What’s going on in Pittsburgh this weekend, Oct. 30-Nov. 2? Find out here. Know of a cool event? Email us.
Thursday, Oct. 30: Spark STEM Gala at The Fairmont Hotel Pittsburgh
5:30 p.m.
Experience cutting-edge technologies while supporting digital literacy for our region’s underserved communities. You’re invited to help spark innovation at STEM Coding Lab’s inaugural benefit bash. Dubbed the Spark STEM Gala, the night kicks off with a Tech Exhibition Cocktail Hour, where attendees can meet CMU’s Booster T1 humanoid robot and the Boston Dynamics robotic dog, see a robotic arm and explore virtual reality. Play high-tech carnival games designed by students, watch interactive demonstrations and meet the 2025 Tech Arcade Champion Award winners.
Savor a three-course dinner, bid on your favorite for games in the live auction and hear a keynote talk by Illah Nourbakhsh. The first-of-its-kind event also includes fireside chats with educational leaders and never-before-seen footage showcasing STEM Coding Lab’s impact. Since its inception in 2017, the Pittsburgh nonprofit has provided 4,200 students, especially from Allegheny County communities in need, with core digital literacy skills. Tickets.
Photo by Paul Selvaggio courtesy of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.
Thursday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Nov. 2: Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
Various times
You have four more days to experience the spooky — and creative — side of the zoo. Stroll amidst 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins illuminating a crisp fall night as you explore The Islands and Jungle Odyssey. The walk-through gallery of gourds features a brand-new array of beloved zoo animals, iconic sights and beloved characters you’ll certainly recognize. Keep your eyes peeled for the themed areas with special Pittsburgh connections and the show-stopping pumpkin trail finale dubbed the Living Wall. The premier family-friendly nighttime event is enhanced by immersive sound, light and special effects. In addition to pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and designs, the Extravaganza features activities for children, “gently spooky seasonal displays” and specialty fall food items. Tickets.
Thursday, Oct. 30: Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Horror Project Awards Show at the Rangos Giant Cinema
6:30-10:45 p.m.
Take a seat in Pittsburgh’s most technologically advanced movie theater to experience the scary side of the Pittsburgh 48 Hour Film Project. Imagine if you had only one weekend (48 hours!) to make a movie — and it had to be a horror film? Find out who conquered this epic challenge and be among the first to see the premiere screenings when Pittsburgh area filmmakers show their works to the public for the first time and compete in the project’s culminating competition. Watch more than seven locally made short films, mingle with the award-winning creative teams and see who nabs this year’s awards. Tickets.
“Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show.” Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh CLO.
Thursday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Nov. 2: “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show” at the Greer Cabaret Theater
Various times
Join the Pittsburgh CLO to celebrate the 50th anniversary of one of pop culture’s most beloved musicals. Experience a “wild ride through sci-fi, seduction and rock ‘n’ roll rebellion” and do the Time Warp (again!) when fellow Riff Raff and Magenta devotees descend on the Cultural District. Whether you’re Team Janet or Team Brad — or are a “Rocky Horror virgin” — you can’t miss this energizing night of musical mayhem.
Directed by Mark Fleischer, the campy production features Alexander E. Podolinski as Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter and choreography by Mara Newbery Greer. The show’s music director is Robert Neumeyer. On Nov. 1 (and next weekend, Nov. 8), don’t miss NEXTpittsburgh’s own Boaz Frankel as the show’s special guest narrator. Add some glam and glitz to your Sunday with the pre-show drag brunch at 1 p.m. Hosted by Pittsburgh’s own Dixie Surewood and Chi Chi de Vivre, this fab fest features live drag performances, trivia and exclusive giveaways. Tickets are going fast so don’t delay.
“Nosferatu.” Film still courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Thursday, Oct. 30: “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” with live score by Tom Roberts at the Harris Theater
8 p.m.
What better way to usher in Halloween weekend than with the macabre vampire who gave birth to gothic horror cinema? Experience the 1922 black-and-white film by world-renowned director F.W. Murnau like never before. Renowned pianist Tom Roberts will perform a live score to accompany this classic work of German cinema and storytelling. A Pittsburgh native, Roberts is one of today’s leading scholars of early jazz piano. He has performed on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,” was pianist for Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks in New York City and was musical director for Leon Redbone. If you dare, follow Thomas Hutter to Count Orlok’s castle in remote Transylvania and be prepared to “witness a nightmare come to life in the shape of a vampire.” What mayhem will ensue when the count develops a “craving” for Hutter’s wife?! Buy tickets to find out.
Interactive Ofrenda Experience at the Greer Cabaret Theater. Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
Friday, Oct. 31-Sunday, Nov. 2: Día de los Muertos Cultural Celebration in the Cultural District
Various times
Celebrate this weekend’s Día de los Muertos holiday with special family activities in the Cultural District. Honor deceased loved ones with the interactive ofrenda experience in the Kara Family Lobby at the Greer Cabaret Theater. Participate in the community ofrenda (altar) by contributing personal mementos, such as photos, flowers, special objects, written reflections, to the altar. Each contribution helps keeps the spirits of loved ones alive in this celebration of life and remembrance.
Learn about the significance of Día de los Muertos ofrendas, traditionally created in homes or public spaces in Mexico for reflection and remembrance. On Nov. 1 at 1 p.m., head to the Harris Theater for a ticketed screening of the award-winning Pixar/Disney animated film, “Coco,” which is inspired by the Mexican holiday. Kids 12 and under are admitted free. Information.
