Pittsburgh Parent's Guide to the 2024 EQT's Children's Festival

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust is excited to announce the featured line-up for the 2024 EQT Children’s Theater Festival taking place in the Cultural District May 19 - 21. Now in its 38th year, the EQT Children’s Theater Festival fosters imagination through high-quality professional theater performances from around the world.

This year’s festival features seven incredible performances hailing from South Korea, France & Quebec, the United States, and more!

Join us in this three-day celebration where you’ll discover scarily unlikely friendships, stories of freedom and destiny, and the mystifying adventures where theater & magic combine. We hope to see you there!

Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster

Byham Theater 
May 17-19 @ 10 am ; May 19 @ 3:30 pm

When the unscary monster Leonardo finds Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the world, will he finally get to scare the tuna salad out of someone or will it be the start of an unlikely friendship? Watch it unfold as colorful puppets & props bring the work of Mo Willems to life. Manual Cinema (USA). Ages 3+. Sensory-friendly performance: May 19 @ 3:30 pm. Part of the Cultural Trust’s Children’s Theater Series.

Sunjata Kamalenya

August Wilson African American Cultural Center
May 17 @ 10 am ; May 18 & 19 @ 1 pm 

Celebrate the spirit of determination and the love of family despite impossible odds in this participative tale based on the beloved story of the Lion King. Guided by a storyteller, audiences are whisked away to 13th-century Mali as traditional music, costumes, and scenery chronicle the story of a boy destined to be the leader of the West African Mande peoples. Experiential Theater Company (USA). Ages 5+.

Finding North 

Highmark Theatre at Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse
May 17 @ 10 am; May 18 @ 3 pm; May 19 @ 10:30 am 

The strivings, sacrifices, and dreams of former enslaved man John P. Parker are brought to life in this one-person performance by Daniel Carlton. Drawing on historical research and oral history, Parker’s stories blend with other contemporary community members searching for haven, captivating the audience with conversations of prejudice, privilege, and freedom in America. David Gonzalez and Daniel Carlton (USA). Ages 7+. Sensory-friendly performance: May 19 @ 10:30 am. Part of the Cultural Trust’s Bridge Theater Series.

Poli POP

PNC Theatre at Point Park University's Pittsburgh Playhouse 
May 17 @ 10:30 am; May 18 & 19 @ 11:30 am 

Siblings Poli and Pola don't want to go to sleep. While playing with toys to compete for the leader of the room, imagination takes over, and they embark on a surreal and colorful journey of surprise and joy through faraway islands, roaring seas, busy cities, and more. But what they don't know is something lurking in the shadows...what will they do? Brush Theatre (South Korea). Ages 3+.

Frolic

Trust Arts Education Center

May 17-19 @ 10 am, 1 pm, & 4 pm 

Psst… have you heard? The bloom is back — it’s time to play! Frolic is meant to spark fun in a sensory-friendly space created for and with neurodivergent audiences ages 5 and up and their families. Grow small with Phoebe the Gardner and her pal Lionel the Glow Worm as they travel from her backyard oasis to a magical garden. Trusty Sidekick Theater Company, in partnership with Jumping Jack Theater and Omaha's Rose Theater (USA). Ages 5+ and neurodivergent audiences. All performances are sensory-friendly. Due to a very limited capacity, tickets for Frolic will be available on a first-come first-served inquiry basis to ensure those who may benefit most from this show receive access.

Waves, All That Glows Sees

Trust Arts Education Center
May 17 @ 10 am; May 18 & 19 @ 10:30 am, 1 pm, & 4 pm

Follow a little pathway of shells and stones around a giant tent made of sheets. You can hear someone playing a harmonica. People may be already inside the tent. They want you to come and see, so you go in. When you’re inside the tent, it’s enjoyable. It’s warm, but there’s a tiny breeze. A little melody makes your heart beat more calmly. The light is gentle, like that of the setting sun. Inside, a tall man is dreaming of the sea. He makes sand appear, then turtles, seagulls, fish, dune grass, the sky, boats, and time that passes. The man plays at hiding in the depths of the water. He becomes a treasure that waits. And waits. And waits for you. Beside him, another tall man makes music and lets his voice float over the ocean. To wait is to hope, and this happens often. It happens all the time, to little kids and to grown-ups, too. Le Theatre des Confettis (Canada). Ages 18 months through 4 years.

Mr. Messado’s School of Magic for the Young and Young at Heart

Liberty Magic

May 17 & 18 @ 11 am; May 19 @ 11 am & 2 pm

Forget everything you know about magicians pulling rabbits out of top hats. Mr. Messado’s Magic School for the Young and Young at Heart will have both teens and adults amazed from start to finish. This 60-minute spectacular, featuring a combination of stunning magic and clean comedy, is full of interactive wonder. Whether it be shouting the magic words from the comfort of your seats or coming up on stage to be trained as a magical assistant, every party member will actively participate throughout the show. Part of the Cultural Trust’s Liberty Magic Series.

Three-Dimensional Chalk Art

The Chalking Dad

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Friday, May 17 , 08:00am - 03:00pm
• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Amazing three-dimensional chalk art in the Cultural District courtesy of The Chalking Dad!

