This week, you can get into the Halloween spirit, give back to your community — or do both at the same time. Start the week with a fun crafting class at a craft brewery, party by the Allegheny River, spend time outdoors at markets and campfires and cap it all off by walking for breast cancer research on the North Shore.
Community Events Around Pittsburgh
Spooky Terrarium Class
Oct. 13, Strange Roots Experimental Ales
Make your own frightening terrarium in Millvale! Your ticket includes all supplies to make your craft — including ferns, spooky decor and a (fully sustainable) glass terrarium. You’ll also get one complimentary drink included with your admission. Stick around for dinner; Strange Roots has a full kitchen.
RiverRocks: A Riverfront Revival
Oct. 16, Allegheny RiverTrail Park
Celebrate the 15th anniversary of Allegheny RiverTrail Park, which has undergone a massive revival and restoration in the last decade and a half. Enjoy cocktails, a chef-curated dinner, drinks — and a great lineup of music, including riverside performances from the Dave Throckmorton Trio, Ol’ Whitetail and Chet Vincent. The sprawling event is separated by your preferred fare: Opt for Bourbon by the Bridge with liquors, mocktails and comfort food, Wine on the Dock with gourmet cheese and crudité or the Beer Garden with local craft brews and German-inspired cuisine. Proceeds benefit the next chapter of the park.
Oakmont Fall Festival
Oct. 17, Oakmont
A pie eating contest, a costume parade, basket auctions, beer and libations and more than 60 vendors —what more could you want from a Saturday afternoon in Oakmont? Head down to Allegheny River Blvd for the popular and enduring fall festival. It’s a beloved local tradition for a reason!
Shadyside Harvest & Wellness Market
Oct. 17, Shadyside
At Shadyside’s last neighborhood market, you might’ve caught live music, bought some charm jewelry, perused resin artwork, dined on homemade kimchi, loosened up with Pilates, indulged in gourmet cookies and made your own flower bouquets. Expect all of this and more at the next Shadyside Harvest & Wellness Market! Shop local and spend time in Shadyside at this outdoor event.
Frick Park Community Campfire
Oct. 17, Frick Park Hollow
It’s a seasonal campfire party at the park! Bring your own roastables (marshmallow or otherwise), a blanket or chair and spend an evening outdoors by the crackling fire. Lawn games, pumpkin painting and live music will add to the fun. Don’t miss this fall fun at Frick Park Hollow!
Nature Walks with PA Master Naturalist Scott Hill
Oct. 17, Dark Hollow Woods
The theme of this nature walk is “Survival of the Friendliest.” Learn about the wildlife species that succeed through relationship building and community. Trek through the 1.5-mile loop at Dark Hollow Woods with PA Master Naturalist Scott Hill for the first of this three-part series of nature walks, each with a different theme.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Greater Pittsburgh
Oct. 18, Acrisure Stadium
Join the American Cancer Society in the fight against breast cancer! Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the nation’s largest and most impactful breast cancer movement, and you can be a part of it. This family-friendly, non-competitive walk covers 1.3 miles of the area around the stadium. There will be resources for survivors and caregivers, a tribute garden, kid’s activities and more.
Community Events Around Pittsburgh October 5-11
Community Dinner with Maree ReMalia
Oct. 5, Kelly Strayhorn Lounge
Pay what moves you at this community dinner with artist Maree ReMalia and the founder and executive director of Foster Love Project, Kelly Hughes. Guests will be invited to join conversations on adoption, identity, belonging and the creative process over a free, buffet style-dinner by Manduhandu, a Korean vegan and gluten-free caterer. ReMalia is a dancer, performer and teacher — and she’s preparing a world premiere of her own original performance.
Flight Encounter with Edged Feather Experiences
Oct. 6, Frick Environmental Center
Get up close and personal with an intimidating (but fascinating) raptor! Falconer and wildlife educator Crystal Smith will bring Harris Hawk to teach guests about the “wolves of the sky.” Join them at the Frick Environmental Center’s amphitheater for this evening program.
Steve Gonsalves Live — A Life With Ghosts
Oct. 8, Oaks Theater
It’s officially spooky season, so there’s no better time for a ghost story. Steve Gonsalves joins The Oaks Theater for an evening of haunted horrors and stories of his own paranormal encounters. Gonsalves is known for his work on hit TV shows Ghost Hunters and Ghost Nation, as well as other films and books about all things paranormal. Join him for an interactive evening and Q&A.
A Conversation with the Artist: Melissa English Campbell
Oct. 10, Contemporary Craft
Contemporary Craft is hosting a conversation with Melissa English Campbell, who currently has an installation, Bodies in Motion, on display through October 31. The piece “balances the strangeness of shifting realities with the familiarity and comfort of textiles.” The Ohio-based artist will discuss her creative process, artwork, ideas and more with guests during an informal interview and Q&A session.
Fall in the Wall
Oct. 10, Aspinwall
Enjoy the crisp fall weather at a family festival in Aspinwall this weekend! The annual event features plenty of vendors and activities, including face painting, characters, magicians, airbrush tattoos, pony rides, balloon twisting and more.
