austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

City Cast Pittsburgh

Find the best that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Boen Wang

Celebrate the diverse cultures, cuisines, and history of Hispanic and Latino communities in the U.S. during 

Why mid-September to mid-October? Because many Latin American countries from Mexico to Chile 

 call Pittsburgh home. They've formed advocacy groups, started restaurants and businesses, established cultural centers, and made countless other contributions to this city. As 

, it’s more important than ever to recognize that Hispanic and Latino people have always been here — even before the founding of the U.S. — and will continue to call this country home.

Here’s what to do, where to eat, and ways to support Pittsburgh’s Hispanic community:

Desperate Hope: Migration Through The Darién Gap in Panamá

Sept. 21, Latin American Cultural Center. $10

Photojournalist Federico Ríos Escobar will discuss his new photo book 

 that tells stories from Darién Gap — a treacherous stretch of dense jungle that straddles Colombia and Panamá, which many migrants cross en route to the U.S.

Sept. 23, Heinz History Center. Museum admission required

Kids under five can sing songs, listen to stories, and make crafts at this family-friendly event. Led by Casa San José’s Israel Centeno, up to three children can attend (and explore the rest of the museum) for free with adult general admission. Pro tip: 

Together We Are More: Many Roots, One Community

Sept. 24, Benedum Hall. Free with registration.

Pitt Law professor Sheila Vélez Martínez will give an on-campus lecture as part of the University’s Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.

Sept. 26, Andy Warhol Museum. Museum admission required.

A full day of festivities starts at 11 a.m. with Spanish-language tours of the galleries, flamenco dancing, a drag performance, and the opportunity to make your own pop art-style screen prints. Double pro tip: 

Oct. 10, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh - Main. Free.

My incredibly talented friend, Pitt MFA classmate, and groomsman Jared Lemus is returning to the proverbial ‘Burgh to discuss his excellent debut short story collection 

(buy a copy and get him to sign it!). He’ll also discuss his upcoming novel 

, which you can preorder now (I already did!).

Pittsburgh Riverhounds | Hispanic Heritage Night | #LatinoPittsburgh

Oct. 10, F.N.B. Stadium. Tickets start at $27.60.

Our beloved men’s soccer team takes on the Hartford Athletic in this nighttime match-up. Enjoy “themed entertainment and a festive matchday atmosphere” as the sun cinematically sets beneath the hills.

I’ve gotten El Colibri from the Bloomfield Saturday Market a bunch of times now and am super excited to finally go to their newly opened brick-and-mortar. Crucially, all of their food is gluten-free — which is great because my wife has celiac. I’ve found that many Latin Americans cuisines are often naturally gluten-free, since so many dishes are corn-based.

 the grocery store and taco stand’s Beechview location, another example of how federal agents are disrupting communities across the country. Las Palmas is a Pittsburgh institution — I have fond memories of visiting the South Oakland location for unbeatably cheap tacos before class in Cathy — and is fighting against the odds to survive.

Arepas stuffed with stewed meat and fried plantains — what’s not to like? They also offer bowls, salads, and empanadas. And most of their menu is gluten-free!

I don’t go Downtown super often, but when I had time to spare before a Greyhound trip I got arepas from this excellent hole-in-a-wall that’s tucked beneath a parking garage. City Paper’s readers even declared it the 

best restaurant in Downtown and the Strip

 about what rights people have when ICE is nearby (regardless of their immigration status), as well as how bystanders can assist during an ICE encounter.

ACLU-PA also published know-your-rights guides in 

 about what to do when interacting with law enforcement.

If you believe you witnessed ICE activity in the Pittsburgh region, you can call 

 main line at 412-343-3111. If you witness or are experiencing ICE detention, you can call their 

about more ways to volunteer and give support this Hispanic Heritage Month.

 hotline at 412-536-6423 to report potential ICE activity. The organization is hosting a 

on Sept. 23 in Aliquippa — no prior experience is necessary.

Discover history, eat at local restaurants, and support immigrant rights during Hispanic Heritage Month in Pittsburgh.

How To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Pittsburgh

The Best Ways To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Pittsburgh

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

 with apple and pumpkin picking, German beer festivals, community farm celebrations, haunted trails, parades, and more.

Check back for updates! We’ll be updating this a lot.

