Family fun in is full bloom this May in Pittsburgh. You’ll find Mother’s Day delights, a night for teens to play by the fire and an arts extravaganza at the EQT Children’s Theater Festival, plus so much more!
1. Children’s Day Celebration at Carnegie Museum of Art: May 5
Discover the sights and sounds of the Japanese national holiday, Children’s Day, or “Kodomo no hi,” at Carnegie Museum of Art. Co-sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania, the event invites families to participate in traditional Japanese activities. Make flags decorated with spirited koi fish, listen to Japanese folk tales and stories, see and touch a Samurai helmet, and sample a traditional Mochi (rice cake). The afternoon also includes a performance by the Pittsburgh Taiko drummers. All Children’s Day festivities coincide with the museum’s Hiroshige’s Tōkaidō Road exhibition. The festival is free with regular museum admission.
2. Play by the Fire at Pittsburgh Glass Center: May 12
Teens will bond over art activities, food and other cool fun during Play by the Fire at Pittsburgh Glass Center. Besides glass making, young guests will create stop-motion animation with Pittsburgh Filmmakers, try printmaking with Carnegie Museum of Art and the Andy Warhol Museum, make clay birds with the Union Project and more. There’s also dancing and fire-made pizza and s’mores. Registration costs $5 online or at the door.
3. Friendship Flower and Folk Festival at the Baum Grove Parklet: May 12
Enjoy live music and other family fun during the Friendship Flower and Folk Festival. Bring a picnic blanket to the Baum Grove Parklet and see live performances by local folk musicians, music schools and belly dancers. Besides music and dancing, the day includes live demonstrations on subjects such as sustainable practices, beekeeping, gardening and biking. For the kids, there’s a bounce house, crafts and a special raffle. There’s also an artists market featuring handmade crafts and gifts, a used book sale, grilled food and more. The event is free and open to the public. Registration required.
4. Mother’s Day Craft Hike in North Park: May 13
Spend Mother’s Day in the great outdoors during an afternoon Craft Hike organized by Venture Outdoors. The easy 3-mile hike will take mom and the whole family along some leisurely trails in North Park. After exploring the park, kids will create a suncatcher for mom to take home. Registration costs $8/$6 for members, $5 for kids and $15 for family memberships.
5. The Neighborhood Flea in the Strip District: May 13
The Neighborhood Flea outdoor market returns to add a vintage vibe to Mother’s Day. Mom won’t be the only one having a good time as you shop the many vendors selling unique clothing, re-purposed furniture, handmade jewelry and more. There are also food trucks serving delicious treats and beverages, and hands-on workshops taught by local experts. The event is free and open to the public.
