6. EQT Children’s Theater Festival in the Cultural District: May 17-20
The latest EQT Children’s Theater Festival offers a full schedule of exciting arts activities to delight kids and adults alike. The six featured theatrical performances come from all over the world and appeal to a wide age range, from the baby-friendly “Poggle” by Barrowland Ballet of Scotland to “Sunjata Kamalenya,” an all-ages show based on a 13th-century West African legend. During the festival, the Cultural District will also play host to a lineup of 35 free activities, including hands-on projects, street performers, public art and live music. The festival is free but tickets for the six theatrical shows start at $9.
7. The Forest of Everywhere at Bricolage: May 17-June 3
Bring your little ones to Bricolage for “The Forest of Everywhere,” a sensory-friendly adventure designed to welcome children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families. After a colossal storm has rearranged cities throughout the globe, our furry and feathered animal friends have found refuge in an enchanted forest. Help Don Key the dancing burro, Esther the singing ostrich and Simon the napping Alpaca adjust to their new home as you dig for bugs, play instruments and make your mark in the chalk cave. Tickets cost $12. The first chaperone in each party and non-participating children are free.
8. Ultimate Play Day in August Wilson Park: May 20
The Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative presents Ultimate Play Day, an all-ages event meant to raise awareness of the lifelong benefits of play. Community partners from all over the Pittsburgh region will present activities involving hula hoops, bubbles, giant games, scavenger hunts, and fitness fun like Zumba. There will also be prize wheels, book giveaways and more. The event is free and open to the public.
9. Cinderella at Heinz Hall: May 22-27
Experience the magic of “Cinderella” at Heinz Hall. The fairy tale comes to life during a production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Tony-award winning musical about a young woman hidden away from the world by her evil stepmother and stepsisters. Her life changes, however, when her fairy godmother shows up to help Cinderella win the love of a prince. Lose yourself in this magical tale with beautiful costumes, stage design and original songs. Tickets start at $30.
10. Free Family Fishing Day: May 27
Grab your rod and reel for a Free Family Fishing Day. Presented by the Fort Pitt Museum and Point State Park, the event welcomes families to fish in the amphitheater along the Monongahela Wharf. Costumed interpreters with 18th-century fishing equipment will also demonstrate how Fort Pitt soldiers fished at the Point more than 250 years ago. Modern fishing equipment will be provided, along with tips on contemporary fishing. The event is free and open to the public.
Honorable mentions:
Meadowcroft Rockshelter 50th Anniversary Celebration Weekend: May 5-6
The Beeman: Storytime and More at Powdermill Nature Reserve: May 6
STEAM for Young Architects at Trust Arts Education Center: May 12
Petals and Paint Family Workshop at Hatch Art Studio: May 12
Gardenfest at Lauri Ann West Community Center: May 12
An Afternoon with Caroll Spinney and Follow That Bird at Rangos Giant Cinema: May 12-13
Mother’s Day Celebration at Pgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium: May 13
Remake Learning Days: May 17-25
2018 Pittsburgh Spring Avant-Garde Art & Craft Show: May 19
Thomas & Friends: Explore the Rails Exhibit at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh: May 19-September 9
Girls on the Run of Magee-Women’s Hospital 5K: May 20
Penny Arcade at the Arcade Comedy Theater: May 26
LGBTQ + Youth Prom: Once Upon a Midnight at the Andy Warhol Museum: May 27
