{"id":297537,"date":"2026-10-01T10:58:09","date_gmt":"2026-10-01T10:58:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/297537\/"},"modified":"2026-10-01T10:58:09","modified_gmt":"2026-10-01T10:58:09","slug":"19-october-events-for-pittsburgh-families-fall-fun-opportunities-for-learning-and-much-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/297537\/","title":{"rendered":"19 October events for Pittsburgh families: fall fun, opportunities for learning, and much more!"},"content":{"rendered":"

October is always a busy month in and around Pittsburgh, thanks to our great selection of fall festivals and farms for pumpkin picking and other activities. Whether you\u2019re looking to spend a whole day or just stop by to grab a few pumpkins, there are lots of options. We\u2019ve also got a great lineup of museum and library events this month. Plan your October right here:<\/p>\n

Through Nov. 1: Fall Festival at Irons Mill Farmstead<\/p>\n

This is one of the region\u2019s largest fall festivals. Explore more than 40 attractions, including a Dolly Parton-themed corn maze (that was planned well before her passing), plus pumpkin picking, hayrides, farm games and fall treats. Day passes<\/a> are $16\u2013$27; kids 2 and younger and adults 80 and older are free.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/a>Photo by Meg St-Esprit.<\/p>\n

Through Nov. 1: Fall Festival at Soergel Orchards<\/p>\n

Pick apples, pumpkins and flowers, take a tractor ride and enjoy games, seasonal food, cider doughnuts and drinks from Arsenal Cider. The festival runs 10 a.m.\u20135 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.\u20135 p.m. Sundays. Admission<\/a> is free; activities and produce are priced separately.<\/p>\n

Oct. 1-11: Oktoberfest Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Oktoberfest returns for its third year with new and returning attractions, including the Ferris Wheel on the Clemente Bridge, Weiner Dog Races and Kinderplay activities for the kiddies. Find the complete schedule here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Oct. 2-Nov. 1: Jack O\u2019Lantern Extravaganza, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium<\/p>\n

This family-friendly night-time event is the perfect combination of fun, the spirit of autumn and artistry. Over 3,500 hand-carved pumpkins offer a dazzling walk-through display. Tickets<\/a> are $24-$26 for grownups, $18-$20 for ages 2-13.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/a>Photo by Meg St-Esprit.<\/p>\n

Oct. 3: Festival of Combustion at the Carrie Blast Furnaces<\/p>\n

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<\/a> are $25 for grownups, free for kids.<\/p>\n

Oct. 3: Riverview Park Day, Riverview Park Activities Building<\/p>\n

This day of celebration<\/a>, community and support for one of Pittsburgh\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

Oct. 3-4, 10-11, 17-18: Autumnfest at Seven Springs<\/p>\n

Seven Springs is not just for winter fun! While their ski school is great, don\u2019t miss checking out the resort in warmer months, too. Family fun this fall includes live musical entertainment, chairlift rides, the alpine slide, pumpkin patch and the Kids Zone of activities. Admission<\/a> is free, with fees for individual activities.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/a>Courtesy of Seven Springs\/Vail Resorts.<\/p>\n

Oct. 9-11: Fort Ligonier Days<\/p>\n

There is so much local history in and around Pittsburgh. In the Laurel Highlands, this three-day event features historic Battle of Fort Ligonier reenactments, crafts, food, local spirits, live music and a grand parade. Admission is free, with food and goods available for purchase. See the weekend schedule here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Oct. 10: The Last Splash\u00a0<\/p>\n

Riverlife\u2019s Shore Thing floating barge platform will welcome visitors from noon to 5 p.m. for live music and DJ sets, large-scale puppet-making, a tote bag upcycling workshop and more family-friendly activities. Visitors will be invited to try on and animate a collection of large-scale puppets and even create river creatures of their own. Details here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/a>Photo courtesy of Riverlife PGH.<\/p>\n

Oct. 16-18: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at PPG Arena<\/p>\n

The Greatest Show on Earth combines jaw-dropping moments, world-class performances and incredible sights, carrying the legacy of the classic circus that has toured the globe for over 100 years. Tickets<\/a> start at $15 over three days of shows.<\/p>\n

