Whether you’re looking for superheroes, sleepovers or Santa, Pittsburgh has everything families need to have fun this November.
Wizard World Pittsburgh at David L. Lawrence Convention Center: November 4-6
Wizard World Comic Con returns to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for a three-day pop culture extravaganza. Fans of all ages can meet their favorite figures from film and TV, professional wrestling, comic books and video games. The guest list includes stars from the latest X-Men films and hit TV series such as The Walking Dead, Daredevil and Star Trek. Look for the latest in toys, gaming, original artwork, and collectibles or check out famous original and replica vehicles, including the Batmobile, Herbie the Love Bug and Tow Mater from the Pixar film Cars. Cosplayers young and old will also show off their best costumes all weekend and participate in the famed Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh Costume Contest.
Vinyl at the Library: Make, Listen, Learn at Mt. Lebanon Public Library: November 5
Adults and kids alike can enjoy a day of record-spinning, music-playing and craft-making during the Vinyl at the Library: Make, Listen, Learn event at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library. Peruse collectibles at the Get Hip Recordings! display, learn the science behind how records work or strum your way through a mini-guitar lesson, all while listening to an eclectic array of tunes from DJ J. Malls. The whole family can make band buttons, screenprint music-themed holiday cards with CommonWealth Press, or create spin art from repurposed vinyl records with Handmade Arcade. There’s also a record swap, “low-tech petting zoo,” and a hands-on listening station examining the evolution of sound from records to MP3s.
Vinyl at the Library: Make, Listen, Learn takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event is free to attend and includes refreshments.
Polishfest Pittsburgh at the University of Pittsburgh: November 13
The entire family can experience another culture during the 31st annual Polishfest Pittsburgh at the University of Pittsburgh. The free event presents an afternoon of traditional Polish music, folk dancing, food, cooking demonstrations and arts and crafts, as well as an appearance by the Lithuanian Ethnic Community. Enjoy performances by the Lajkoniki Dance Group, the Karuzela Polish Chorus, the Bociai Lithuanian Folk Group and The Living Traditions Folk Ensemble. There’s also a craft area for the little ones.
Polishfest Pittsburgh takes place from 12 to 5 p.m. at Pitt’s Cathedral of Learning. Any proceeds benefit Pitt’s Nationality Room Scholarship Fund.
Dog Loves Books at various locations: November 13-20
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust presents ArtsPower’s musical touring production of Dog Loves Books as part of the Citizens Bank Children’s Theater Series. Based on Louise Yates’ New York Times bestseller, the show features Dog and his friends singing, dancing and acting out their favorite stories, including a modern version of Little Red Riding Hood, in an attempt to convince people to buy books. Performances take place from November 13 through 20 at six different locations throughout the area, including the Byham Theater, Penn Hills High School, Marshall Middle School, Cornell High School, Mt. Lebanon High School and Seneca Valley Intermediate High School.
Tickets cost $10.50 online or $12 at the door. Those attending the Byham Theater performance can also hang out with therapy dogs from Animal Friends’ Pet Assisted Literacy Services before the show.
Santa Spectacular at Point State Park: November 18
Old Saint Nick returns to Pittsburgh to spread some holiday cheer at the Point State Park Santa Spectacular. Throughout the night, see live entertainment from the Salvation Army and several local music and dance groups. Families can also enjoy activities at the Winter Wonderland Booths, sample delicious offerings from various local food trucks or visit the big man himself at Santa’s Workshop. The event also includes a fantastic fireworks display at the Point.
Santa Spectacular takes place from 5 to 10 p.m. The fireworks show begins at 8:30 p.m. All activities are free and open to the public.
