March is always a fun-filled month in Pittsburgh. Our city is home to one of the longest-running St. Patrick’s Day parades, and fish fry culture is in full swing (even for non-Catholics who love a good meal. Check out our guide here!)
The weather in March is known to change at a moment’s notice as spring struggles to arrive. So we’ve included a batch of events both inside and out that are perfect for any temperature.
March 1: Free Book Fair at Rodef Shalom
The JDAIM ( Jewish Disability Awareness & Inclusion Month) Book Fair is a free, inclusive book and resource fair celebrating Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance, and Inclusion Month. The fair, which runs from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., 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. Families will find 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.
March 7: Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at CLP
Come out to the West End location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for a free performance by the PSO from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. No registration is needed, and this event is open to kids and adults of all ages. Find more info here.
March 7: Sensory-Friendly Screening of “Hoppers” at The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center
This sensory-friendly “Hoppers” screening is on Saturday, March 7, at 10 a.m. Tickets for this showing are on sale for a discounted rate of $8.75. “Hoppers,” which starts playing at The Lindsay on March 6, is an original Pixar story about a teenager who becomes one with nature after her mind is transferred into the body of a robotic beaver. The Lindsay has been proudly holding sensory-friendly screenings since 2017. These screenings provide an option for families, children and adults impacted by autism and other special needs to watch films together in a low-stress environment. The staff lowers the film’s volume, keeps the house lights dim, and has a door open to restrooms and the lobby throughout the film. Trailers are eliminated to reduce the necessary “sit time.” Staffing levels are also increased to allow a personal, unhurried cinematic experience for everyone. Purchase tickets here.
Courtesy of The Lindsay Theater.
March 8: Kids of STEEL Youngest Movers Play Day
This FREE playday is designed for children ages 0–5 to explore movement through play with both the Kids of STEEL Youngest MOVERS program and the KidStrong training experience. Children ages birth to 2 will move alongside their grown-up, while ages 3–5 participate independently with supportive, qualified coaches. Expect a safe, welcoming space, happy movement and a special take-home gift for every participant. This event will be at KidStrong North Hills. Register here.
March 8: “Stardew Valley: Symphony of Seasons” at the Benedum Center
The concert features a 35-piece orchestra performing the most memorable music from “Stardew Valley.” A screen above the stage plays gameplay footage plus original content created exclusively for this tour. Tickets start at $76.
March 10 and March 24: Process Art at Penn Hills Library
Children of all ages are welcome to come explore, experiment and create freely at this free event. Focus on the fun of the art process rather than the final product. This month, the instruction will focus on Women in Art. Please register here or by calling the library at 412-775-4700.
March 13: South Side Kids Fish Fry Food Truck Palooza
This Friday the 13th is a lucky one, with lots of delicious options in a family-friendly setting. Bring the family to a first-of-its-kind Fish Fry Food Truck Palooza from 5-7 p.m. at South Side’s local brewery, Velum Fermentation. The fourth annual South Side Kids Fish Fry features the award-winning Cold Friends Kitchen, serving up a tasty Tuna Melt, alongside internationally renowned La Palapa, showcasing their yummy Fish and Shrimp Tacos, followed by Bado’s Pizza, with Fried Fish Sandwiches and Cheese Pizza, and something sweet from locally owned Vital Sips. Inside, children and families will enjoy kids’ crafts and games, a full arcade, face painting, balloons and more. Proceeds from the South Side Kids dine-to-donate program directly support South Side Kids’ mission to foster family life across Pittsburgh, creating a community where children and families can flourish. South Side Kids organizes free events and programming throughout the year, creating a bridge between families and local resources. Find more info here.
March 13: Parents’ Night Out at Attack Theatre
Shake off the winter blues and let your kids “spring” into action! While you enjoy the fresh March air and the best of Lawrenceville’s nightlife, little ones will celebrate the arrival of spring with the staff at Attack Theatre. They are hosting an evening of blooming creativity, featuring garden-themed dance games, nature-inspired crafts, and plenty of imaginative play. They will provide the snacks and the sunshine vibes — parents can just enjoy their night out on the town. This event runs from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and the cost is $30. Register here.
March 14: St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the United States. According to Visit Pittsburgh, 14 percent of the city’s residents are of Irish descent, but for this day, everyone is Irish. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. in Downtown. Find more info here.
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade
March 14: “The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac” at the Byham Theater
Join Freddie and Ivy alongside their grandparents, Po Po and Kung Kung, as their Chinese New Year celebrations take a turn from dumpling-making to discovering the incredible origin story of the Chinese Zodiac. Tickets start at $17.
March 15: Azure Enchanted Melodies
From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., Autism Pittsburgh presents a family-friendly concert where all behaviors are welcome. Join musicians Emily Gallagher and Caleb Glickman for an enchanted afternoon of musical storytelling. See what happens when a princess finds her own storybook and discovers the importance of finding her own path. The audience is encouraged to sing, dance and play along to bring the story to life. All behaviors welcome. An instrument petting zoo will follow the concert. You can find more information right here.
Courtesy of Autism Pittsburgh.
March 18: “Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat Live on Stage” at the Palace Theater
If you haven’t been to the Palace Theater yet, this zany show is a great excuse to stop by. This energetic adaptation bursts onto the stage with laughs, surprises and a bit of delightful disorder. Tickets start at $58.
Courtesy of the Palace Theater.
March 22: “Peppa Pig: My First Concert” at Heinz Hall
Kids ages 18 months and older join Peppa and George to learn all about the different sounds that instruments make together. This event is toddler-friendly and great for kids who are still learning theater manners. Tickets start at $45.
March 26: Sewickley Valley Historical Society presents “1776″ at The Lindsay Theater
Before Hamilton, history buffs who wanted to learn more about America’s origins through song and dance turned to “1776.” Director Peter H. Hunt’s big-screen adaptation of the Best Musical Tony Award-winning stage show first hit theaters in 1972. 1776 is a musical retelling of the many debates between representatives of America’s first Thirteen Colonies that led to the ratification of the Declaration of Independence. The Lindsay is partnering with the Sewickley Valley Historical Society to show 1776 on Thursday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale for $8.75 each.
Courtesy of The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center.
March 26-29: “Beetlejuice Jr.” at the Gargaro Theater
Pittsburgh Musical Theater presents the ghost with the most, who comes to the stage in this frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon. Tickets go on sale March 3.
March 29: Neville Island Egg-Stravaganza
Come out for a fun-filled afternoon at the 2nd Annual Egg-Stravaganza, co-hosted with the RMU Island Sports Center Dome. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., this family-friendly event will feature an egg hunt at 10:30, pictures with the big bunny himself, a scavenger hunt for kids ages 10 and up who may be “too cool” for the egg hunt, and free ice skating (including skate rentals), as well as free mini-golf. Sign up here to ensure you get a spot.
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