Your weekend guide is here: 10 events full of fall family fun, including Pumpkinfest

Above photo courtesy of Gemini Children’s Theater.

This three-day weekend is full of family-friendly events including fall festivals, performances, and even a performance by Blippi himself. If one of these great activities isn’t a fit for this weekend, don’t miss Kidsburgh’s guides to not-so-spooky fun and pumpkin patches. Fall is a busy time of year in Pittsburgh, so there’s sure to be an event that’s a perfect fit for every family:

Friday, Oct. 11: Blippi’s Join the Band Tour at the Byham Theater, 6 p.m. 

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.

Friday, Oct. 11-Sunday, Oct. 13: Fort Ligonier Days

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.

Saturday, Oct. 12: Park ‘Til Dark at North Park Lodge, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Join the fun from sun up to sun down in free, family-friendly activities outdoors throughout the day. Registration is free. Pour at the Park begins at 5:30 p.m. with drink tastings and food tastings. Tickets  are required for that portion of the day only.

Saturday, Oct. 12: Poodle Doodle Cafe and Crafts Pop-Up, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

This event is a fun, low-key time for kiddos and their caregivers. Poodle Doodle Cafe is excited to bring families some amazing Black-owned businesses that will offer delicious beverages and treats to purchase in addition to fun, self-guided crafts for kids of all ages. This event will be held in Larimer and more details can be found here.

Saturday, Oct. 12: Super Science Saturday, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Get curious at this free event at the Brookline location of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. At Super Science, kids in kindergarten through 5th grade will have a chance to get excited about a science topic. A read aloud experience is paired with hands-on, high quality STEM activities promoting scientific inquiry and wonder about science. This event is totally free, and more details can be found here.

Saturday, Oct. 12: Pumpkinfest at Allegheny Commons Park, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

For three decades, Pumpkinfest has been the Northside’s favorite gathering place to celebrate the arrival of autumn. Pumpkinfest provides a day of fun including a petting zoo, games,  live music, food, pumpkin decorating, hayrides, pony rides, amusement rides, giveaway items, and more for children 12 years and younger. To promote the importance of public safety in the community, organizers will be raffling off bikes and giving away bike safety helmets. Attendees will also enjoy the Health and Wellness Fair hosted by the Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) Northside Partnership. Registration will begin at noon and entrance requires a $5 donation per child. Upon entry, all activities are free of charge for event attendees.

Saturday, Oct. 12: Pitt Band Day at Acrisure Stadium, 3:30 p.m.

This weekend when Pitt faces the Cal Bears, high school marching bands from around the city will join in the halftime show. It’s a great way to experience a big stadium football game with kids – without NFL prices. Find more details here. 

Saturday, Oct. 12-Sunday, Oct. 13: “Alice in Wonderland” at Gemini Theater

This is the last weekend to catch this interactive performance, with two shows on Saturday and one on Sunday. For this show, Alice has a homework assignment that requires her to “use her imagination,” but she knows she does not have one. When a funny white rabbit appears in her yard, she follows it on a strange journey through Wonderland. This interactive production runs approximately one hour and 15 minutes without an intermission. Tickets begin at $5 and can be purchased here.

Saturday, Oct. 12-Sunday, Oct. 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.

Sunday, Oct. 13: Schenley Plaza Halloween Magic Kids Day, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For the final Kids Day of 2024, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy welcomes families to Schenley Plaza for autumn-themed activities. Costumed performers will poryray beloved characters from the Harry Potter series including Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall, Moaning Myrtle, and Hagrid the gamekeeper. Guests can also enjoy potion-making and spell-casting demonstrations, interact with the characters, and explore fantasy-themed toys and role-playing accessories. The activities will run until 4 p.m., and free carousel rides until 7 p.m. Find more details here.

Looking for more fall family fun as well as all year round? Sign up for our twice-weekly newsletter. You’ll get great guides like this one as well as news relevant to parents in the Pittsburgh area.