What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Oct. 23-26? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.

Thursday, Oct. 23: “Élan Cadiz: Healing the Erotic” at Alma | Lewis
5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Be among the first to see this solo exhibition featuring work by New York City-based multidisciplinary artist Élan Cadiz. Learn about Cadiz’s creative practice during tonight’s free opening event at Alma | Lewis, which includes a tour led by the artist and curator, Kilolo Luckett. Exploring “intimacy, vulnerability and empowerment as pathways to both personal and collective healing,” the exhibition includes portraiture, painting and assemblage. With a mix of new and existing works, the show also reinterprets ideas about family histories, identity, belonging, complacency, collective struggle and personal narrative. “Healing the Erotic” will be on view through March 13, 2026, at the East End art space, which serves as a regional hub dedicated to Black culture, contemporary art and resources. Information.

Friday, Oct. 24: Halloween Happenings: A Boo-Tanical Bash at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
5-8 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s little ghosts, ghouls and goblins are invited to this evening of festive family-fun activities. Arrive at the landmark conservatory in costume to enjoy a hauntingly good time! Visit the spook-tacular gardens, watch dazzling magic shows by magician Yasu Ishida and touch creepy things in the guessing game, if you dare! Make macabre memories in the Chikibaby Creations photo booth, explore “spooky species” with the Stormy Oaks Nature Conservancy and pot your very own black magic kale plant to take home. Don’t miss the new Fall Flower Show: Visions of Japan exhibition and the Garden Railroad: The Age of Dinosaurs display. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum.

Friday, Oct. 24: “The Silence of the Lambs: Cage Night” at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
5:30-10:30 p.m.
Halloween in the Burgh is not complete without this signature spook-fest in Oakland. Before watching Jonathan Demme’s 1991 film starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, check out a replica of the creepy cage right where the escape scene was shot. Find chills around every corner as the historic building is transformed into two full floors of seasonal entertainment and spooky thrills.

The heart-pounding centerpiece of the night is a life-sized replica of Hannibal’s cage, complete with a live Hannibal Lecter and the original rug and bed frame from the film. If you’re brave enough, get a photo with Hannibal in the same room where the spine-tingling cage scene was filmed. Visit the the vendor marketplace to shop for wickedly wonderful merchandise. The event also features eerie entertainment, food trucks and specialty libations. Watch “The Silence of the Lambs” screening on the auditorium’s new theater-sized screen then attend a “Wrap Party” with DJ Teddy T in the ballroom. Tickets.

Friday, Oct. 24: The Cee Jay Awards & Fundraiser at the New Hazlett Theater
6 p.m.
The 98th Academy Awards won’t be held until March 15, 2026, but you can get your glam on locally at “the Oscars of Reuse.” Celebrate creativity, sustainability and community impact at the second annual Cee Jay Awards & Fundraiser hosted by the region’s HQ for building material reuse and conservation. Strike a pose on “the thrift carpet” to show off your best upcycled look. The night kicks off with an Awards Show recognizing outstanding reuse projects across multiple categories. This year’s awards statue, the iconic “Big Pour Bird” — rebranded as “The Cee Jay” — pays homage to Construction Junction’s highly popular former event. The evening will spotlight the “behind-the-scenes heroes who make the magic of reuse happen.”

Mingle with the winners, bid on fabulous prizes and check out innovative salvage art displays. The festivities will also feature live music and delectable drinks and appetizers. Built in 1889 as the first Carnegie Music Hall (and dedicated by President Benjamin Harrison), the historic New Hazlett Theater provides a fitting locale on Pittsburgh’s North Side with its Romanesque Revival architecture and community roots. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of Safe Moves for Seniors.

Friday, Oct. 24: Roper’s Romp Bar Crawl on the North Shore
6-10 p.m.
Don a chic caftan, curly wig and chunky jewelry to support our region’s most vulnerable population. Channel everybody’s favorite landlady from the iconic 1970s sitcom, “Three’s Company” (and don’t forget the spin-off, “The Ropers) — all while supporting Safe Moves for Seniors. The local nonprofit helps low-income seniors move safely with dignity — and for free — within Allegheny County. Romp around the North Shore while enjoying appetizers, tastings and drink specials. The crawl starts at Tom’s Watch Bar then heads to Southern Tier Brewing Co. Tickets.

