Whether you’re already testing holiday recipes, perfecting your charcuterie board game — or you plan to curl up with a good book after we “fall back” — November is a terrific time of year to experience the magic of the changing seasons across Western Pennsylvania. We’re highlighting 11 must-do events and ways to explore the Burgh, from signature fall festivals and dynamic cultural offerings to early holiday attractions. Don’t forget to get outdoors during those crisp autumn afternoons.
Find more things to do around the city in our comprehensive Weekend Event Guides. Don’t miss our Fall Concert Guide for details about music festivals and shows on the horizon, and follow our NEXT in the Gallery series for a close look at art happenings around the region.
Note: For outdoor events, please check each event’s social media pages and websites for updates about weather-related cancellations and postponements.
1. Samhain at the Carrie Blast Furnaces: Nov. 1, 3-9 p.m.
As you carve those spooky jack-o-lanterns, make the party rounds in costume and collect sweets — did you ever stop to think about the history behind everyone’s favorite fall holiday? Sunday is the perfect day to explore the ancient Celtic festival and cultural roots that helped to shape modern-day Halloween as we know it. Marking the midpoint between the Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice, Samhain (pronounced “sow-win”) is observed at the end of the harvest season to welcome the darker half of the year. Set against the dramatic landmark along the Mon, the one-night-only experience invites audiences to “step through the veil into a post-industrial otherworld rife with steampunk ghouls, púca creatures and elemental spirits finding form.”
Fusing history, creativity and communal belonging, the immersive night will reimagine the Celtic festival by bringing ancient traditions to life. Cap off your Halloweekend revelry with expansive ritual art, music and dance performances by Devilish Merry, Denizen and the Coleman Brothers, and local food and drink. Not to miss is the night’s “spine tingling, moon-howling, feet-pulsing, bonfire dance party” set to music by DJ Global FM. Offering autumnal activations for all ages, the event invites Pittsburghers to actively participate in the traditions and themes of Samhain together. The fourth installment of the collaborative Celtic Fire Festival Series produced by the Pittsburgh Irish Festival/Irish Partnership of Pittsburgh and Anam Arts follows celebrations exploring Imbolc, Bealtaine and Lúnasa. Tickets.
2. Three Rivers Film Festival at the Harris Theater, Lindsay Theater and Row House Hollywood: Nov. 4-15
Twelve jurors sequestered in a hotel deciding a controversial case about personhood. A hen’s escape from a chicken farm. A young Romanian housekeeper who joins an amateur theater troupe in Bordeaux. A chaotic wellness retreat in the tranquil Hudson Valley. These are just some of the compelling stories coming to the big screen during the 44th annual Three Rivers Film Festival. Presented by Film Pittsburgh, this year’s festival showcases 28 features and 120 shorts in-person and online, including world premieres and buzz-worthy releases being picked up for distribution ahead of award season. The dynamic lineup is augmented by panels, parties and special events. Not to miss is a behind-the-scenes look at the phenomenon of American Girl dolls featuring never-before-seen footage. Trans filmmaker Ro Haber presents a liberating portrait of Pat, the 1990s pop culture character made famous on “Saturday Night Live” by Julia Sweeney. Additional films will explore what it means to be “alien-pregnant,” the complicated Rashomon effect and the life of actor Sylvester Stallone.
Local cinephiles and music fans alike have a lot to be excited about because 3RFF kicks off with the world premiere of “Louder Than the Odds: The Mr. Small’s Story,” a long-awaited documentary about the family-owned music venue founded by Rusted Root’s Liz Berlin and pro skater Mike Speranzo. Opening night includes an after-party at The Sanctuary. The beloved Chiller Theater program returns to debut indie horror shorts while a new feature dubbed Shorts N’At spotlights documentaries made locally. Beyond the screen, 3RFF provides invaluable opportunities for artists through the sixth annual Script Competition and Filmmaker Conference. New this year is a free immersive exhibit in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University’s SONA Festival and the inclusion of open captions for all feature films. Schedule and tickets.
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer.
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer.
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer.
Photo courtesy of the Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer.
3. Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center: Nov. 6 & 7, 5:30-9:30 p.m. & 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Everyone seems to be chasing a retro vibe these days, and here in Western PA, the ultimate place to add a throwback to your home, your world and your wardrobe is at the one-of-a-kind Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer. Back in action for its 14th year, Pittsburgh’s largest vintage fair and antiques market will feature more than 100 vendors selling goods you won’t find elsewhere. Always wanted a kitschy aluminum Christmas tree? Need a polyester frock for all those holiday parties? Looking for the perfect MCM sideboard to complete your living room? This one-stop shop gathers the area’s top sellers of authentic vintage furniture, fashion, home goods, décor, vinyl records and memorabilia, so you don’t have to traipse all around the region searching for estate sales and antique malls.
Beyond nostalgia, the event also fosters reuse, sustainability and the spirit of giving well-made and well-loved products a new home. Hate crowds? Get first dibs on the fab finds at the exclusive Night Owl VIP shopping event with bar access on Friday night (advance tickets required). Tickets.
“The Ark” (2026). Film still courtesy of the HUMP! Film Festival.
4. HUMP! Fall Film Festival at The Parkway Theater and Film Lounge, Nov. 6 & 7, 6:30-9 p.m.
With titles like “Backroom Cowboy,” “Naughty Patient,” “Forest Freak” and “Purtian Pastures” — it can only mean one thing: the HUMP! Film Festival is back, baby. Sex-positive storytelling comes to the big screen for just two nights in McKees Rocks and you won’t be able to avert your eyes. Founded in 2005 by sex advice columnist, author and LGBTQ community activist Dan Savage, HUMP! is a one-of-a-kind independent film festival exploring the intersection of “intimacy, humor and art.” Riding back into town with 24 new short films, the amateur erotica festival is a one-of-kind cinematic celebration of sex, love, kink, humor, fantasy and human creativity. The repertoire showcases all body shapes, ages, colors, sexualities, genders, kinks and fetishes. HUMP is all about championing diversity, communal joy and boundary-pushing cinema. What began 20-some years ago as an informal call for Seattleites to anonymously submit homemade sex tapes has become an empowering festival that now tours the globe. These “erotic films by real people for real people” are sure to spark conversations afterward over drinks. Tickets.
Photos courtesy of I Made It! Market.
5. I Made It! for the Holidays at The Block Northway and The Galleria of Mt Lebanon: Nov. 7 & 21, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
It’s never too early to start thinking about holiday shopping, amirite?! Whether you dread it or embrace it, if you’re looking for ways to take the stress — and the monotony — out of the annual process, one of Pittsburgh’s premier craft markets is here to help. Offering not one, but two terrific ways to shop local in November, Pittsburgh’s nomadic craft market is celebrating nearly two decades with a tour of the burbs. On Nov. 7, kickstart your holiday shopping early at The Block Northway, where 110 makers and micro-businesses will fill two floors of the mall. Find everything from handmade goods and gifts, small-batch foods and baked items, local libations and artwork, plus food and coffee trucks on-site.
On Nov. 21, skip Amazon and the big box mediocrity, and instead, head south to The Galleria of Mt. Lebanon to make a big dent in that ever-expanding shopping list. Conveniently setting up shop throughout one accessible floor in the South Hills space, the curated market showcases 80 local artisans, food vendors, distillers and bakers. Both events are free, family-friendly and offer free parking. Information.
Photo courtesy of P3R.
Photo courtesy of P3R.
6. EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler & 10K starting near PNC Park: Nov. 8
After a summer characterized by heat domes, wildfire smoke and heavy downpours, the crispness of November will provide the perfect motivation for Pittsburgh’s premier fall road race. Driving across Pittsburgh’s iconic bridges provides scenic views, but have you ever longed to actually cross them by foot? Lace up and join a record-breaking number of participants — more than of 6,500 runners from 31 states and three countries — to “experience the energy, beauty and spirit of Pittsburgh.” Runners and walkers of all skill levels can do it with a pace that fits. If our region can claim its very own “tour de Burgh,” this quintessential running tradition is it. Boasting scenic routes with unparalleled race views, the outdoor spectacle appeals to participants and spectators alike.
