The first weekend of October is full of spooky (and regular) fun for all ages. Check out our huge Halloween events guide here, and scroll below to explore some great local events happening this weekend.

Through Oct. 11: Oktoberfest Pittsburgh

Oktoberfest returns for its third year with new and returning attractions, including an actual Ferris Wheel right in the middle of the Clemente Bridge, plus Weiner Dog races and Kinderplay activities for the kiddies. Find the complete schedule here.

Friday, Oct. 2: Little Artists at CLP, 10:30 a.m.–11 a.m.

Head to the Downtown location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh for this free hands-on art event. Children from birth to age 5 and their caregivers will have a chance to experiment with colors, shapes, textures and materials during a hands-on sensory art session at CLP–Downtown. The event is free; dress for a mess.

Courtesy of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Friday, Oct. 2: Teen Choice at CLP Squirrel Hill, 3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.

Teens in grades 6–12 will choose their own creative adventure, from finishing a recent Teen Time project and exploring games and supplies to sharing a favorite skill with friends. The event is free.

Saturday, Oct. 3: Festival of Combustion at the Carrie Blast Furnaces, 3 p.m.–9 p.m. 

Is there anything more Pittsburgh than a party at a blast furnace? Rivers of Steel hosts a celebration of industrial arts and American crafts with hands-on demonstrations, live music and tours. Tickets are $25 for grownups, free for kids.

Courtesy of Rivers of Steel.

Saturday, Oct. 3: Riverview Park Day, 12 p.m.–4 p.m. 

This day of celebration, community and support for one of Pittsburgh’s beloved green spaces is hosted in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh, Friends of Riverview Parks, Northside Leadership Conference and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Riverview Park day is free to all and no registration is required.

Saturday, Oct. 3-Sunday, Oct. 4: Autumnfest at Seven Springs

The ski resorts are not just for winter! At this event, family fun includes live musical entertainment, chairlift rides, the alpine slide, pumpkin patch and the Kids Zone of activities. Admission is free, with fees for food and individual activities. This event runs the following two weekends as well.

Sunday, Oct. 4: Game Show Halloween Bash at the Oaks Theater, 2 p.m.

Join O’Ryan the O’Mazing, Weird Eric and the hilarious Harmon Bros. for an interactive, family-friendly Halloween experience packed with entertainment from start to finish. Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their Halloween costumes and get ready to participate in the games. Tickets are $20, free for ages 2 and younger.

O’Ryan the O’Mazing. Photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Sunday, Oct. 4: Kids Days at Haunted Acres Manor, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. 

The super-scary Haunted Acres Manor offers special afternoon Kids Days with a lights-on, scare-free haunted house walk-through, maze admission, touch-a-trucks, meet and greets with special characters and midway photo-ops. Admission is $15, which includes a craft, a game ticket and special treats. This event also occurs on October 18.

Sunday, Oct. 4: Chess in Mellon Square, 12 p.m.–3 p.m.

Whether you’ve played for years or have always been curious to try, this event is for everyone. Chess players of all skill levels will have a chance to enjoy casual games, beginner-friendly instruction and open play with Queens Gambit instructors and youth leaders. This event is free and no registration is required. This is just part of Pittsburgh Chess Week, find all the info here.

Courtesy of Queens Gambit, which runs community chess programs around the Pittsburgh area.

Sunday, Oct. 4: “An Afternoon in Paris” Silent Film with Live Music at The Frick, 2 p.m.–4 p.m.

One of the best ways to raise well-rounded kids is to share new experiences. Take a step back in time with a silent film and learn about a piece of history. The Frick Pittsburgh will show Ernst Lubitsch’s 1926 silent comedy “So This Is Paris,” accompanied by live music from jazz pianist Tom Roberts and followed by a Q&A. Tickets range from $3 to $20, and the film is rated PG.

If you’re looking for more family activities, news that affects parents and kids, and ways to have a great time in Pittsburgh, sign up for the Kidsburgh newsletter!