One of Pittsburgh's biggest, oldest German cultural organizations hosts its annual festival over Labor Day weekend, including imported beer, authentic food, and live music, plus they're hosting an 

Check out Brenckle’s enormous stock of pumpkin and gourds, plus some of the most unique and fun decorations to get your home ready for fall. Look for vendors like Nosh & Curd specialty food shop, The Roaming Bean coffee truck, Amish donuts, Recon Brewing, and more.

Celebrate Labor Day weekend (and Western PA’s prominent role in labor history) with this celebration at Northmoreland Park with arts and crafts, a flea market, a circus, and live music.

Break out your best tea-party hat and brush up on your Premier League allegiances. It’s a week-long British invasion that includes events across the city: afternoon tea at the Mansions on Fifth Avenue, a Britsburgh Ale cask tapping at East End Brewing, a South Side history walk, British music and trivia nights, a Riverhounds match, and a closing village fête in Aspinwall.

Witches, wizards, and muggles are invited to a free screening of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” at The Plaza at North Shore. Bring a seat or blanket and wear your finest robes and House scarves. Festive treats like butterbeer, popcorn, and cotton candy will be available from Sugar Bird. Prizes and gift cards will be awarded to the best dressed throughout the night!

Celebrate all things Irish at Carrie Blast Furnaces. The festival, which is in its 35th year, features live Irish music, dancing, food, cultural talks, trivia, vendors, and even ghost stories — all in one of Pittsburgh’s coolest industrial settings.

Come to Rich Farms in Smithfield for Fright Farm starting on Sept. 11, featuring haunted houses and nightmarish hayrides. You can also check out Kids Day starting on Sept. 26, with corn mazes, non-nightmarish hayrides, and more. Both events run until Halloween.

Mark 27 years of this enormous Murrysville corn maze — grown every year in a different design — and once you find your way out, try to draw it. Don’t skip the pumpkin patch or the cozy hayrides, either.

Start early for family-friendly fun, then stay late for scares at seven haunted houses and four scare zones — plus new fall tasting menus and a one-of-a-kind trick-or-treating experience at the Ghostwood Estate starting Sept. 19. 

Look for 140 vendors offering food, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and all-day sidewalk sales in the village — all decked out for autumn. 

Eat your way through the Strip District with more than 25 food trucks and vendors serving a wide variety of tacos. Enjoy Latin music, salsa dancing, bars, and family-friendly activities.

Spend the afternoon getting curious in the Hill District at a free, all-ages block party. There’ll be hands-on STEM activities for kids, live DJs, local food and vendors, plus mini science workshops throughout the day. Registration is required in advance for workshops.

Sip Oktoberfest beer from Grist House, eat German food from Freedom Farms, and listen to live polka from the Polkameisters at this all-day Oktoberfest party.

Step into the magic with Moon Parks & Recreation, featuring boozy and non-alcoholic potions, arts and crafts, music, games, costume contests, and more. Ticket sales support local parks!

Get a taste of their limited release Herman’s Best Oktoberfest Lager (adult tickets include a pour while supplies last), try your luck in their stein-holding contest, throw some axes, watch a chainsaw artist, listen to live music, shop specialty artisans and farmer’s market vendors, and more.

Trick-or-treat through the Story Book Forest and enjoy one of the longest treat trails in Pennsylvania, take a spin on favorite rides like the Midnight Conductor Railroad, and find out what happens when growing pumpkins goes horribly wrong. 

Take part in a celebration of handmade, homegrown, and fermented fun at Allegheny Commons Park West on the North Side. Try an activity like indigo dyeing and wild clay ceramics, or bring your best submission for the pie and tomato contests.

Enjoy a Tolkien-inspired day of fantasy, food, and fun for the whole family at Bloom Cafe in Valencia. There will be live folk music, local vendors, craft workshops, themed drinks, and more.

Watch costumed dogs (up to 25 pounds) zip around an obstacle course near the Waterfront gazebo while the kiddos get their faces painted, take home balloon animals, and more. The pumpkin patch alone is worth a walk around the square.

In past years, a wristband would get you access to the petting zoo; pumpkin patch; carving displays; a butterfly house; corn, hay, and sunflower mazes; and a ton of special events and games, like the human hamster wheel, pumpkin Guess Who?, basketball corn hoppers, strongman sledge hammers, and more.

Dust off your lederhosen and head south to Canonsburg in Washington County for a weekend of German-inspired fun. Bring the whole family for crafts, carnival rides, games, dancing, and of course, tasty eats — like pretzels, sausage, and potato dumplings.