Kicking off near Station Square, the 10-mile course crosses three of Pittsburgh’s iconic yellow bridges and travels through distinct neighborhoods of the West End, North Side and Strip District. The 10K course starts on the North Shore near PNC Park. Rousing cheer zones with 20 DJs and musical acts and inspiring scenery keep participants pumped up. Both routes culminate by sharing the same dramatic finish line in Downtown Pittsburgh. Runners ages 5 to 84 will take part, with 20 elite athletes competing to win their share of the $11,000 prize purse. Returning in 2026, the 10K Walking Division keeps the event accessible for participants of all abilities. Register.
2026 AFRICANISM Gala featured fashion designer, Korto Momolu and one of her runway looks. Photos courtesy of FashionAFRICANA.
7. AFRICANISM Gala and Salon at Acrisure Stadium & Ice House Studios: Nov. 12-13
It’s a momentous year for FashionAFRICANA, and you’re invited to join the haute couture celebration. Fusing fashion, art and culture, one of Pittsburgh’s leading style soirees is expanding to include two days of interdisciplinary programming. Marking the organization’s milestone 25th anniversary, the special weekend-long festivities kick off with the fourth annual AFRICANISM Gala at Acrisure Stadium’s 1933 Club. The elegant evening will feature a presentation by acclaimed Project Runway designer Korto Momolu, an interactive lip bar experience presented by beauty brand Fashion Fair and a unique styling activation featuring renowned designer Kiya Tomlin. Along with a special tribute to the late actor and Pittsburgh native Bill Nunn III, the event also includes art installations, an auction and a live kora performance by Amadou Kouyaté.
The fashionista festivities continue on Friday when FashionAFRICANA opens its doors at Ice House Studios for the Beyond the Runway event. The intimate salon-style gathering will feature conversations exploring fashion, identity, beauty and the power of storytelling. Serving as a platform for dialogue and cultural exchange among African and diasporic creatives, the salon will also showcase a curated designer marketplace featuring Momolu and Tomlin. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the AFRICANA Initiative and the Bill Nunn Legacy Fund, supporting arts education, creative opportunities for youth and the preservation of the actor’s legacy. Tickets.
8. Lawrenceville Cat Crawl starting at Iron City Boulders: Nov. 14, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
You’ve likely joined one of Pittsburgh’s many pub crawls and art crawls, but did you know the city has also hosted a pierogi crawl, a vintage crawl, a ramp crawl and even a cryptid critter crawl?! Finally, Pittsburgh’s cat lovers have their very own crawl to add to this list. Enjoy a purrfect Saturday in one of Pittsburgh’s most eclectic neighborhoods during what’s being called a first-of-its-kind event for Lawrenceville.
Join fellow 412 feline fans at Iron City Boulders to meet the friendly folks behind Conquer the Colony, check out items from the Pittsburgh Paw Project and enjoy coffee from Love Birds. Then at noon, head out with all the cool cats on a “winding route through the neighborhood” to meet a caboodle of furry friends. With crawl stops at Lawrenceville Pet Supply, Ivy’s Ice Cream Pawlor and Kinship Gift, you can stock up on treats, essentials and kitty-themed products along the way. After the tour, stop by Black Cat Tattoos for a special feline flash tat (by appointment). Attendees are encouraged to donate $5 to support the mission of the women-run nonprofit cat rescue Conquer the Colony. Information.
9. An Enchanted Winter’s Eve at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens: Nov. 19, 6:30 p.m.
Step into a Victorian glass palace to get an exclusive first look at one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic holiday attractions. Be transported to a winter wonderland filled with enchanting floral displays, seasonal splendor and thousands of scintillating energy-efficient LEDs. The holidays officially begin in the Burgh when Phipps unveils its captivating Winter Flower Show and Light Garden, and now you have the rare opportunity to help start all the magic in grand style.
This year’s botanical brilliance theme celebrates the “beauty of plants through sparkling metallics, rich jewel tones and imaginative topiary displays” — all set against the historic landmark backdrop. Watch interactive magic tricks performed by Doug Wonder and be surrounded by poinsettias, amaryllis and narcissus, seasonal hues, gilded foliage and luminous sculptures. Sway to the sounds of holiday tunes, timeless melodies and orchestral compositions performed by the Olde Towne Carolers, Huldra Quartet and Three Rivers Ringers.