Oct. 17: The Frick Pittsburgh present What Do You See? at CLP <\/p>\n

Kids in grades K\u20135 will have a chance to explore color, line, shape and texture through guided observation and storytelling at the Main (Oakland) branch of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. The program<\/a> runs from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m and is free for all.<\/p>\n

Oct. 17: Punkin Chunkin at Hartwood Acres Amphitheater<\/p>\n

Join the Allegheny County Parks Department and SHARP Robotics from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to watch as pumpkins are launched across the amphitheater field at Hartwood Acres Park by a full-size trebuchet. This event is free and open to all ages, with fun and games for the whole family, even furry friends! (Bring pups in their best costumes to celebrate Howl-o-Ween at the free Bark or Treat event, noon to 2 p.m. at the Hartwood Acres dog park, next to the amphitheater. Expect treats, tricks and tennis balls.) Registration is recommended for Punkin Chunkin<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Bark or Treat<\/a> to ensure there are enough supplies.<\/p>\n

Oct. 20: Mr. McSlithers at CLP \u00a0Allegheny<\/p>\n

At this open-to-all event, Allegheny County Park Rangers \u00a0will introduce children in grades K\u20135 to Mr. McSlithers, an Eastern black rat snake and the city\u2019s most famous traveling reptile. Learn about his habitat, diet, daily life and unique adaptations during an up-close encounter from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. This event<\/a> is free.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/a>Mr. McSlithers is one of the animal ambassadors that works with Allegheny County Parks rangers.<\/p>\n

Oct. 21: Halloween Paint Your Own Pottery at North Boroughs Clay Club<\/p>\n

This newcomer to the Pittsburgh art scene is located in Bellevue. This event is for kids and adults, and guests are invited to bring their own snacks and drinks. Choose and decorate a Halloween-themed pottery piece and come pick up your finished work at a later date. The $25 fee includes one piece, painting supplies, glazing and firing. Register<\/a> here for the 6\u20138 p.m. event.<\/p>\n

Oct. 22-25: Campfire Ghost Stories at Allegheny County Parks<\/p>\n

Fall nights and the spooky season set the scene for family-friendly ghost stories <\/a>and songs by the glow of a roaring campfire. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Head to North Park, Settlers Cabin Park, Boyce Park or Harrison Hills Park. No registration is required.<\/p>\n

Oct. 24: SkyWatch: Life on Moons at the Kamin Science Center<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got a kid that is curious about the sky, this is the perfect event for them. Gaze upon the wonders of the cosmos with astronomy experts in an exciting one-on-one experience. SkyWatch features a cutting-edge planetarium, private observatory deck and professional telescopes. Registration<\/a> is $12<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"<\/a>Courtesy of Kamin Science Center.<\/p>\n

Oct. 25: Trunk or Treat at Hartwood Acres<\/p>\n

At this free all-ages event, kids are invited to wear costumes and collect candy from decorated vehicles during Allegheny County\u2019s annual Halloween car cruise at the Hartwood Acres Amphitheater. The free event runs from 2\u20134 p.m.; registration is not required for trick-or-treaters. Find event details, including how to host a trunk and pass out candy, here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Oct. 29: Bloomfield Halloween Parade<\/p>\n

See some of the region\u2019s best high school marching bands march in costume alongside \u00a0costumed characters and decorated floats that take over Bloomfield for this nearly 60-year-old neighborhood tradition. The free nighttime parade steps off at 7:30 p.m. Find info here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Oct. 31: Not-So-Spooky Storytime at Penn Hills Library<\/p>\n

Little ones can wear costumes and enjoy gentle Halloween stories, rhymes and songs. The free 10:30\u201311 a.m. program is designed for children from birth to age 5 and their caregivers; registration<\/a> is required.<\/p>\n

Head into fall with all the info you need to know as a parent in Pittsburgh. Sign up for the Kidsburgh newsletter<\/a> and follow us on Instagram<\/a>. It\u2019s the best way to get news parents need in the city and beyond!\u00a0<\/p>\n

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