Drink beer from a milk jug in Troy Hill’s historic cobblestone biergarten, where a taste of Munich takes over four festive floors and a pair of purple-tinted, outdoor caves. In past years, we’ve loved the hot German potato salad, schnitzels, and Soergels x Penn shandy — but since 

, we’re not sure what might be on offer.

Take a hayride, pick a pumpkin, and make your way through a haunted corn maze on 100 acres of Portersville farmland. Dates and times vary for the pumpkin fest and fright farm experiences.

Go for a tractor ride with a cider slushie, pick apples and pumpkins right from the source, and dig into market food every Saturday and Sunday in Wexford. We live for the homemade apple cider donuts (but they are available year-round!).

Fall Festivals, Oktoberfests, Pumpkin Patches, and Autumn Events in Pittsburgh 2026

The Best Fall Festivals, Oktoberfests & Autumn Activities in Pittsburgh

Laura Tsutsui

Your Guide to September 2026 in Pittsburgh

. There’s a volunteer station by her habitat where you can touch a harpy eagle feather (but sadly you cannot touch Dariéna herself). Check out the aviary on a rainy day, and cross your fingers she’s out and about as their natural habitat is the rainforest.

Here’s a tip: You might be able to get 

. If you’re into those things too, then check out the 

 on Sept. 12! Look for local makers and growers, plus activities like butter making, sheep shearing, and “emotional composting” 👀

I know my way around a farm show, so I’m excited to see the “Best Tomato” and “Best Apple Pie” in the city. I also hope there’s some weird fried food to try 🍟

There’s real hype for the Allegheny County Sanity Authority’s 

! Tour the wastewater treatment plant, check out interactive exhibits, and learn how systems work to protect rivers and streams — and supply fresh water to us. ALCOSAN turned 80 this year!

I know, I know: it’s overplayed, it’s too sweet, “pumpkin spice” 

 — and yet! I love me some oddly orange, cinnamon-and-nutmeg goodness. Even if pumpkin spice is not for you, our local faves have seasonal menus that I’m definitely 

 (hello spiced peach latte!) and PSLs at all shops

 are available at all cafes and I’m eyeing that apple pie cortado

, hopefully including a marshmallow-topped treat

Which local spots have your favorite fall menus?

Fall Menus

Coffee, sandwiches, dinner, dessert?

4 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in September 2026

Francesca Dabecco

Do you love your pet and supporting Pittsburgh businesses? Here are some local shops that have everything you need to 

 on Forbes Avenue (get it?) stocks food, treats, leashes, and more for dogs and cats. If you’re a new pet owner or just welcoming a new animal to your home, you can get set up quickly with 

 is dedicated to your four-legged friends, with more than 25 years of experience in the pet biz. Find food, treats, leashes, toys, and more supplies here. They even harvest and 

 has a wide selection of healthy and natural foods, treats, and supplies for dogs and cats. The name comes from the word “pedagogy,” the art or profession of teaching, because the shop owners love learning about the best products for your furry friends. They also have locations just outside the city in McCandless, McMurray, Cranberry, and Greensburg.

Does your pet have wings? Find everything your flying friend needs at the family and veteran-owned 

 in Millvale. Plus, if you’re going away, you can board your bird there, too!

 and sentimental items for pet lovers has grown into a 

. The Liberty Avenue space sells treats and toys for dogs and cats. In addition to its storefront, the Rebel Hound also operates a dog-friendly lounge, “The Green Room” — it’s like a 

 is a self-serve pet wash that also boasts a selection of pet supplies — items for bathing your furry friends, or if you’re like me, to treat your dog after they suffer through a bath. Self-serve bathing options are reasonably priced and include soap and conditioner, plus a raised tub for small pets and a walk-in shower for large ones. Best of all, their staff will clean up when you’re done!

Find nutritious foods and treats, grooming supplies, and toys at this 

 in Bellevue. Every year, Wagsburgh hosts free photo 

 after a recent flood from a leaky pipe, but owner Joe Thornton 

 about ongoing repairs. He says he hopes to see customers again soon!

Do you love your pet and supporting Pittsburgh businesses? Here are some local shops that have everything you need to feed, care, and play.

Pittsburgh’s Best Locally-Owned Pet Stores

While home is a very cozy place to watch a movie — my partner has gotten really into our 

 — nothing beats a large screen, a salty popcorn, and a bubbly soda. If you need a few hours of escapism, here are our favorite independent theaters to check out in Pittsburgh. Keep in mind that some play the latest movies released, while others only host special viewings and other events like trivia.