Be dazzled by brand new winter show features, from 130 feet of glistening magnolia garland and a 12.5-foot-tall anthurium tree to motion-activated animal topiaries skating on a frozen pond. Look for whimsical holiday trees decorated with everything from ugly sweaters to gnomes with watering cans to seed packets. Wander under the stars through the iconic Outdoor Garden to be immersed in color-changing snowflake trees, mesmerizing orbs, a glowing gazebo, shimmering string lights and more. The Phipps Holiday Magic Winter Flower Show is open Nov. 20 through Jan. 10, 2027. Tickets.
10. Highmark Light Up Night in Downtown Pittsburgh: Nov. 21
Even though we’re still making last-minute adjustments to our Halloween costumes, sipping cider and painting pumpkins, the industrious elves are busy transforming Downtown Pittsburgh into a soon-to-be winter wonderland. Which means it’s almost time to turn on the holiday glow throughout the Golden Triangle. Illuminating the city, Light Up Night presents seasonal offerings for revelers of all ages, even humbugs — from time-honored traditions to exciting new attractions. Looking back, Pittsburgh’s inaugural Light Up Night was held in 1960, reported to be the first in the country. Looking forward, on Nov. 5, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership will unveil details for the event’s 65th anniversary celebration. We love the mix of dramatic tree lightings, live music and fireworks along with new activations and the chance to support Downtown retailers and restaurants.
A holiday favorite for 16 years, the Peoples Gas Holiday Market will fill charming alpine chalets with global gifts from Nov. 20 through Dec. 24. Key Light Up Night attractions include the whimsical gingerbread house competition displayed in the lobby of the Pittsburgh City-County Building. The night is not complete without a visit to the colossal Pittsburgh Crèche — the only authorized replica of the nativity featured in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Lace up to glide around The UPMC Rink at PPG Place showcasing a show-stopping 60-foot-tall tree festooned with shimmering energy-efficient LED lights. Opening for the season on Nov. 13, Pittsburgh’s one-of-a-kind, outdoor ice skating rink is 67% larger than the one at Rockefeller Center. Keep reading NEXT for complete Light Up Nigh details coming soon. Information.
Suite Life 2026 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Collage by Mingsi Ma.
11. Suite Life: A Celebration of Billy Strayhorn & Gene Kelly at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater: Nov. 28, 6-9 p.m.
Pittsburgh’s most musical Thanksgiving tradition is back with fresh new grooves to carry us into the holiday season. On this jubilant November night, the historic East Liberty venue celebrates its renowned namesakes with a 21st-century take on beloved standards. In the city and the venue that once inspired two of the Burgh’s “greatest cultural visionaries” — Billy Strayhorn and Gene Kelly — the event also provides a platform for prolific young artists and the next generation of rising stars. This year, the concert spotlights musical direction by acclaimed Pittsburgh-based saxophonist Yoko Suzuki, who will be joined by an all-star band featuring Carolyn Perteete (vocals), Cliff Barnes (organ), Mark Strickland (guitar) and James Johnson III (drums). Directed by Monteze Freeland, this year’s production also features youth artists from Alumni Theater Company. Add some music to your Thanksgiving weekend through dance, live music, singing and original spoken word reimagining timeless favorites. New this year, the VIP Soundcheck Reception will debut the inaugural Suite Life Paradigm Awards. Tickets are offered at a Pay What Moves You scale.
Even more events not to miss in November
56th Annual Pitt Jazz Seminar and Concert in Oakland: Nov. 2-7
Pittsburgh Pet Expo at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center: Nov. 6-8
Holiday Lights at Kennywood: Nov. 13-Jan. 3, 2027
CRAFTED: Home for the Holidays at Contemporary Craft: Nov. 20
A Drag Queen Christmas at the Byham Theater: Nov. 24
YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Turkey Trot on the North Shore: Nov. 26
Zoo Lights Drive-Thru at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium: Nov. 27-Jan. 3, 2027
Winter Wonderlights at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden: Nov. 27-Jan. 2, 2027.