Friday, Oct. 24: Night of 1,000 Skulls at The Andy Warhol Museum
8 p.m.
The King of Pop Art, Halloween vibes and the spirit of Vanitas fuse for one unforgettable night on the North Side. You’re encouraged to come “dressed in your best macabre couture” for this event celebrating the museum’s newest exhibition, “Andy Warhol: Vanitas.” Visit the galleries to explore Warhol’s lifelong fascination with spirituality and death, see some of Warhol’s most contemplative pieces up close and explore motifs and concepts surrounding mortality, vanity and time. Create skull screen-prints, sit for tarot readings and let your aura shine. Dance with fellow souls as Second Skin DJs spin new wave, goth-inspired sounds. Tickets. Read more about the event in NEXT.

Photo courtesy of the Dirty Dozen Bike Ride.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Dirty Dozen Bike Ride starting in Highland Park
8 a.m.
For some, it’s an epic challenge to be faced every fall, while for others, it’s a bucket list fantasy. For me, it’s a nail-biting spectator sport. During one of Pittsburgh’s most unusual, extreme events, bikers traverse open city roads attempting to conquer Pittsburgh’s 13 steepest hills. The ride’s nine heats include a women’s division, handcycling competition and the “party bus.” The ninth hill puts the “dirty” in Dirty Dozen, taking riders up the world’s steepest public street — Beechview’s Canton Avenue, with its staggering 37% gradient — where Audi filmed a commercial on the hill. Registration for the 42nd annual ride starts at 8 a.m. at the Rhododendron Shelter on Lake Drive in Highland Park. Groups of riders depart from 9 to 10 a.m., with competitors heading out first. Soothe those sore muscles at the after-party and awards ceremony at East End Brewing. Register.

Photos courtesy of Renovo Wellness Club.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Wellness Rave: Round 2 at Trace Brewery
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Who says a rave can’t be restorative? If you missed the inaugural Renovo Wellness Rave at Trace Brewing in July, you’re in luck because the event is back with extended hours and even more experiences. Setting up shop inside the Bloomfield brewery as well as outdoors along Clement Way (aka Graffiti Alley), the event presented by the Renovo Wellness Club aims to make “wellness accessible while uplifting the local community.”

Channel your inner hygge in a mobile sauna, brave the ice plunge and dance it off with music by DJ Gustav WAV. Get moving with workouts like HIIT, cardio kickboxing and pilates and relax in front of the fire pits. Unwind with a chair massage and try samples of CBD and mental performance shots. Enlightened Lotus Ayurveda will offer mini consultations and personalized dosha assessments. Tickets.

Northern White-faced Owl. Photo by Elliott Cramer.

Saturday, Oct. 25, & Sunday, Oct. 26: Owl-O-Ween at the National Aviary
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Don your friendliest feathered costume and flock to the Aviary for their signature Owl-O-Ween series. Enjoy a weekend of fall fun as you collect Halloween treats and create owl crafts. Learn all about magnificent owls, from the “spooky foods” they eat to tips for protecting their habitats. Strike a “hoot-iful pose” at the selfie station, play owl trivia games and join the “shake your tail feather” costume dance party. Fly over to Canary’s Call to meet another Halloween icon — bats! Explore incredible bio-facts, join a scavenger hunt and get cozy in the Book Nook. Tickets.

Photo courtesy of SouthSide Works.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Spooktacular Saturday at SouthSide Works
2-8 p.m.
Make the Town Square at the SouthSide Works your Halloween HQ this weekend. It’s not only the spooky season, it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Join Women Who Rock to celebrate Halloween and raise funds for life-saving research. The Great Pink Pumpkin Patch is back and bigger than ever, so select your favorite hot pink gourd and purchase it as a donation to support Magee-Womens Research Institute.

From, 5 to 8 p.m., enjoy a “Ghoul’s Night Out” at the Women Who Rock boutique where you can decorate your pumpkin. shop for exclusive deals and listen to a “Hallo-Queens” playlist featuring iconic female artists and Halloween music. The femme-forward festivities also include themed flash tattoos, permanent jewelry and free popcorn. There’s even more to love about Saturday night at SouthSide Works. From 5 to 9 p.m., the Neighborhood Flea Night Market will fill the streets with more than 50 local vendors. The curated outdoor marketplace includes everything from vintage clothing and decor, repurposed furniture, handmade jewelry, original art, reclaimed wooden wares and local foods. Information.

Saturday, Oct. 25, & Sunday, Oct. 26: Witchburgh at Strip District Terminal & Novo Asian Food Hall.
5-9 p.m. & 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Explore the witchy side of Pittsburgh’s maker community in the historic Strip District Terminal. The Pittsburgh Witch Co. is gathering a creative coven of local creatives and purveyors for a magical evening of spells, potions and mystical fun. It’s the perfect place to get a flash tattoo and score last-minute Halloween gifts, costume accessories and decor. Mingle with local wiccan makers, sit for a Tarot reading, shop for eccentric gifts and lots more. Information.