Want to nerd out even more about Pittsburgh’s film connections? Check out our conversation with Josh Axelrod, director of communications at The Lindsay Theater & Cultural Center and founding member of the Pittsburgh Film Critics Association. We spoke to him earlier this year about Oscar nominees, from the films’ ties to the city and where to watch them before the awards show. (Psst! He also has 

This single-screen space hosts special events and series like “

” featuring films about show biz and its annual “

” horror movie marathon in October. Buy tickets one screening at a time, or get a Rowhouse Film Club membership for a monthly movie ticket, free popcorn, and invites to member-only screenings. Be sure to swing by 

 next door to get beer, wine, or craft sodas. Row House lets you take them into the theater!

Row House Lawrenceville’s sister theater in the South Hills has its own lineup of series and recurring events across two screens: one large auditorium for up to 386 viewers, and a small, more intimate space with 46 seats. Row House Hollywood is currently hosting “

” twice a month with a shadow cast from the 

 who act out the roles alongside the film. Another feature of this space is its ability to share 

, which have a unique texture and grain experience over digital film. Plus, remember that 

This venue east of Pittsburgh was envisioned as a 

 from its Film Lounge & Kitchen space with beers from nearby craft brewery 

. The 45-seat theater hosts weekly trivia, comedy shows, and projects from independent filmmakers.

Once dubbed the “Jewel of Oakmont," this nearly 90-year-old, single-screen venue now shares films ranging from 

 and independent works to family-friendly screenings like “

.” It also has two full-service bars and a 20-seat lounge for live music, trivia, and more.

This two-screen cinema hosts the latest releases and is perfect if you’re seeking — and want to support — accessibility. The Lindsay hosts 

, where all movies have on-screen captions, and 

, where the film volume is lower, house lights are dimmed (but not fully off), and extra staff are on hand to assist guests. It also hosts programming for 

The Manor is one of my favorites, because I can do a whole small businesses-only night in the neighborhood: drinks at Hidden Harbor, dinner at Everyday Noodles, movie (complete with soda and popcorn) at the Manor. It’s also one of the only theaters with general admission 

 (and evening tickets are $11 Monday through Thursday). Stop by the century-old cinema for the latest film releases in one of four auditoriums. You can also sip a cocktail during the screening from its in-house bar!

As the name implies, it’s a HUGE 71-by-39-foot screen at the Kamin Science Center — most theater screens are about 50 feet wide. Don’t look for new releases. It has a rotation of three 40-minute films to accompany your Science Center visit about anthropologist 

. Its “Special Screenings” in September include 

The only remaining drive-in in Allegheny County! Roll up for the first showing (and the best pick of parking), and you’ll get two movies for the price of one. At $10 per person, it’s a great deal, and it has a snack bar so you can make a true night of it. The four-screen lot opened in 1950 and continues to show new releases.

 regularly shows a mix of contemporary, classic, independent, and foreign films — often movies you can’t find anywhere else — like International Art House Classics in August and nods to spooky season in September, including “

” and a documentary about the making of it, “

Pittsburgh’s Best Indie Movie Theaters

If you’re hoping to reach new heights (pun intended), then Pittsburgh is a great place to rock climb. Here’s a look at where you can climb year-round in the Steel City.

 Most gyms aren’t just for climbing! Some offer yoga and fitness classes and have traditional gym equipment like squat racks, treadmills, and stationary bikes to keep you moving.

On your first visit, you’ll sign a waiver and get a tour from a staff member who will point out basic gym do’s and don’ts and where to find equipment and classes. From there, staff will review how to fall safely (there is a 

If you’re ready to hop on the walls, then bouldering – a climbing style that doesn’t use ropes or harnesses – is a great place to start. Just grab your shoes and go!

If you want to top rope (aka, climb with ropes), you can use auto-belays that let you clip in and climb, or climb with a friend who’s passed the gym’s belay test.

What’s the difference between top roping and bouldering? I like to think of top rope climbing like running a 5K: It requires endurance, stamina, and a comfort with heights. Bouldering is more like sprinting: you need power and technique to stay on the (much shorter) walls.

