and hands-on museum events.
Before marking your weekend plans on the family calendar, check out this stellar lineup of Pittsburgh family-friendly fun:
Through Feb. 22: Penguins on Parade, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Watch the waddling penguins parade from their aquarium home on Saturdays and Sundays, weather dependent. Please check the zoo website, which is updated regularly. This event is included with admission.
Wednesday, Jan. 14: Opening Night of “Wicked” at the Benedum Center
The Broadway sensation returns for a month-long run in Pittsburgh, with tickets available for this weekend and for many other shows by the time Elphaba and Galinda leave town on Feb. 15. If you have tickets, you’re sure to be pop-u-lar! Tickets start at $58.
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Friday, Jan. 16: Friday Crafternoon in the Fab Lab with CarnegieOne, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Kick off the weekend with creativity at Braddock’s maker space. Kids ages 3-12 with an adult caregiver are invited to Fab Lab for a free, fun, hands-on crafternoon every Friday. Explore different materials, tools, and simple maker projects while building creativity, problem-solving skills, and confidence. Each session features a guided craft or open-ended making time in a supportive, playful environment. These sessions are perfect for curious makers who love to create, experiment, and have fun. Find more info here.
Friday, Jan. 16: Owl Prowl at the Audubon Greenway, 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Join an Allegheny Land Trust educator for an Owl Prowl at Audubon Greenway this weekend. Learn about some of the fascinating biology and folklore of owls, and learn why we’re looking for them in the dead of winter. While the staff cannot guarantee you’ll see or hear an owl, they will do their best to call in some feathered friends. No walk-ins will be permitted; be sure to register here. The cost is $5.
Courtesy of Allegheny Land Trust.
Friday, Jan. 16: Bunny Yoga at Animal Friends, 6 p.m.
This yoga class (with bunnies!) is for all skill levels, and is available to kids 11 and up with an adult present. The cost is $15 and registration is required.
Saturday, Jan. 17: The Factory at the Andy Warhol Museum, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Every weekend, guests at the Warhol are welcome to visit The Factory, an all-ages hands-on art studio. Experiment with a changing array of activities inspired by our collection and special exhibitions, from painting to collage to sculpture. Visitors can work with experienced Arts Educators to create handmade silkscreen printed artworks and souvenirs, as well. Printing on paper is free, and other materials like tote bags, t-shirts, and bandanas are available for purchase with a credit card. The Factory is located on the Underground level of the museum and is included with museum admission.
Courtesy of Events Editor Meg St-Esprit.
Saturday, Jan. 17 and Sunday, Jan.18: Winterfest at The Frick Pittsburgh
This annual celebration of the snowy season brings the magic of a new year, with offerings that include live performances, art-making activities and historic home tours. Admission is free, but some activities require a fee. Find more details about Winterfest right here.
Winterfest photo courtesy of The Frick Pittsburgh.
Saturday, Jan. 17 and Sunday, Jan. 18: Locomotion Weekend at the Kamin Science Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The building-wide train extravaganza includes a railyard full of guest train displays, plus the chance to get up close and personal with some of the region’s best model train experts. All activities are included with general admission.
Monday, Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate and honor the legacy of Dr. King with art activities, learning opportunities, and a space to share your dreams for the future. Activities include creating a collaborative dreamscape in the Art Studio, making bookmarks inspired by Dr. King, and story times at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. by Bellevue Elementary Principal Qualisha Zyhier. Everyone who donates a nonperishable food item to the Children’s Museum’s January food drive gets one free admission for that day’s visit, with a limit of one free admission per visit. Find more info here.
Courtesy of the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.
Monday, Jan. 19: “The Beloved Community: East Liberty’s Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.” at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This annual celebration brings together artists, neighbors, and change-makers to uplift Dr. King’s dream of justice, compassion, and shared humanity. Tickets are priced at “Pay What Moves You” from free to $107.
Monday, Jan. 19: “Let Freedom Sing” at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 7:30 p.m.
This 19th-annual concert celebrates the social justice legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr through vocal and instrumental music and spoken word. Tickets are priced at “Pay What Moves You” from $2-$50.
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Image at top of story courtesy of Kelly Strayhorn Theater.