The next time Halloween falls on a Saturday will be 2037, so this weekend is straight-up Halloween-themed fun across the region. That doesn’t mean, though, that there aren’t other events and activities for families who want something a little more chill. Check out our weekend guide that kicks off November right here:
Thursday, Oct. 29: Trick-or-Treat at Juniper Village at South Hills, 5–6:30 p.m.
Give those Halloween costumes an early outing while spreading some seasonal cheer. Kids can collect treats throughout the halls of Juniper Village at South Hills, meeting residents and staff along the way. The annual event brings generations together for an evening of costumes, candy and conversation at 1320 Greentree Road. Check here for details.
Thursday, Oct. 29: Bellevue Business Trick-or-Treat, 6 p.m.–8 p.m.
Candy isn’t the only treat waiting along Lincoln Avenue. Dozens of Bellevue businesses will hand out goodies, free books and more. The flat street and closely spaced stops make this all-ages outing especially manageable for toddlers. Find parking in public lots between Hawley and North Sprague avenues, behind Lucky Bites restaurant or at nearby Bayne Park. Find all of the info here.
Courtesy of Jennie Rose Denton/Lamplight Creative
Friday, Oct. 30-Saturday, Oct 31: Dragons “Zip or Treat” Halloween Spooktacular at Dragon’s Den
Halloween gets an adventurous twist inside Dragon’s Den’s historic church in Homestead. Visit on Friday for pumpkin carving from 5–8 p.m. ($10, supplies included) and free trunk-or-treating from 5–9 p.m., with ropes course climbing packages available for $35. On Saturday, kids can tackle the indoor ropes courses in costume and enter a costume contest from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday climbing tickets are $25 for the lower course and $35 for the upper course. Find more info here.
Friday, Oct. 30 and Sunday, Nov. 1: “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1” at Heinz Hall
The full film will be shown on the big screen, with the Pittsburgh Symphony performing the iconic score live. This is a great event for the whole family on this spooky weekend, or for kids who aren’t into trick-or-treat any longer. This show is rated PG-13. Tickets start at $43.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Family Podcasting at SLB Radio, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Turn your family’s stories into a podcast at the SLB Radio Youth Media Center, located inside the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Kids and their grown-ups can try microphones, digital recorders and mixers, while asking questions, swapping memories and recording together. The free activity is recommended for families with children ages 8 and older, and no experience is needed. Find more info here.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Not-So-Spooky Storytime at Penn Hills Library, 10:30 a.m.–11 a.m.
Start Halloween with a little storybook fun before the candy collecting begins. Babies, toddlers and preschoolers can wear their costumes to the Penn Hills Library for gentle Halloween stories, rhymes and songs with their caregivers. The free program is designed for children from birth through age 5, and registration is required. Find more details and register right here.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Mandarin Storytime at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh–Main, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Explore Chinese language and culture through picture books, songs, movement and crafts at this free storytime hosted by Chinese Library for Children. The program is primarily in Mandarin and especially suited to young children who speak, understand or are learning the language, but families of all backgrounds are welcome. Bring your little readers and join in; no registration is required. Find more info here.
Courtesy of Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.
Saturday, Oct. 31: Monster Machinery & Spooky Shape at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh–Brookline, 1 p.m.–2 p.m.
Wiggle like a swamp creature and put those Halloween jitters to work at this creative movement workshop with Attack Theatre. Kids in kindergarten through fifth grade will explore spooky themes through movement and engineering during an energetic afternoon at the library. The program is free. Find more details here.
Sunday, Nov. 1: Pittsburgh Reptile Show & Sale at Pittsburgh Mills Mall, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Trade Halloween’s pretend creepy-crawlies for the real thing at this family-friendly reptile show. Browse snakes, geckos, bearded dragons, frogs and more, with educational tables, photo opportunities and breeders who can answer questions about caring for these animals. Admission is $6 cash or $7 by credit card; children younger than 4 get in free. Enter through the mall’s movie theater entrance. Find all the info here.
Sunday, Nov. 1: Slovak Heritage Festival at the Cathedral of Learning, 12 p.m.–4 p.m.
Spend an afternoon exploring the food, music and traditions of a culture with deep Pittsburgh roots. The 36th annual Slovak Heritage Festival fills the Cathedral of Learning with folk dance performances, traditional music, cultural displays and vendors selling Slovak and Eastern European food and goods. Families can also explore the Czechoslovak Nationality Room and learn about Slovak history. Admission is free. Find more info right here.
Courtesy of the University of Pittsburgh.
Sunday, Nov. 1: Breakin’ for Kids at Los Sabrosos Dance Co., 3 p.m.–4 p.m.
Got a kid who’s always trying out new dance moves? This beginner breaking class gives ages 7–12 a chance to learn the basics, with an instructor breaking each movement into manageable steps. The hour includes a warm-up, breaks and time for questions, with an emphasis on building confidence while learning something new. A single class costs $20, with discounts on packages of classes. Find more details here.
Before you go, head into November with all the details and info families need to know. Sign up for the Kidsburgh newsletter right here.