 Gyms usually have shoes and harnesses for rent. You can also buy your own in most gyms’ pro shops, or find a good deal on a secondhand pair online or at an outdoor store like 

Ascend ushered in the city’s latest climbing wave in 2017. Both its facilities have walls for bouldering and top roping, though the walls in Point Breeze are higher (up to 42 feet for top roping) and offer lead climbing for more advanced folks. Ascend regularly hosts free climb time for affinity groups, like women and femmes and LGBTQ+ climbers, and organizes interest clubs such as “Sustainability Club” and “Peak Parents” where climbers can take turns belaying kids. Check the 

Look for bouldering and yoga classes, plus private coaching if you’re interested in one-on-one support. ICB hosts great events including monthly “

” where day passes are discounted to $15 and the gym invites food and drink vendors, musicians, and more for a block-party vibe. ICB also offers 

 for PPS students and the occasional “Student Rush” discount night for college students.

My former spot! It’s bouldering only, and sadly it’s closing at the end of the month. Until then, you can still take climbing and yoga classes per usual. FA also hosts weekly discounted sessions like Wednesday night College Climb and Sunday Family Climb Time. And look out for their “Send Off” party and community competition Saturday, Aug. 29. When you visit, make sure to park in the garage by the Sheraton Hotel and bring your ticket in for staff to validate – parking is free for four hours with validation.

This 33-year-old gym north of Pittsburgh offers bouldering and auto-belays to get climbers on the walls. Climb North also offers youth options if you’re also bringing kids into the gym, including a home-schooling meetup every Monday and weeklong summer camps.

Outdoor climbing typically means traversing real rocks, but you can get the indoor bouldering experience with colored-coded holds and varying grades at Boyce Park’s new outdoor climbing walls. The park is also home to many playgrounds, trails, an off-leash dog park, and bicycle pump track; you could spend the whole day there trying something new!

Pittsburgh's Best Climbing Gyms

Where To Climb in Pittsburgh 

Close out the summer with food festivals, free outdoor fun, and mini-golf courses galore.

Pittsburgh-area golf courses may be some of the 

, but not all of us are looking to walk miles over 9 holes – at least, not me. For my kindred spirits, you have an array of options for miniature golf.

 to munch on during your session including “The Fluffernutter” and “Cereal and Berries.” Forsythe also hosts 

 of the summer is on Aug. 12. It’s free to play and open to all! And the Westmoreland Museum of American Art has art-themed holes to play 

If you loved Picklesburgh, the food portmanteaus continue: 

to Southside Works on Aug. 30. In addition to more than 15 food trucks and vendors, I’m most excited for another mechanical bull 

 and the promise of an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile sighting.

Perhaps you prefer pizza, pasta, and cannoli in your diet. If so, check out 

. It returns to Bloomfield Aug. 13-16 and includes local vendors, “celebrity” bocce, a neighborhood pizza contest and Vito from The Sopranos (seriously).

If ice cream is your love language (mine too) then you’re due for a visit to the 

 in Latrobe, the dessert’s birthplace, Aug. 22 and 23.

We’re not yet done with outdoor music! 

Allegheny County’s Summer Concert Series

 continues at South Park on Friday nights and Hartwood Aces on Sunday evenings. You can also check out 

 in Mount Washington on Saturdays and enjoy 

Some tips for maximum comfort: Bring a folding chair or blanket to claim your space. While there are local food and drink vendors, you can also bring your own spread: I love to prepare a mocktail in a cold thermos and pack Penn Mac meat and cheeses in a lunch box.

 at Phipps Conservatory on Aug. 20. You can shop every era amid Phipps’ whimsical Alice in Wonderland show! Vendors will be selling clothing, furniture, jewelry, and housewares. As someone building a personal Pyrex collection, I’ll be on the hunt for new-to-me 

Other maker-markets to shop this month are 

Take your four-legged child to Raccoon Creek State Park for a 

 where they can become a certified “B.A.R.K. Ranger.”

If you’d rather stay close to home, try an activity with 

, there are tons of great options. Plus, the city’s rangers also host kid-friendly programs and 

August in Pittsburgh: Mini golf, outdoor hikes and activities, BaconBurgh, Little Italy Days, the Great American Banana Split Celebration, outdoor concerts, and more. 

Pittsburgh's Best

The Best Ways To Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Pittsburgh

The Best Fall Festivals, Oktoberfests & Autumn Activities in Pittsburgh

4 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in September 2026

Latest articles

Pittsburgh’s Best Locally-Owned Pet Stores

Pittsburgh’s Best Indie Movie Theaters

Where To Climb in Pittsburgh

5 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in August 2026

Feeling Crafty? Check Out These Pittsburgh Yarn Shops

Our Favorite Spa Treatments in Pittsburgh

7 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in July 2026