"A Sudden Gust of Wind" Public Art Exhibition

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust - Visual Arts

Throughout the Festival Footprint @ Cultural District

• Friday, May 17 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Look up! Enjoy the whimsical, humorous and soaring sights of this public art piece depicting tangled-up kites high up in trees all throughout the Cultural District.

Cojiform: Interactive Sculpture Systems

Isaac Bower

SPACE Gallery @ Cultural District

• Friday, May 17 , 12:00pm - 02:00pm
• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Create & photograph your own unique abstract art piece!

Mini Museum

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  The Carnegie Museum of Natural History's Mini Museum tent offers a diverse range of interactive exhibits, making it an unforgettable experience for natural history enthusiasts of all ages.

Learn About Your Libraries

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Learn about library services through fun, self-directed family activities.

Musical Instrument Petting Zoo

UniSound

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Learn about musical programs in Pittsburgh and experience a variety of instruments with UniSound.

Discover Arts & Sciences

Buzzword

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

LEARN  Explore endless possibilities of hands-on activities and crafts, including dancing, singing, creating art, and more!

Storytime: “Don’t Let the Pigeon…”

Citiparks

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

LEARN  Enjoy the mischievous Pigeon's story with a life-size hand-painted set and craft your own Pigeon with Citiparks!

Dance the Story - Cinderella Ballet

Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Katz Plaza @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Cinderella story time and ballet engagement for kids

Photobooth & Make-and-Take Crafts

Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Take glamour shots of your own at a photo booth, and create your own make-and-take craft!

5-Minute Music Lessons

Sunburst School of Music

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Stop by Sunburst School of Music tent for mini-lessons on modern band instruments like drums and guitars.

Create Your Dream Roller Skates!

PGH SK8 Collaborative

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Get creative with skate-themed coloring pages and learn about skating opportunities throughout Pittsburgh.

Tennis Fun with Citiparks!

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Have fun trying introductory tennis with Citiparks Tennis Pros.

DIY Outdoor Chalk Art!

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Show your artisty without outdoor chalk art.

LEGO Builder Challenge

Steel City LUG

Trust Oasis @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Unleash your creativity with Steel City LUG to create all kinds of LEGO creations for all ages and skill levels.

Sticker Hut

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Use fun & colorful stickers to decorate our EQT Children's Theater Festival sticker hut!

Frog Stop Scavenger Hunt Prizes!

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Hop around the Festival footprint to receive a prize from Trust Arts Education!

Imagination Playground

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Stack & build with larger-than-life block systems!

Be SMART for Kids

Moms Demand Action

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Be SMART is a public health program designed to promote responsible gun ownership in order to reduce child gun deaths.

Send a Message to the Moon!

Moonshot Museum

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Explore 3D lunar images and send your message to the Moon - inspire the next generation of space adventurers!

Let's Play Chess!

Queens Gambit

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 04:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 04:00pm

ALL AGES  Players of all ages & skill levels can learn, play, and experience chess

Make Your Own Feelings Doll

Positive Affirmation Animal Mandalas

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

MAKE  Explore emotions with "Make Your Own Feelings Doll" activity from Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh

Splash and Sculpt: Creative Fun on the Riverfront

Riverlife

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 10:00am - 05:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Riverlife offers art and play activities to explore Pittsburgh's riverfront, including sculpting and sensory play to learn about the importance of rivers

The Pirate Parrot

Pittsburgh Pirates

Throughout the Festival Footprint @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 11:00am - 01:00pm

ALL AGES  Enjoy an appearance and meet & greet with the popular Pirates mascot.

SHORTIES: A Family-Friendly Short Film Celebration

Co-presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust & Pittsburgh Shorts and Scripts Competition

Harris Theater @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 11:00am - 03:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 11:00am - 03:00pm

ALL AGES  Enjoy five fun-sized films sure to make the whole family smile!

Live Performance with Sunburst School of Music Student Band

Sunburst School of Music

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 11:00am - 12:00pm

ALL AGES  Listen to the musical stylings from a student band hailing from the local Sunburst School of Music!

Duo the Owl

Duolingo

Throughout the Festival Footprint @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 11:00am - 01:00pm

ALL AGES  Say hola, bonjour, and aloha to Duo!

O'Ryan the O'Mazing

Throughout the Festival Footprint @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 11:30am - 01:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 11:00am - 01:00pm

ALL AGES  Roaming performances from O'Ryan the O'Mazing!

StoryCorner: The Big Umbrella

Katalina Salcedo with Trust Arts Education

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 11:30am - 12:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 03:30pm - 04:00pm

ALL AGES  A heartwarming story about a friendly umbrella that welcomes and protects people, while music and dance come alive under it.

Miss Cassidy’s Music and Dance Party

Miss Cassidy Creates

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 12:00pm - 12:30pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 12:00pm - 12:30pm

ALL AGES  Come dance with Miss Cassidy for an interactive music and dance party with classic hits, show tunes, and kid's favorites - perfect for learners and families!

