Explore the Thrills: A Family-Centric Adventure Guide for MLK Weekend Festivities!

The image displayed is courtesy of the Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s MLK Celebration.

As educational institutions are closed on Monday for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a variety of events are taking place in and around the city. Families can utilize this time together to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy. Additionally, there is a fantastic array of museum and library activities suited for a chilly weekend. Maximize your extended weekend with these local events:

Thursday, Jan. 16 and Friday, Jan. 17: “Cat Kid Comic Club” at the Byham Theater

This amusing musical rendition of Dav Pilkey’s “Dog Man” spin-off, “Cat Kid Comic Club,” promises to delight. Cat Kid and Molly Pollywog have founded an incredible club to instruct 21 spirited baby frogs on how to craft their own comics. Tickets range from $12 to $30.

Friday, Jan 17: Teen Time at CLP Lawrenceville, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For children in grades 6 to 12, this complimentary gathering serves as a space to mingle with peers, read or create, or even enjoy a board game. Supervised by library staff, Teen Time provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for kids to be themselves. More details can be found here.

Friday, Jan. 17 and Saturday, Jan. 18: Teen and Tween Paint Parties at Vintage Max Mercantile

The area’s latest independent bookstore is hosting two painting sessions. On Friday, Jan. 17, kids aged 14 and up are invited from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for a guided painting experience where they will craft a kitty-themed canvas to support Whisker Wonderland, a local cat rescue in Bellevue. Tweens aged 9-13 have their specific event from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18. During the teen event, a few kittens will be available for petting (however, there will be no kittens at the tween event; proceeds will still support the rescue). Attention parents: There’s also an adult paint night on Jan. 18. The fee for these activities is $40. Please register here.

Friday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Jan. 19: “Looking Forward: The Ruby Bridges Story” with Prime Stage Theatre Co.

At the New Hazlett Center for Performing Arts, Prime Stage Theater once again presents a captivating historical narrative targeted towards children. This production runs until Jan. 26. The play narrates the real-life account of Ruby Bridges. In 1960, 6-year-old Ruby became the inaugural African-American student to enroll in an all-white primary school in New Orleans. Witness her extraordinary journey as she paves the way for future generations. Tickets are priced at $39 for adults, $19 for children. (Note: The performance on Jan. 17 operates on a pay-what-you-can basis. Additionally, a sensory-friendly performance is scheduled for Jan. 25.)

Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19: Frick Winterfest 2025 at The Frick Pittsburgh

This yearly festivity of the winter season features live performances, art-making sessions, guided tours of historic homes, delightful treats, and warm beverages from The Café at the Frick. It’s an excellent opportunity to explore this distinctive local museum if your family hasn’t visited before. The full schedule can be found here. (Discover more about Winterfest right here.)

Saturday, January 18 and Sunday, January 19: PiratesFest 2025 at the David Lawrence Convention Center

The temperatures continue to drop and snow is still falling, but it’s time to start anticipating opening day at PNC Park. Celebrate the forthcoming Pirates season and immerse yourself in entertaining activities, hands-on games, and chances to meet Pirates players. Secure your complimentary tickets here.

Sunday, January 19: “Discovery Time: Things with Wings” at the Frick Environmental Center, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The Frick Environmental Center hosts numerous extraordinary educational events. During this Discovery Time gathering, children will explore the extensive variety of wings in the animal kingdom. They can observe feathers up close, create their own butterfly, or transform into one by wearing butterfly wings. This event welcomes participants of all ages but is aimed at little learners aged 3-8 years. Registration is free.

Sunday, January 19: Journal Creation at the Children’s Museum, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This activity, intended for ages 9 and above, is included with the ticket price. Head to the Tech Lab for continuous guidance on bookbinding. You can drop by for a brief visit or spend the entire afternoon. Kids can construct journals and sketchbooks from repurposed materials. Discover further details here.

Monday, January 20: An MLK Day Festivity Through Art & Advocacy at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

KST’s annual day of contemplation, solidarity, and artistic expression commences with activities in the lobby, followed by performances in the auditorium. Featured will be faculty from Hill Dance Academy Theatre, Guardians of Sound’s Hip Hop Orchestra, and students from Los Sabrosos Dance Company.

Admission is “contribute what inspires you” from $0-$25.

Monday, Jan. 20: Let Freedom Sing at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater, 7:30 p.m.

The 18th annual “Let Freedom Sing” Concert honors the social justice legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through vocal and instrumental performances as well as oratory. Tickets are “contribute what inspires you” ranging from $2-$50.

Monday, Jan. 20: Youth Poet Laureate Commencement at City of Asylum, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Join us to honor local artistry at this event that celebrates the 2024–2025 Youth Poet Laureate of Allegheny County, Oluwatobiloba Olaore, and the newly appointed Youth Poet Ambassadors Vanshika Jain, Linda Kong, Monroe Law, and Sarah Voigt. The young poets will present pieces they have crafted and enhanced during workshops guided by experienced poets over the recent months at the City of Asylum on the North Side from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Discover more details about the event here, and find out about Olaore and the Youth Poet Laureate initiative here.

Looking for additional MLK Day activities? Explore our guide to those right here. Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you stay informed about local family events.