Queer Craft Market: Spooky Social
Oct. 11, Spirit Hall
A special edition of the popular Queer Craft Market returns to Spirit for a Halloween-themed social! This free, all-ages event is the perfect place to shop for art, food and more. Stock up on Halloween decor and crafts, get in the autumn mood — and even get a tarot reading, all in one spot.
Community Events Around Pittsburgh September 28-October 4
Crossroads of the World: Panama
Through June, Latin American Cultural Center
Take a trip to Panama via a new exhibit at the Latin American Cultural Center. Crossroads of the World: Panama features the geographical events that shaped the country, the historical progression of transportation and travel, the beauty of the Darién rainforest and representations of the country’s diverse culture. If you haven’t been to the LACC since it opened in 2022, it’s the perfect time to visit!
Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival
Sept. 27-Oct. 4
Enjoy watching (very) vintage films at venues all over town during this annual celebration of century-old cinema! Many of the screenings are accompanied by live musical scores — and, often, an illuminating discussion after the film. Titles in this week’s festival include The Faces of Children (1926), The Kid (1921), Tramp, Tramp, Tramp (1926), The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926) and more.
Symphony of Nature Concert: Fall Sound Bath Concert
Sept. 29, The Frick Pittsburgh
Surrounded by the fall colors and crisp autumn air, enjoy a crystal sound bath led by sound healer and musician Brooke Smokelin. Relax on the Frick’s beautiful grounds and connect with nature and sound. Bring your own mat, blanket or chair to get comfortable.
Garfield Community Farm 2026 Fall Fundraiser
Oct. 1, Tree Pittsburgh
Raise a drink (and some money) for Garfield Community Farm during the farm’s fall festival, held at Tree Pittsburgh’s headquarters along the Allegheny. Guests can expect great food, drinks, local art and raffles during the evening — and can celebrate in good spirits knowing that contributions benefit a neighborhood farm where locals grow their own food, take part in ecological restoration projects and administer vital youth programs.
Forged in Flames Exhibit Opening
Oct. 2, Pittsburgh Glass Center
Celebrate internationally-renowned glass artists at the Glass Center’s newest exhibit, dubbed Forged in Flames. Each of the talented artists in this exhibit were featured at some point over the first 25 years of the Glass Center’s history. Forged in Flames will remain on display until January 2027.
Tuesday Musical Club Presents America 250: E Pluribus Unum (Out of Many, One)
Oct. 4, Kelly Strayhorn Theater
America 250 celebrations are still going strong. Enjoy the rich tradition of American music with America 250: E Pluribus Unum, which will spotlight genres from jazz to spirituals to folk to Broadway. The AAMI Jazz Youth Ensemble will perform in the lobby before the main concert; the program will feature Tuesday Musical Club from the Afro American Music Institute, Aria 412 and local community choirs. Reserve your spot for free in advance; the Kelly Strayhorn Theater is capped at 340 guests, so tickets may run out.
Pittsburgh Community Events September 21-27
Chimney Swift Night Out: Birds & Brews
Sept. 24, Co Star Brewing
It’s an evening of birds and beer with the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania at CoStar Brewing in Etna. The night’s discussion focuses on chimney swifts, one of the most common and most vulnerable bird species in our region. Chimney swifts emerge in large groups at dusk; after grabbing a drink, guests will head out for some evening bird watching.
Turn to Stone: A Tribute to ELO
Sept. 25, The Oaks Theater
Turn back time to the ’80s and rock out with a tribute to Electric Light Orchestra. Turn to Stone, a nationally touring ELO tribute band, will perform hits such as Don’t Bring Me Down, Mr. Blue Sky and Evil Woman, as well as a few deep cuts that only true fans will recognize.
Baby and Me Nature Walk
Sept. 25, Frick Park
Families with children 3 years old and under are invited to Frick Park for a slow nature walk, story time and lunch. The Sensory Trail in Frick Park is perfect for little ones to explore nature at their own pace; giveaways and raffles are also part of the fun.
Prime Stage Theatre’s 4th Annual Homewood Cemetery Walk
Sept. 26, Homewood Cemetery
Trained actors will lead you on a historical walk through Homewood Cemetery, explaining the impact of the “historical Pittsburgh legends” they’re portraying. The half-mile walk invites guests to learn about David L. Clark, the “Candy King of Pittsburgh,” Civil War officer David Boyd Morris and Gilded Age matron Lillian Mae Kress, to name a few.
Homestead 1892: Exploring the Lockout and Strike with The Frick
Sept. 26
Explore the history of one of the region’s most impactful labor strikes: the 1892 Homestead Lockout and Strike. The Frick Pittsburgh and Rivers of Steel will lead the program which includes a tour of the Pump House, a trip to the Carrie Blast Furnace in Munhall and then a journey back to the Frick for lunch and a tour of Clayton, the Frick family’s historic mansion.
