Your guide to Pittsburgh family fun in September is here!

Above image courtesy of the National Aviary.

While some days are still as hot as a blast furnace in the Steel City, there’s a tinge of fall in the air. Local farms are posting seasonal activities and a few mornings have required a hoodie at the bus stop or on the walk to school. Each new season brings a slew of fun family activities, and fall in Pittsburgh is no exception.

Check out these the top events in September. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter, so even more local fun can be delivered right to your inbox.

Through September 29: Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival 

Every weekend in September, this festival will showcase medieval fun from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Enjoy costumes, food, jousting, vendors and more. Tickets range from $11 to $25, and kids under 5 are free. Find the full lineup and purchase advanced discounted tickets here.

September 1: Kamin Family Free Day at the Carnegie Science Center

Dan and Carole Kamin, whose recent endowment to the Science Center means that families can continue to learn and explore for years to come, are excited to offer a day of free admission, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., to local families as they kick off a new school year. Find more details about the event here.

September 2: Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade

This parade, which is hosted by the Allegheny-Fayette Central Labor Council, will kick off on Centre Avenue at 10 a.m. and head towards Grant Street. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate the history of labor in this Rust Belt City, as well as look towards the future in the region. Find all the details about the parade route here.

September 6-8: Pittsburgh Irish Festival

Pittsburgh’s Irish heritage runs deep, with many immigrants from The Emerald Isle settling in this region for jobs in industry. This three-day festival aims to celebrate that rich history with music, food, Irish dancing, demonstrations, and more. Tickets begin at $20, but kids 12 and under are free. Check out the whole lineup (and save money on early bird tickets!) here.

September 7: Mad Science Presents Dinosaurs at CLP

This free event brings the wonder of dinosaurs to life. Come to the South Side CLP branch from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. to learn about the fossilization process and make a cast of a dinosaur tooth. This event does not require registration. It’s geared for school-aged children, but all are welcome.

September 7: Sewickley Harvest Festival

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the village of Sewickley will kick off fall with so many free family activities — including food trucks, live entertainment and craft activities for kids. This event will take place on Broad Street and Thorn Street. Find more details right here.

September 8: Grandparents Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo

Courtesy of UPMC, all grandparents who visit the zoo with a child this day will receive free admission. In addition, any adult, with or without a child, who presents their UPMC for Life card will receive free admission. It’s a great chance to enjoy the zoo with extended family. No prior registration is necessary.

September 11: Sensory Friendly Time at the National Aviary

For visitors who enjoy a calmer environment, the aviary is offering a sensory-inclusive experience designed for those with sensory processing needs. Sensory Bags from KultureCity, each equipped with headphones, fidget toys, and other items, are available to borrow during any visit, and a helpful sensory guide to the sights, sounds, and climate of the National Aviary’s habitats can be viewed on their website. During this event, guests can see and touch biofacts, use a designated quiet space, and enjoy a sensory-friendly version of Habitat Heroes, presented by AAA Travel at 11 a.m. During this immersive bird show, lighting is consistent, and volume is low, setting the stage for an engaging experience. Pre-registration is required. Call the National Aviary at 412-323-7235 for more information.

September 14: Birdwatching Kayak Tours with L.L.Bean

Join a National Aviary expert to learn more about birds at North Park. Guides will provide instruction for first-time kayakers and supply all equipment. This activity is for children 8 years and older with an adult. The cost is $75 per person, and registration can be completed through the National Aviary website.

September 15: Pittsburgh County Fair

This event, which is at Allegheny Commons Park West on the North Side, will feature a unique lineup of activities such as grape stomping, worm composting and natural paper making. There will also be vendors and food and beverage stands with items available for purchase. The fair runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the full lineup of details can be found here.

September 21: Family Fishing with Fern Hollow Nature Center

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.

September 21 and 28: Hay Day Festival at Allegheny County Parks

Back for another year, the Hay Day Festival will take place on September 21 at Hartwood Acres and September 28 at South Park. Festivities run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include free activities like hay rides, face painting, a petting zoo, and more. Find all the details here.

September 20, 22, 27,29: Penn Brewery Oktoberfest

This event (which also runs the first weekend in October) 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.

September 24: Clemente Museum Night at PNC Park

At 6:40 p.m., the Pirates will take on the Milwaukee Brewers, and the Clemente Museum will be honored as the nonprofit of the evening. The Clemente Museum is located in Lawrenceville and tells the story of not only Roberto Clemente, but baseball, race, and segregation in Pittsburgh. Purchase tickets for section 129 to benefit the museum here.

September 28: Hello Kitty Cafe Truck visits Ross Park Mall

Hello Kitty and her crew will be serving up some sweet treats (and merch) from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the main entrance to Ross Park mall by L.L. Bean. Find more details, as well as a schedule of future stops, here.

September 30: All Ages “Hamilton” Singalong at the Hard Rock Cafe

Whether you manage to snag tickets or not to this fall’s local “Hamilton” performances, this chance to sing along to the show’s catchy numbers is a fun event for kids and adults alike. The event begins at 7 p.m., and tickets start at $10. Purchase them here.

Looking for more things to do? Check out our events calendar, where something new is always happening. You can submit events, too!