Put a spring in your step with a farewell to winter. March opens with fresh-air excitement outdoors and compelling indoor theater performances. Music takes the stage with teen DJ workshops and a Pittsburgh premiere of an exhilarating multimedia concert. There’s plenty more to keep your family engaged and entertained.
March 1-10: “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank,” New Hazlett Theater
We are all familiar with the heartbreaking story of Anne Frank. The latest production in Prime Stage Theatre’s “Season of Courage and Discovery” gives us the narrative from the perspective of her two good friends, Ed Silverberg and Eva Schloss. “And Then They Came for Me: Remembering the World of Anne Frank” offers personal insight into the teen’s experiences during Nazi-occupied Amsterdam. Ed was Anne’s first boyfriend and Eva lived in the same apartment building as Anne. The multimedia play has been described as a “historic newsreel brought to life” with videotaped interviews of Ed and Eva combined with live actors. Tickets are $19 for students, $24 for artists and $39 for grownups.
March 2-30: Guided Hike with Park Rangers, Allegheny County Parks
Catch a whiff of fresh spring air and spot a few tight buds on tree branches and green sprouts pushing up through the ground on these guided hikes. Allegheny County Park rangers will lead hikers through scenic trails at nine different county parks. Each all-ages hike will cover approximately 2 miles with moderate elevation. Choose one of your favorite parks or discover an unfamiliar one for a completely new experience. Don’t forget your water bottle! Registration is free.
March 4-May 27: Teen DJ Academy, The Andy Warhol Museum
Everybody, dance now! Teens ages 13-18 are invited to learn how to remix and blend music to keep the crowd moving. The 12-week Teen DJ Academy features professional local and touring DJs who will lead workshops. Registration is free – and participants will receive a stipend. Performance opportunities will give teens a chance to show off their new skills – and earn money at the same time. Participants will execute beats at Youth Invasion on April 19; the 30th Anniversary Community Day, tentatively scheduled for May 19; and LQBTQ+ Prom on June 8.
MORE MARCH EVENTS
11 March events in Pittsburgh, from History Uncorked to the Home & Garden Show
There’s never been a better time to shake off hibernation season and explore the city’s cultural, recreational and culinary offerings.
March 5: Sound Fusion, Heinz Hall
You had us at Skywalker Ranch, the home of Lucasfilm and George Lucas. The ranch’s techno film and sound experts helped American composer Mason Bates create his mixed-media concerto, “Philharmonia Fantastique.” Pittsburgh Symphony, under the guidance of Associated Conductor Jacob Joyce, performs the Pittsburgh premiere of this family-friendly concert. Tickets are priced at pay-what-you-wish from $5-$40. The Symphony also hosts the program at Schooltime Concerts from March 6-8.
March 7-17: “Grease,” Byham Theater
“Grease” has been enthralling audiences with the raucous teens of Rydell High School’s class of 1959 for over 40 years. The musical – packed with hit songs like “Beauty School Dropout,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “You’re the One That I Want” – has sparked sequels, miniseries and any number of high school musicals. Pittsburgh Musical Theater offers a professional production that promises to have your family dancing right out of the theater. You might want to practice your hand jive beforehand. Tickets are priced from $19.50-$56.50.
March 9: AW Community Day, August Wilson African American Cultural Center
The August Wilson Center gathers folks together four times a year for an AW Community Day. The family-friendly party provides a packed afternoon of fun. Community-building activities encourage Pittsburgh neighbors to develop relationships that last long after the event. Performers will entertain participants with exuberant music and dance. Shop for unique finds from local merchants at the vendor market and view works by community artisans. You can expect hands-on craft activities for the kids, too. Registration is free.
March 9: Ibeji Rhythms: Dance and Play, Trust Education Center
Love to bang on your drum all day? Ibeji Drum Ensemble hosts this drumming session that’s intended for all ages. First, learn about West African music and dance traditions. Next, participants will build instruments, which they will use in a boisterous group performance. Admission is $25 for a family of six.
March 16: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Downtown
Bundle up the kids and skedaddle Downtown for the third-largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the country. The Pittsburgh tradition began in 1869 as a celebration of Irish heritage. You’ll see plaid kilts and pipers, dancing troupes and oh-so-many marching bands. The excitement begins at 10 a.m. and is expected to last more than three hours. This year’s parade will march from the Greyhound Station at the intersection of Liberty Avenue and 11th Street to Grant Street, turning onto the Boulevard of the Allies to the reviewing stand on Stanwix Street.
March 9-23: Maple Madness, Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Mad for maple? Don’t miss this event. Audubon Society naturalists will lead kids through wooded paths on a sweet mission to learn about maple syrup production. Pick a convenient location and date: Buffalo Creek Nature Park in Sarver on March 9, Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve in Fox Chapel on March 16, or Succop Nature Park in Butler on March 23. Families will tour the maple sugar demonstration trail while absorbing the history and science behind cooking up maple syrup. Maple Madness takes place rain or shine, so dress for the weather. Registration is $12.
March 17-30: Easter Bunny and egg events
With the approach of Easter, enjoy egg-citing options for spring and bunny-related events. Here are a few of our favorites:
- The Pittsburgh Zoo starts off the fun with breakfast or lunch with the Easter Bunny on select dates from March 17-30. Tickets are $45, $10 for those younger than 2.
- Hop on the Bunny Trolley at the PA Trolley Museum on March 22-24, 29 and 30. Your bunny meet-and-greet includes a scavenger hunt and other activities. Tickets are $22 for grownups, $21 for seniors, $17 for ages 3-18, free for those younger than 3.
- The National Aviary’s Eggstravaganza – a day filled with an egg-themed scavenger hunt, story time and crafting – is scheduled for March 23, 24, 29 and 30. Activities are included with admission.
- The Gateway Clipper fleet hosts its annual Bunny Fun Cruise on March 30. As guest of honor, the Easter Bunny will lead a DJ dance party that includes the “Bunny Hop.” Tickets are $20 for children ages 1 and older, $5 for infants, $35 for grownups.
- The Carnegie Museum of Natural History invites families to Super Saturday Eggstravaganza on March 30. Compete in an egg-themed scavenger hunt, discover eggs and nests in a variety of sizes and collect a springtime treat. Activities are included in general admission. A sensory-friendly session is planned for earlier in the day. Registration is $12 for kids, $16 for grownups.
Bonus events
March 16 and 30: Youth Writers Camp, August Wilson African American Cultural Center
March 9: “The Princess Bride” in Concert, Heinz Hall
March 16-April 14: Spring Flower Show, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
March 23- April 7: “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Gemini Children’s Theater