12 Pittsburgh flea markets and craft fairs you won’t want to miss this fall

Squirrel Hill Night Market photo above by Brodie Bard.

Summer may be over, but fall’s outdoor fun is just heating up! If you’re ready to stroll around a market with a warm, spiced beverage, check out these cozy fall shopping spots for a chance to pick up something fun from one of our many local artisans.

Sept. 29: Pitcairn Night Market, 6 – 9 p.m. at 609 Broadway

The Pitcairn Night Market is a great place to start this fall’s market season. They’ve created a family-friendly atmosphere that includes a little bit of everything, including live music and several food vendors so you can enjoy some tunes and treats while you shop.

Sept. 30 through Oct. 1: Mt. Lebanon Artists’ Market, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Academy Ave. across from Rollier Hardware

Mt. Lebanon’s yearly artists’ market is host to 60-80 vendors in a variety of fine arts. With “2D work, jewelry, wood, sculpture, glass, ceramics, fiber, wearables, mixed media, leather, and metal,” there’s something for everyone! This is a two-day event, so you can take advantage of both days or choose the one that works best for your family.

Oct. 6 and Nov. 3: Garfield Night Market, 5 – 10 p.m. at 113 N. Pacific Ave.

Garfield’s Night Market has two fall dates left, so consider taking your family to this kid-friendly spot featuring local artisans and businesses. Food trucks are available for your snacking needs and they’ve got face painting, as well.

Oct. 7: Scott Township Octoberfest, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. in Scott Park

The 60+ vendors at Scott Township’s Octoberfest event are just one of many attractions worth checking out. Come to shop and stay for the drawings, carnival games, live entertainment, hayrides, food and more.

Oct. 7: Festival of Combustion, 1 – 9 p.m. at the Carrie Blast Furnaces

Did you know kids get free admission to one of our region’s most unique festivals? The Festival of Combustion at the Carrie Blast Furnaces is a celebration of Pittsburgh’s industrial heritage. Along with demonstrations of things like blacksmithing, there are a ton of free kids’ activities, food trucks and an artisan marketplace, all free with admission. For an extra $5, you can get a tour of the furnaces before you shop!

Oct. 7: Dogtoberfest, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Waterfront (parking lot behind Ulta)

Does your family love dogs? Then consider heading to Dogtoberfest, where you can pick up specialty items from vendors. There will be shelter dogs (and some cats, as well) available for adoption, as well as opportunities to speak to veterinarians and enjoy live music. You can even enter your dog into the Pooch Pride Parade Costume Contest ($10 fee) for a chance to win prizes.

Oct. 7: Squirrel Hill Night Market, 6 – 10 p.m. on Murray Ave.

This is the third and final Squirrel Hill Night Market of 2023! This one is among the city’s best-known shopping spots, boasting more than a hundred vendors selling everything from candles to sculptures to clothing. While you shop, your kids can take part in some special activities, and everyone can enjoy a treat from a food truck.

Oct. 8: The Neighborhood Flea, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 27th and Railroad Streets

One of Pittsburgh’s long running flea markets is the Neighborhood Flea. With its hip Strip District location and comfy Mr. Rogers-inspired branding, it’s the place to be each second Sunday of the month from spring to fall. If it’s your first trip, you’ll be happy to know that parking is only $5 at The Hive Parking Garage, just a block away from the market.

Oct. 14: Allentown Night Market Fall Edition 2023 , 7 – 11 p.m. on Warrington Ave.

Looking for esoteric wares to add a creepier atmosphere to your autumn? Look no further than the Allentown Night Market! As one of the more offbeat markets on the list, this might be a better visit for older kids and teens who crave a more authentically spooky vibe at this time of year.

Oct. 14: The Witching Hours Night Market, 4 – 11 p.m. on Grant Ave. in Vandergrift

If you’re out east and looking for another haunting experience, try visiting the 2nd annual Witching Hour Night Market in Vandergrift to bask in those Halloween vibes. Local artists will be vending their wares with a backdrop of music, street performers, and tarot readers.

Oct 14: Dormont Street and Music Festival, 1 – 8 p.m. on Potomac Ave.

The Dormont Street and Music Festival boasts 40 vendors along with a variety of street performances and multiple stages of musical acts. This one also features an art-focused Kidzone!

Oct 28: Pittsburgh Vintage Mixer, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown

Tons of talented vendors from the Pittsburgh region gather at the Pittsburgh Vintage mixer each year to offer truly cool vintage and upcycled goods. Happening this year at the convention center, this massive sale is bigger than ever this year. Look for vintage fashion, vinyl records, comics, toys, furniture, textiles, ceramics and pottery, mid-century modern wares, lighting, barware, artwork, collectibles and more. The Mixer will be open for general admission beginning at 9:00 a.m., and early birds can show up at 8 a.m.

And looking ahead… don’t miss Handmade Arcade, happening this year on Dec. 1 and 2.