NatureFest
March 21, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
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When: Saturday, March 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Tickets: Included with Purchase of Museum Admission
Explore the vibrant voices of the natural world at our second annual NatureFest! From animal communication to natural soundscapes, this one-day celebration invites you to tune in to nature with the expertise of our scientists, educators, and community partners. Browse the full schedule below and plan your day. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly day out or a deep dive into the science of sound, NatureFest offers activities for curious explorers of all ages.
NatureFest Schedule
Family-Friendly Activities: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., drop-in any time
Enjoy hands-on activities for kids of all ages and their families that explore sound in nature and culture. From dinosaur sounds to Bornean frog calls, there’s so much to hear, see, and discover at NatureFest!
Dinosaur Sounds: What might dinosaurs have sounded like? How well could dinosaurs hear? Investigate dinosaur anatomy to answer your burning questions about their vocalization and hearing abilities.
Frog Calls: Learn to identify a range of frog calls and hear the latest on frog research happening in Borneo.
Seeing Sound: Compare ultrasound graphs of bird calls and learn to identify them visibly.
Get Ready for Summer Camps: Meet members of our Summer Camps team, try a favorite camp activity, and find out how to register for 2026 camps.
City Nature Challenge: Learn how you can participate in this global bioblitz.
Animal Sounds Storytime: 10:15–11:00 a.m.
Join Natural History Interpreters in Earth Theater to hear stories featuring animal sounds. Perfect for young science explorers.
Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center Dance Performance: 1:00 p.m. –1:45 p.m.
Enjoy a dance demonstration by Council of Three Rivers American Indian Center that highlights the historic use of natural materials in outfits and instruments, as well as modern updates.
Yoga with SolSoulSole: 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. (New session every half hour)
Take a break at 20-minute yoga sessions offered on the half hour with instruction by SolSoulSole Yoga.
Visible Conservation Lab: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., plus special activities below
Visit the Visible Lab within The Stories We Keep: Bringing the World to Pittsburgh anytime during NatureFest to see conservation and collections staff in action.
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.: Observe staff cataloging frog calls recorded by Dr. Jennifer Sheridan, Curator of Amphibians and Reptiles, during her field research in Borneo.
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.: Chat with staff experts and ask them anything about conserving the objects in our care.
Mark Your Calendar for NatureFest
Purchase of museum admission is required to attend NatureFest. Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door. Advance purchase is strongly recommended. Make sure to select March 21, 2026 for admission to NatureFest. Get Tickets →
