Pack up those spooky decorations and get ready for all of the cozy, festive fun that November in Pittsburgh has to offer.
Downtown and many communities across the region are hosting light-up nights and festive celebrations. As the weather gets cooler, it’s also a great season to take in a performance or play at one of the city’s many theater venues.
So get out those calendars and jot down some of these top Pittsburgh family events:
Nov. 1: Holiday Craft Market at the Heritage Public Library
If you haven’t begun shopping for the holidays yet (we haven’t either!), kick November off with this crafty market. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., you can enjoy crafts, unique gifts and games, and also food — including a vintage Hills Snack Bar. It’s a great place to buy handmade local goods for loved ones this holiday season. Find more info here.
Nov. 1: Fiddlesticks Festival of Music at Heinz Hall
Fiddlesticks and the Pittsburgh Symphony explore festive sounds of holidays celebrated by families in our community. From the colorful traditions of Diwali and Dia de los Muertos, to the joy of Thanksgiving, Sukkot, Yalda Night and Kwanzaa. Fiddlesticks shows welcome kids of all ages and are designed with maximum silliness and joy in mind. Arrive early for pre-concert activities designed for kids. Tickets are $24-$37. (Get more details about this unique show right here.)
Photo of Fiddlesticks performing courtesy of the Pittsburgh Symphony.
Nov. 2: Twilight at Mansfield at Oliver Miller Homestead
The homestead will be beautifully lit by candles, lamps, lanterns and crescents, offering a rare opportunity to see the property in a quaint, traditional evening setting. Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of fresh-baked goods during this lovely autumn event. Admission is $2.
Nov. 4, 10, and 24: KidzStix Cardio Drumming at Penn Hills Library
On Nov. 4 at 1:30 p.m. and on Nov. 10 and Nov. 24 at 4:30 p.m., kids and their grownups are invited to free cardio drumming sessions to get their blood pumping and their creative juices flowing. Registration is required.
Nov. 6-9: “Disney’s Newsies: the Musical” at the Byham Theater
Pittsburgh Musical Theater presents the rousing tale of Jack Kelly, a newsboy and leader of a band of teenage “newsies.” When publishers raise distribution prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across the city to strike. Tickets start at $32.50.
Nov. 7-9: Pittsburgh Pet Expo at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center
Where is the largest pet expo in the United States? Right here in Kidsburgh! Whether you’re looking for gear for the furry (or scaly) pets you already own or you’re considering adding a new pet to your family, this event is a great way for kids to learn about pets and their care. With demonstrations, vendors, food, and more, there is something for every age range at the Pittsburgh Pet Expo. Tickets range from $7 to $16.
Ambridge Turtle Race contestant courtesy of the Pittsburgh Pet Expo.
Nov. 9: Sensory-Friendly Hours at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum
On select days, the PA Trolley Museum is offering visitors with sensory needs a quieter, calmer way to explore the museum. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. the sounds will be turned down, the lighting will be dimmed, and sensory bags will be available. Find more info about the Nov. 9 event here and learn more about sensory-friendly offerings at the Trolley Museum right here.
Nov. 9: Attack Theatre’s “Everybody Moves” Creative Movement for Families
Explore dance through games, imagination and storytelling in this free adaptive workshop with Attack Theatre teaching artists. All ages and abilities are welcome — no dance experience needed! This workshop is in collaboration with Azure Family Concerts Pittsburgh, and will run from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Find more info here.
Courtesy of Attack Theatre.
Nov. 10: “From a Distance” with Donna Groom
Thomas Jefferson High School will host “From a Distance,” featuring Donna Groom of The Skyliners for a special community celebration honoring local veterans and supporting the mission of Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans. In this program, Groom presents real letters sent from soldiers to their families or letters written by families to those serving in the military, accompanied by music from that era. These letters span the period from the Civil War to Afghanistan. Students have also incorporated the mission into school events such as football games, the homecoming carnival, and online campaigns to raise awareness. Their goal is to raise $27,000 to go toward the cost of a service dog. Tickets are $22 for adults and $11 for students.
Nov. 14: The Terminal Tree Lighting in the Strip District
Join your fellow Yinzers in the Strip to turn the lights on the Terminal Christmas Tree and celebrate with a special Holiday Market from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring local vendors alongside Terminal retailers. Enjoy music from DJ Breis Gordan, eat some great food, and shop for the holidays. Guests can bask under the lights during the Terminal’s tree lighting ceremony at 5:45 p.m. Find more details here.
Courtesy of The Terminal.
Nov. 15: I Made It! Holiday Market
It’s time again for the I Made It! for the Holidays market, starting with The Block Northway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Shop two floors of the most amazing artists, small batch food sellers, makers, bakers, distillers and more. Check here for more info about this market and other markets throughout the holiday season.
Image courtesy of I Made It! Market.
Nov. 15-16: The Ultimate Brick Show at the Monroeville Convention Center
The Ultimate Brick Show is a brand new expo, coming for the first time to Pittsburgh. Their mission is to provide an engaging and educational experience that brings families and communities together. Experience build challenges, meet and build with LEGO Masters, interact with LEGO displays, learn something new at the workshops, create a work of art on the mosaic wall, test your speed at the LEGO pine car races, build your coolest creation in the DUPLO Play Zone, shop at unique LEGO vendors, and more. Tickets are $15 online or $18 at the door. (Love LEGO? Check out Bricksburgh!)
Nov. 21: Opening of Downtown People’s Gas Holiday Market
It’s time once again for the holiday market, which will run through Dec. 24. Find food, handcrafted ornaments and holiday gifts, performances by local bands and choirs, and more. This year, due to construction in Market Square, the market will take place in the Cultural District. Check this page for updates as opening day approaches.
Photo courtesy Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Nov. 22: 2025 WPIAL Football Championships at Acrisure Stadium
After long, hard seasons, the region’s best football teams will compete for the championship on the big field for one final time this season. Tickets and info about the playoffs can be found here.
Nov. 22: Omnium Circus presents “I’m Possible” at the Byham Theater
This world-renowned, comprehensively inclusive and accessible circus company brings excitement, thrills and joy to people of all ages as only a circus can. Tickets are $17.25-$44.85.
Nov. 22: Pittsburgh Light Up Night
While more details will emerge closer to the event, mark your calendars for the 63rd annual Light Up Night. Check with Visit Pittsburgh for updates here.
Photo from Light Up Night 2022 courtesy of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Nov. 25-30: “Les Misérables” at the Benedum Center
This classic show, presented with new staging, tells the enthralling 19th-century French story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption. Due to themes, this show is best for ages 12 and older. Tickets start at $49.86.
Nov. 30: Sesame Street Live! at the Byham Theater
There will be two showings of “Elmo and Friends Say Hello,” at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Come sing along with your favorite “Sesame Street” characters in this interactive, family-friendly show. Tickets begin at $64 and can be purchased directly from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust website.
Courtesy of Sesame Street Live!
If you’re looking for more family fun in Pittsburgh, don’t miss the Kidsburgh newsletter. We round up the best events, information, and resources for Pittsburgh families every week.