StoryCorner: What? Cried Granny

Betty Dell with Trust Arts Education

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 12:30pm - 01:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 12:30pm - 01:00pm

ALL AGES  A children's book about Patrick who needs a place to sleep at his Granny's and with the help of animals, the children get innovative to make a cozy place while introducing STEAM concepts.

Andrew CARDnegie

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Throughout the Festival Footprint @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 01:00pm - 03:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 01:00pm - 03:00pm

ALL AGES  Celebrate your local libraries with a visit from Andrew CARDnegie.

Mission to the Moon!

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 01:00pm - 02:00pm

ALL AGES  Explore the Moon with robots, map its surface, and voyage to the South Pole with Pittsburgh-built spacecraft

StoryCorner: Miss Cassidy's Collaborative Storytime

Miss Cassidy Creates with Trust Arts Education

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 01:30pm - 02:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 01:30pm - 02:00pm

ALL AGES  Create stories in a collaborative session that activates imagination and creativity for learners and families of all ages

A Clown…with Problems

O'Ryan the O'Mazing

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 , 02:00pm - 03:00pm
• Sunday, May 19 , 02:00pm - 03:00pm

WATCH  Learn how to face your fears and laugh at failures with O'Ryan the O'Mazing.

Penny Arcade: A Watch-and-Play Comedy Show for Kids!

Arcade Comedy

Arcade Comedy Theater @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 02:00pm - 03:00pm

ALL AGES  Unleash your imaginations and sense of humor - watch and play with Penny Arcade!

Starry Messenger

Throughout the Festival Footprint @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 02:30pm - 03:30pm

ALL AGES  Roaming circus artistry!

Move & Groove with The Alloy School

Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 03:00pm - 04:00pm

ALL AGES  Experience movement and creativity with three interactive presentations by The Alloy School's Teaching Artists, including Family Yoga, stage combat techniques, and Bharatanatyam.

StoryCorner: Show Me Your Lion Paws!

Karen Merritt with Trust Arts Education

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Saturday, May 18 03:30pm - 04:00pm

WATCH  Listen to Jon Agee's story Lion Lessons and earn of a Lion Diploma of your own through dramatic play!

Make Moves with Interactive Art & the Chalk Shop!

Art in Motion PGH

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Join Art in Motion Pittsburgh for a day of interactive art, dance-themed crafts, and a chalk shop where kids and adults can leave their mark on our hopscotch dance trail.

Soaring Fun Time: Make Your Own Airplane Clothespin Craft!

Sweetwater Art Center

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Elevate your child's imagination to new heights with this fun, simple airplane craft.

Beautiful Fish!

Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media

7th Street, between Penn and Liberty Avenue @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Create your own beautiful and colorful paper fish!

Puppets on Parade!

Adoption Connection

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Craft a puppet with your child, put on a play in our mini theater, and learn about foster care and how you can help children in need in Western PA!

Mini Music Lessons

School of Rock South Hills

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 10:00am - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Enjoy mini-lessons from the music school training Pittsburgh's next generation of rockstars!

Smiley Cookie

Eat'n Park

Throughout the Festival Footprint @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 11:00am - 01:00pm

ALL AGES  Meet & greet the lovable mascot of Pittsburgh's most iconic smiling restaurants.

StoryCorner: A Perfectly Messed Up Story

Lindsay Woge with Trust Arts Education

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 11:30am - 12:00pm

ALL AGES  Join Louie's messy quest to tell a perfect story while recognizing emotions with Lindsay Woge's guidance in this fun adventure of self-discovery.

Frankie the Fish

ALCOSAN

Throughout the Festival Footprint @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 12:00pm - 02:00pm

ALL AGES  Say hello to ALCOSAN's superhero mascot Frankie the Fish.

Giant Puppet Dance Party

Featuring Falk School's Gaint Puppet Dance Club

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 01:00pm - 02:00pm

ALL AGES  Join a dance party with life-sized puppets brought to life by Falk Lab School students of all ages!

Tinkerbell Meet & Greet

Throughout the Festival Footprint @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 02:30pm - 03:30pm

ALL AGES  Meet Tinker Bell to interact, take photos, and get her autograph!

StoryCorner: A Big Mooncake For Little Star

Taylor Couch with Trust Arts Education

Outdoors, 7th Street and Penn Avenue @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 02:30pm - 03:00pm

WATCH  Stretch, dance, and learn a fun tale about the phases of the moon with Little Star!

Roller Skating Demonstration

PGH SK8 Collaborative

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 03:00pm - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Watch an amazing roller skate demo with classic moves, daring tricks, and different styles to inspire skaters.

House Band Performance

School of Rock South Hills

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 04:00pm - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Prepare to rock with Pittsburgh's rockstars of tomorrow!

Animation Station

Carnegie Science Center

Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn @ Cultural District

• Sunday, May 19 10:00pm - 05:00pm

ALL AGES  Explore the science of animation by making a flip book.

Family Friendly Restaurants in the Cultural District and Beyond 

Check out these family-friendly restaurants open during the Festival with a select few offering a special discount during Festival hours!