Pittsburgh weekend fun guide: 10 free or low-cost family events, including International Red Panda Day!

Above photo courtesy of Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.

This weekend, the fall events for families are ramping up across the Pittsburgh region. From the county Hay Day festival to Phantom Fest, it’s definitely pumpkin spice season in the ‘Burgh (even though summer heat will still be in the air).

Check out all the fun events listed below, and we’ve also got a guide to the whole month of September, a roundup of the best places to pick apples, and a jam-packed fall family fun guide to help you make the most of this season.

Friday, Sept. 20-Sunday, Sept. 22: Penn Brewery Oktoberfest

This event (which also runs for the following two weekends) is jam-packed with family-focused activities like horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting and a balloon artist. There’s also no shortage of pierogi, kielbasa and beverages for kids and adults alike. There are various pricing packages, including deals for families, so check out all of the options for admission here.

Friday, Sept. 20: Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood Park Opening 

It’s the first weekend for Phantom Fall Fest! Family Halloween fun is programmed during the day on Saturdays and Sundays with more than 30 rides and attractions in operation. Costumes are encouraged. The daytime is geared toward kids. Grownup and big kid frights begin at 6 p.m. Admission starts at $29.99. This event runs through October 27th.

Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21: Carnegie Lab Drop-In at the Carnegie Museum of Art, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Join art educators in the Art Studio every Friday and Saturday for art-making and sensory activities inspired by museum exhibitions. This event is free with museum admission and no registration is required. Can’t make it this weekend? It’s happening every week through May 9. Find all the details here.

Saturday, Sept. 21: Family Fishing with Fern Hollow Nature Center, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Join staff from Fern Hollow at King’s Lake for a morning of fishing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. From experienced anglers to beginners, this event is for everyone. All gear is provided. The cost begins at $10, and family pricing is available. Be sure to register, as spots are limited.

Saturday, Sept. 21: International Red Panda Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo. 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

Red pandas are one of the most fascinating species on the planet, and some make their home right here at our zoo. Come on out to learn facts at the red panda habitat and stay for story time at the Safari Amphitheater, plus enjoy a meet and greet with Ruby the red panda mascot. Activities are included with zoo admission.

Saturday, Sept. 21: Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Pittsburgh has a vibrant and growing Chinese population. This festival highlights the rich art and culture of Chinese Americans in Pittsburgh. Enjoy musical acts, dance performances, games and Asian cuisine. Admission is free.

Saturday, Sept. 21: Hay Day Festival at Hartwood Acres, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

This event, which also occurs next weekend at South Park, is packed with family fun. Zip down giant inflatable slides, jump in a bounce house and take a hayride. Expect puppet shows, a petting zoo and balloon artists, along with games, giveaways and hands-on activities. This event is free with no registration required.

Saturday, Sept. 21: Avalon Public Library Touch-a-Truck, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Kids can visit different types of trucks including fire trucks, construction vehicles and more. Shop from vendors and a multi-table book sale and buy raffle tickets for over 20 baskets. There will be a sensory-friendly quiet hour from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. There will be snacks available for purchase, but this event is free. Find all the details here.

Saturday, Sept. 21: “The Cowboy and the Queen” at The Lindsay Theater with Q&A, 5:15 p.m. 

The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center in Sewickley is premiering the documentary “The Cowboy and the Queen” in the Pittsburgh region! The film, which will run from Sept. 20-26, spotlights the unlikely friendship between an American horse trainer and Queen Elizabeth II. Andrea Nevins, the film’s Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated director, will join The Lindsay for a virtual Q&A directly following the 5:15 p.m. “The Cowboy and the Queen” screening on Saturday, September 21. Find info and tickets here.

Saturday, Sept 21: Allegheny Valley Band Festival, 6:30 p.m. 

North Hills will simultaneously host the 63rd annual North Hills Marching Band Festival and the 40th annual Allegheny Valley Band Festival on Saturday, September 21 at Martorelli Stadium. The show will feature bands from local high schools including Avonworth, Hampton, North Allegheny, Northgate and Pine-Richland, as well as Grove City College and Youngstown State University, plus the district’s own North Hills Marching Band and 7th Grade Cadet Band. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and children age 5 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate with cash. Find more details here.

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