Bonus: Beforehand on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., don’t miss the free, family-friendly Fall Fest with live music, local vendors and a pet Halloween costume contest. Information.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Halloween Party at Pittsburgh Brewing Company
7-10 p.m.
Brews and boos will flow along the Allegheny on Saturday night. Get into the spirit, quite literally, when Pittsburgh Brewing Co. turns its taproom into a Halloween hub. Arrive in costume and join the festivities filled with fresh brews, live music and plenty of “Halloween vibes.” Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes, so bring your A game. Their full lineup of beers, plus spirits from Iron City Distilling, will be available for purchase throughout the night. Outside food and snacks are welcome. Information.

Photo courtesy of Honcho.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Slice Island Circus Halloween Party at Spirit
8 p.m.-2 a.m.
Spirit’s signature Halloween bash is turning the big 10 this year. Experience two floors of frightful festivities at one of the city’s go-to Halloween destinations. A marquee attraction is Spirit’s highly anticipated costume contest hosted by the Moon Baby, which always promises fabulous prizes. Performances will rock Spirit Hall upstairs spanning alt-country, garage rock and post-punk synth. Circus performances by Traveling Entertainment will activate the night, while DJ collectives will share the gores downstairs in Spirit Lodge. Your fave free pizza will be on hand in The Lodge from 8 to 9 p.m., so don’t be late. Tickets.

Saturday, Oct. 25: Sixth Birthday Halloween Party at Redfishbowl
9 p.m.-1:45 a.m.
Join Redfishbowl to celebrate the art collective’s 6th birthday with a Halloween twist. Offering an “eclectic lineup of live music and dark art,” the event will transform the Redfishbowl studio space at 4327 Butler St. into a haunted happening. Compete for mystery prizes in the costume contest, check out local bands and experience multimedia artwork. Striving to create a “platform for artists to further their careers and connect with the creative community,” Redfishbowl supports a variety of mediums and genres spanning art, music and performance. The Lawrenceville studio also offers space for networking, workshops, studio art, gallery exhibitions, pop-up events and creative services. Costumes are a must, of course. Tickets.

Rendering courtesy of the Rachel Carson EcoVillage.

Sunday, Oct. 26: Informational Session and Site Tour at the Rachel Carson EcoVillage
2-4 p.m.
The wait has been long, but now you can be one of the first to see the first eco-village in Southwestern Pennsylvania. During the informational session, the public is invited to visit the Rachel Carson EcoVillage in McCandless to discover what a multigenerational co-housing neighborhood is like up close. Tour-goers can meet current members, join a tour and learn about opportunities within the homeownership community of 35 private units ranging from studios to four-bedroom residences. Designed to the highest standards of energy conservation, durability and air quality, the inclusive and sustainable community is slated to open in 2026.

Led by project manager Stefani Danes, the event provides participants with the opportunity to walk through the land and see the actual homes being built. Since the first co-housing community was created in California 30 years ago, more than 180 have been established across the country. The tour starts at the Kearns Spirituality Center (9000 Babcock Blvd.), where free parking is available. Register via: RCEIntro@gmail.com or text: 412-576-7720. Information.

11 more things to do this weekend

Thursday, Oct. 23-Saturday, Oct. 25: Pittsburgh Musical Theater presents “Evil Dead the Musical” at the West End Canopy

Thursday, Oct. 23-Sunday, Oct. 26: Living Dead Weekend at Monroeville Mall

Thursday, Oct. 23-Sunday, Oct. 26: Fall Fest at Pittsburgh Playhouse

Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25: Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Saturday, Oct. 25, & Sunday, Oct. 26: ZooBoo and Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Saturday, Oct. 25: Hip-Hop Art Camp at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center

Saturday, Oct. 25: Pumpkin Palooza at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater

Saturday, Oct. 25: Noble Stein Brewing presents Haunt on the Highline at Burghers Brewing and Slyfox

Saturday, Oct. 25: Pittsburgh Sound + Image presents “Essential Pittsburgh: Tippi Comden” at The Glitterbox Theater

Saturday, Oct. 25: Night of the Dead Wax at Hellbender Vinyl

Sunday, Oct. 26: Haunted History Center Halloween at The Sen. John Heinz History Center

For more things to do in October with NEXT, don’t miss our Fall Concert Guide, Halloween Guide and Fall Home and Garden Tours.