10 great events this weekend (most of them free!), including festivals, library events and more family fun

Photo above by Calwaen Liew via Unsplash.

This first weekend of October will be warm and sunny, which makes it a perfect time to enjoy a local pumpkin patch or not-so-scary fall event. Many of those events run all month long, but some family events are happening just this weekend. Check out some of the weekend’s best entertainment for families here:

Saturday, Oct. 4: Storytime and Crafting in the Garden with Pittsburgh Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.

Kids will discover nature with a read-aloud story followed by a craft related to the story themes. Seasonal themes will include spiders, bats and Johnny Appleseed. This event, which also runs for the following three weekends, is free with garden admission.

Friday, Oct. 4: Mingo Creek Start Party, 4:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

The Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh is hosting an event for all budding young stargazers. The event begins with safe sun-viewing and ends with stargazing once the sun sets. There will be speakers and lessons throughout the event, as well. This star party is free for all attendees. Donations are welcome. Please find more details here.

Friday, Oct.4 – Sunday, Oct. 6: Confluence PumpkinFest

In Pittsburgh’s big backyard, the Laurel Highlands, acres of award-winning fall leaves are the perfect backdrop for PumpkinFest, happening in the tiny town of Confluence. This free event features all sorts of family fun, from sweet treats to fall activities. While you’re in the area, check out some other things to do in our Laurel Highlands guide.

Saturday, Oct. 5: Sensory-friendly screening of “The Wild Robot,” 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center, located in Sewickley, has committed to providing regular sensory-friendly events for guests who may require an environment with less stimulation or the ability to move around during an event. This weekend, they are featuring a showing of “The Wild Robot” at a discounted price of $8.75. Tickets can be purchased here.

Saturday, Oct. 5: Fall Flower Show Opening at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This weekend kicks off the fall flower show, which runs through Oct. 27. Each flower-filled room will be inspired by a different genre of music, from rock and roll to classical, jazz and hip hop. Opening the same day, “Garden Railroad: Movie Magic” will depict a miniature movie lot where movie scenes come to life with pirates, zombies and the ferocious “Phippzilla.” Admission ranges from $14-$21 and is free for those younger than 2. Phipps Conservatory participates in Museums For All, as well.

Saturday, Oct. 5: Mars Applefest, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This one-day event is a quaint, small festival perfect for celebrating the changing of the seasons. There will be inflatables, trucks to touch and explore, mascots and more. Find the lineup of events and more details here.

Saturday, Oct. 5: Bayne Library Itty Bitty Art Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All month long, patrons of Andrew Bayne Memorial Library in Bellevue have been creating very tiny works of art to showcase for the community. This weekend, they are hosting an Itty Bitty Art Show to show them off. Art pieces will be available for auction, benefitting Friends of Bayne Library, and refreshments will be served. If guests can’t make it on the 5th, art pieces will be on display through Oct. 11 during normal library hours – stop in and vote for Best in Show, too. Find more details here.

Saturday, Oct. 5: Festival of Combustion, Carrie Blast Furnaces, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Although this is the Steel City, have you ever actually visited a steel mill or furnace? This celebration of industrial arts and American crafts includes demonstrations by blacksmiths, glassblowers, welders and metal fabricators, plus all-ages hands-on activities. Admission is $20 and is free for ages 18 and younger.

Saturday, Oct. 5: S.T.E.A.M. on the Green Carnival, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

This event, which is co-hosted by the August Wilson Center and Hazelwood Local, is free and open to anyone who enjoys science and the arts. Check out circus performances by Iron City Arts, carnival games and rides, face painting, hands-on STEAM themed games, vendors and more. Kids can build robots, visit a mobile video game truck, create art and conduct fun science experiments. Find more info here.

Sunday, Oct. 6: Riverview Park Day, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Friends of Riverview Park and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy in partnership with the City of Pittsburgh to celebrate at Riverview Park on the Northside. “RP Day” is a family-friendly event that includes live music, free food and beverages, guided hikes, children’s programs, and informative and interactive outdoor activities. There will even be a chance to meet Mayor Ed Gainey and Councilman Bobby Wilson for a photo opp. Find more information here.

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