Friday, Oct. 31-Sunday, Nov. 2: Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s “Dracula” at the Benedum Center
7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Get set to exclaim “I vant to suck your blood!” when Count Dracula makes his tantalizing return to the Benedum just in time for Halloween. After its successful debut in 2023, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre is reviving history’s most iconic vampire. You have only four creepy chances to catch the riveting production blending passion, peril, romance and terror. Based on Bram Stoker’s iconic horror tale, the spellbinding ballet was created by British choreographer, director, dancer and theater producer Michael Pink. Watch from the edge of your seat as you experience a dance drama filled with exciting choreography, rich storytelling, ornate costumes, theatrical sets and haunting special effects. Opening on Halloween night, the gripping drama is augmented by a Philip Feeney’s original score. Tickets.
Saturday, Nov. 1: Halloween Lives Crafts and Drafts at East End Brewing Co.
12-4 p.m.
After hosting successful annual holiday and Valentine’s Day craft fairs, Alternate Histories is debuting its newest event with a Halloween twist. Showcasing the spooky, witchy and cosmic side of local makers, the free event features 11 eclectic vendors. Transforming East End’s Larimer Brewpub into a macabre marketplace, the event will include everything from Halloween gifts, linocut block prints and pet paintings to crotchet accessories, whimsical jewelry, home decor and lots more. Featured vendors include Drunk Dino Designs, Gertie’s Attic, Death’s Head Divination, Heart Beet Herbals, Evil Toaster and others. DJ StrawberryBloodbath provides the Halloween soundtrack and East End Boooing will serve up yummy bites. Information.
Saturday, Nov. 1: Iron Smelt at Studebaker Metals
2 p.m.
Head to the Strip to heat up your Saturday, when Studebaker Metal hosts its first-ever Iron Smelt. Transforming its HQ at 3103 Smallman St. into a fiery fall fest, the free event features hot and cold forging demonstrations, flash tattoos, crafts for kids and more. There will be free brews and cocktails, and Badamo’s Pizza & Brassero Grill will be on-site making food. When the sun goes down, be there to see the culminating “big blaze and smash show.” Be sure to participate in the event’s raffle so you can try to win $1,000 worth of credit with the metalsmithing company. Information.
Quantum Theatre’s “Enron.” Photo by Jason Snyder.
Saturday, Nov. 1, & Sunday, Nov. 2: Quantum Theatre’s “Enron” at One Oxford Centre
7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m.
Have you ever attended a play inside a skyscraper? Our guess would be no. Known for staging provocative theater everywhere but on stages, Quantum is back with another timely and tropical production. Called a “high-octane look into the glittering free fall of American capitalism” and a “biting satire of suits and spreadsheets,” the play dramatizes the real-life financial scandal that broke in 2001. Staged 45 stories above the city in the sleek and silver Oxford Centre tower, “Enron” fuses political satire, immersive multimedia and inventive staging and choreography by Attack Theatre. Transporting audiences back to the dot-com decade of the 1990s, this production offers “a wild ride with characters from corporate infamy,” including Jeff Skilling, Andy Fastow and Ken Lay.
Written by British playwright and producer Lucy Prebble — a three-time Emmy-winner for her work on “Succession,” the work explores power, deceit, money and lust. Directing Quantum’s cast of 14 is Kyle Haden, senior associate head of CMU’s school of drama. Patrons are invited to book a special preshow dinner at the Rivers Club featuring a menu created exclusively for this show. Tickets.
Marigold 5K Run. Photo courtesy of the Latino Community Center.
Sunday, Nov. 2: Marigold 5K Run in North Park
9 a.m.
Lace up to to support the Latino Community Center, get active and celebrate Día de los Muertos. Designed to be a “vibrant tribute filled with music, color and community,” the event benefits the Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that provides vital educational resources, services and programs that empower and uplift Latino communities in Allegheny County. New this year is the addition of a 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk. After the race, everyone is invited to stay for live music, a taco truck and family activities. The race starts at 10301 Pearce Mill Road in North Park. Register.
Sunday, Nov. 2: Slovak Heritage Festival at the Cathedral of Learning
12-4 p.m.
Did you know that the Pittsburgh region has the most residents with Slovakian heritage outside of Slovakia? All are invited to one of the city’s most well-known landmarks for this 35th annual event festival. Held in the Commons Room of the Cathedral of Learning, the dynamic day highlights Slovak and Eastern European culture, traditions, language and history. Sample authentic cuisine, such as klobasa, halushki, pirohy and pastries. See cultural displays, watch engaging folk dance performances and shop from craft vendors. The free event on the first floor of the Oakland landmark also includes lectures and live music. Street parking in Oakland is free on Sundays. Information.
10 more things to do this weekend
Thursday, Oct. 30: The Cloven Hoof at Lo Places Social Club
Thursday, Oct. 30: “Brim Broome Boulevard” Film Screening + Halloween Eve Party at the Mattress Factory
Friday, Oct. 31 & Saturday, Nov. 1: Punk Rock Halloween and Day of the Dead Ghost Dance at Get Hip
Friday, Oct. 31: Masquerade Party at The Government Center
Friday, Oct. 31 & Saturday, Nov. 1: Halloween/Día de los Muertos Celebration in the Rebel Room at The Industrialist Hotel
Saturday, Nov. 1: The Foundation Fighting Blindness Pittsburgh VisionWalk at Acrisure Stadium
Saturday, Nov. 1: The Great Pumpkin Smash at the Kamin Science Center
Saturday, Nov. 1: Ghoul’s Night Out: A Halloween Drag Bingo at the Dormont Recreation Center
Saturday, Nov. 1: Title Town Soul & Funk Party’s Halloween Hangover at Spirit
Sunday, Nov. 2: La Escuelita Arcoiris presents a free Día de Muertos Celebration in Squirrel Hill
For more things to do this fall with NEXT, don’t miss our Fall Concert Guide, Halloween Guide and Fall Home and Garden Tours.