One Great Weekend Races
Sept. 26-27
Join the 49th annual Great Race, which started in 1977 under Pittsburgh Mayor Richard S. Caliguiri as a true “community fun run.” In honor of Caliguiri, part of the proceeds benefit amyloidosis research, a rare and poorly understood disease (that Caliguiri was diagnosed with in the late ’80s). The 10K begins in Frick Park and the 5K in Oakland, with both ending in Point State Park. Lace up your running shoes for a good cause and one of the last races of the summer!
Community Events in Pittsburgh September 14-20
ilyAIMY
Sept. 16, The Mansions on Fifth
Jam out at a free show in Shadyside with Baltimore’s award-winning folk-rock outfit ilyAIMY (a stylized abbreviation for I love you and I miss you). The unique, percussive trio is in Pittsburgh for one night only — and they’re at a stunning venue, so don’t miss it!
Pittsburgh Opera New Guard Summer Salon
Sept. 17, Happenstance Cafe
Celebrate a new opera season with the New Guard, a community of 21-to 45-year-old performers with a passion for opera. Register online for this free, live performance from Pittsburgh Opera’s resident artists (and get a complimentary drink ticket at the door).
Art on Fire
Sept. 18, Pittsburgh Glass Center
Spend your Friday evening enjoying live glassmaking, new art displays and exciting auctions to raise money for free programs, scholarships, youth outreach and artist residences at the Pittsburgh Glass Center. More than 150 works of art will be for sale from local and international artists.
Millvale Days
Sept. 18-19, Millvale
Millvale Days has it all: two full days of carnival rides, games, live music, car cruises, bar crawling, professional wrestling, pizza eating contests, sand volleyball competitions and so much more! Local businesses and vendors will also be participating in the annual celebration.
Shadyside Harvest & Wellness Market
Sept. 19, Freeform Fitness
This Saturday is the first of three consecutive gatherings featuring curated goods from local farms, vendors, artists and wellness businesses! Hosted by Freeform Fitness, a wellness and fitness studio in Shadyside, the market is the place to begin working toward your best self.
Best Bites East Liberty
Sept. 19, East Liberty
Get a taste of East Liberty during a four-hour, self-paced tour of the neighborhood’s best restaurants, bars and cafes. At each participating location — 23 in all — you’ll get a curated tasting of food and drink. After the tour, vote for the best bite, drink, sweet treat and tasting experience.
Point Breeze Yard Sale
Sept. 19, Point Breeze
More than 100 neighbors will be hitting the sidewalks of Point Breeze (clustered around Dallas Ave. and Willard and Reynolds streets) offering gently used treasures to discover. When you need to refuel, stroll over to St. Mary Magdalene Parish; food trucks will be on site.
Pittsburgh Community Events Happening September 7-13
Cult-O-Rama: Y2K Killer Bugs!
Sept. 11, Row House Lawrenceville
Get comfortable for two weird, early-2000s movies, screened back-to-back as part of the recurring Cult-O-Rama series. The first film, Eight Legged Freaks, features David Arquette and Scarlett Johansson living in a remote mining town in Arizona; they encounter gigantic, mutant spiders the size of SUVs. Arquette and the town sheriff, played by Kari Wuhrer, naturally gather the townspeople to battle the creatures. As for the second movie: It’s a surprise! According to Row House, it’s the “directorial debut of a well-known auteur who has never lost their touch for the strange.” If you have a guess, head to the theater to find out if you’re right.
Night Market in Oakmont
Sept. 11, Oakmont
More than 60 vendors, food trucks, as well as beer and libation tents will line Allegheny River Boulevard in Oakmont for a lively night of shopping, music and socializing! Many of Oakmont’s charming brick and mortar shops and restaurants will stay open late for attendees.
Descendants of Crom VIII
Sept. 11-12, Thunderbird Music Hall
For those of you who secretly harbor a love of the more intense musical genres: a weekend of heavy metal descends on Thunderbird, featuring eight underground bands. For almost a decade, the Descendants of Crom has brought together all kinds of genres from the underground. It’s also a great opportunity to check out Thunderbird, Lawrenceville’s surprisingly atmospheric concert hall. Two days of experiential, crushingly loud metal shows await.
Bloomfield Sidewalk Sale
Sept. 12, Oakmont
Spend the day wandering Bloomfield at their annual neighborhood sale. Residents will set up shop on the sidewalks to sell goods — with local artists making up a good percentage of the vendors — and businesses will advertise special sales. A digital map of all the stops is online now, and printed versions will be available at YINZ Coffee and Linea Verde Green Market.
Restorative Yoga with Mindful Self-Care at Frick
Sept. 13, Frick Environmental Center
End the weekend peacefully by practicing deep breathing, intentional stillness, mindfulness and yoga at the Frick Environmental Center. The event is suitable for all levels and led by Dr. Pamela Nichols, who has more than 30 years of experience teaching yoga and wellness. She’ll teach attendees about self-massage and myofascial release techniques as well, including how to use Guasha tools, cork massage balls, traction tools and more.
Story by Rachel Windsor
Photo From American Cancer Society