Lean into Pittsburgh’s autumnal spirit with markets, haunted tours, festive drinks, and more — just as this Rust Belt city’s trees turn red and orange hues.
🎃 Visit a Festival or Market
We already told you where to get your pumpkins — but there’s even more festive shopping this month at the Allentown Night Market Oct. 5; WorkshopPGH Fall Fest in Wilkinsburg and Fall Fest on Bigham in Mt. Washington Oct. 6; Pitt Vintage Palooza in Oakland Oct. 11; and Pumpkinfest under the Homestead Bridge Oct. 12.
And if you want to see the best carved pumpkins, head to the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza Oct. 3 - Nov. 3.
Check if your favorite shop is running specials for Pittsburgh Coffee Week. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
☕ Fill Up Your Fall Cup
Nothing beats a cup of something cozy on a rainy, fall day in the Burgh. Take a coffee tasting class, watch the latte art throwdown, or try limited-time specials during Pittsburgh Coffee Week Oct. 13-19, or get a taste for something sweet at the Coffee and Chocolate Festival Oct 26.
If you want something spiked and seasonal, treat yourself at Halloween bars like Jekyl and Hyde on the South Side; The Nightmare Before Mixtape in Garfield; Cocktails from the Crypt Downtown; Harold’s Haunt in Millvale; and the Witching Hour pop-up at Wigle Whiskey or The Chipped Fang in the Strip District.
Pittsburgh’s land belonged to the Shawnee Tribe, Monongahela Culture, and Osage Nation. (Screenshot of the Native Land map)
📍 Learn Whose Land You’re On
Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated Oct. 14, the same day as Columbus Day. Use this interactive map showing the pathways of native tribes or listen to our City Cast Pittsburgh podcast with the Council of Three Rivers Indian American Center.
Take in fall hues at Emerald View Park in Mt. Washington. (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)
🍂 Get Outside & Admire Fall Foliage
Track when Western Pennsylvania trees will turn to peak color with the DNCR’s weekly map. Then enjoy the views at outdoor events like StepTrek on the South Side Oct. 5, Riverview Park Day Oct. 6, or Bike or Treat Oct. 26
Don’t be afraid to walk among the dead; Pittsburgh’s cemeteries are some of the most beautiful and peaceful places. See you yourself at the ongoing Allegheny Cemetery Tours or the Walk & Write Homewood Cemetery tour Oct. 26.
Join Walk the Burgh to learn stories of Pittsburgh’s past and the spirits that may still linger today. (Courtesy of Walk the Burgh)
👻 Beware the Haunts and Horrors
Hear stories of Pittsburgh’s paranormal at Carrie After Dark Oct. 11 & 18; Spooky Spirits Walk at The Frick Oct. 17 & 25; or Walk the Burgh’s ongoing Black & Ghost Tours.
If you want more serious scares, take a ride to Castle Blood with Burgh Bus or geek out with film fans at Silence of the Lambs Night at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum on Oct. 11. Better yet: plan your own ghostly adventure with our list of the region’s best haunted houses.
More into haunted movies? Choose your freaky flick at Row House of Horrors in Lawrenceville Oct. 18-31.
