18 October events and festivals for family fun (much of it free!) all month long

Above image courtesy of Seven Springs/Vail Resorts.

Fall is one of the best times of the year in Pittsburgh. Fom apple picking to pumpkin patches, there is always something exciting going on. We’ve got a kid-friendly guide to all of the spooky Halloween happenings, but if you’re looking for family fun this October without jump scares, there is still plenty going on in the city and surrounding rural areas.

Plan the perfect October for your crew with this guide:

Oct. 1 through Nov. 30: Kids visit free at Heinz History Center and Fort Pitt Museum

This fall, the Heinz History Center (including the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum) and the Fort Pitt Museum at Point State Park are offering free admission for all kids aged 17 and under, courtesy of UPMC. Regular admission rates apply for all adult visitors.

Oct. 1 through 31: Pretzels for Pups at Hofbrauhaus

The folks at Hofbrauhaus are partnering with UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation to raise money for the hospital’s pet therapy dog program. Beginning Oct. 1 and running all month, proceeds from pretzel sales will help bring more pups to patients who need their cuddles. There will be visits from therapy dogs and their handlers throughout the month at Hofbrauhaus. On Wednesday, Oct. 2, the dogs will join the Hofbrauhaus’s Keg Tapping celebration and kick off the month-long partnership. On Thursday, Oct. 16, the therapy dog teams and UPMC will join BOB-FM for a special fundraising event. Details here.

Oct. 2: Gold Over America Tour at PPG Paints Arena

Still riding that Olympic high? For one evening, Simone Biles and America’s best gymnasts will deliver an exhilarating display of jaw-dropping athletic brilliance and high-energy choreography. Tickets range from $35-$175.

Oct. 3 through Nov. 3: Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza at the Pittsburgh Zoo

This family-friendly event begins on Oct. 3, but runs all month until Nov. 3. There are timed tickets available at various price points for every evening of the week. This event is the perfect combination of nighttime fun, the spirit of autumn, and artistry with thousands of intricately carved pumpkins. Tickets start at $18.

Oct.4-6: Confluence PumpkinFest

In Pittsburgh’s big backyard, the Laurel Highlands, acres of award-winning fall leaves are the perfect backdrop for the tiny town of Confluence’s PumpkinFest. 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.

Oct. 5-20: Seven Springs Autumnfest

Also in the Laurel Highlands, Seven Springs Autumnfest is a well-loved tradition each fall. Their alpine slide is open for adventurous visitors, but there are tons of other activities like face painting, crafts, and games. You’ll find live music, vendors, and plenty of local food. Find all the information here.

Oct. 5: Festival of Combustion, Carrie Blast Furnaces

While 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. This event runs from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $20 and is free for ages 18 and younger.

Oct. 5: Mars Applefest

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.

Oct. 8: Center for Creative Reuse at the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh

Come out to flex your creative muscles at this free event for all ages at LAMP, the Carnegie Library’s Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians. Guests can enjoy creating with an array of unique reused materials to create beautiful works of art, craft projects, and anything you can dream up while saving useful materials from the landfill. Find more details here.

Oct. 8: Color-Changing Chemistry, presented by Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority

Become a scientist who makes water safe to drink for our city at this interactive free event at the Beechview location of the Carnegie Libraray of Pittsburgh. From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Oct. 8, families can create crazy color-changing potions in a hands-on exploration of water chemistry and water treatment. Recommended for grades K-5. Find more details here.

Oct. 11: Blippi: Join the Band Tour at the Byham Theater

This is a chance for kids to see one of today’s most beloved early education personalities live and in person. Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies, and live musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments. Tickets are $55.50-$71.

Oct. 11-13: Fort Ligonier Day

For kids who are into history (and those who think they aren’t), Fort Ligonier Days are the perfect way to explore some of this region’s colonial history. With vendors, music, reenactments and kid-friendly activities, there is something fun for families each and every day of the festival. Find vendor info and the full schedule right here.

Oct. 12-13: Zelienople Fall Festival

Find all the details about one of the region’s longest running fall festivals right here. From “Bounce Boulevard” and its many inflatables to dozens of food and craft vendors, this festival gives major small town autumn vibes. There will also be a chili cook-off and free tractor rides, too.

Oct. 12, 19, 20, 26, 27: Campfire Ghost Stories at Allegheny County Parks

Fall nights and the spooky season set the scene for family-friendly ghost stories and songs by the glow of a roaring campfire. Halloween costumes are encouraged. No registration is required, and these events are totally free! Find more info about this event here.

Oct. 18-20: Pumpkin Patch Trolley at the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

A train ride to a pumpkin patch? That’s every young ferroequinologist’s (that’s the word for a train lover!) dream come true. On the weekend of Oct. 18, enjoy a whole day of family-friendly fall activities. Tickets begin at $20 and include a pumpkin. Find details and tickets here.

Oct. 19-20: Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkin Festival, Strip District

This is one of the most unique festivals in Pittsburgh, so don’t miss it. Enormous pumpkins are the stars of this celebration that includes a costumed fun run, horsedrawn carriages, pumpkin eating contests, and smashing pumpkin drops. Admission is free. You can find more details here.

Oct. 25: Sensory-Friendly Tours at the Miniature Railroad at the Carnegie Science Center

If someone in your family is overwhelmed by busy events, these personalized tours are free of crowds and loud noises They are designed for individuals with sensory processing difficulties, whether or not they are diagnosed with a disabilty. Admission is $10.

Oct. 27: Sensory-Friendly Trick or Treat at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Kids in costume can listen to stories around a pretend campfire, meet a scaly live animal ambassador, and trick or treat in the museum from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The evening event will have reduced audio and visual elements as well as calming spaces with support materials. Admission is $16, $12 for students.

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