The seasons have shifted in Pittsburgh as we welcome the vibrant foliage and crisp morning air of autumn. With the turning weather, a new set of festivities emerges, and the Steel City offers a range that is all encompassing.
These are a few seasonal events to consider when planning your harvest season itinerary.
Squirrel Hill Farmers Market
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. through Nov. 24, a variety of vendors can be found in the Beacon/Bartlett parking lot. A range of products including flowers, produce and baked goods are offered by local merchants.
Location: 5737 Beacon St., Beacon/Bartlett parking lot, Squirrel Hill
Mars Applefest
From 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, Applefest will host more than 150 diverse art vendors. Concessionaires and live music will also be present during the occasion. The event is rain or shine, and admissions and parking are free. For more information regarding the plethora of events offered at Applefest, visit marsapplefest.com.
Location: 145 Grand Ave., Downtown Mars
Row House Cinema Classic Monster Marathon
Row House Cinema is a single-screen art house movie theater located in the heart of Lawrenceville. On Oct. 27, it will be showcasing a Classic Monster Marathon that runs all day. While individual movie tickets are for sale, $36 passes will grant admission for the entire event. For showtime information and ticket availability, visit rowhousecinemas.com/lawrenceville.
Location: 4115 Butler St., Lawrenceville
Pittsburgh Coffee Week
Pittsburgh Coffee Week (PCW) is an annually held series of events hosted by various businesses within the city’s coffee scene. Scheduled for Oct. 13-19, 2024 marks the 10-year PCW anniversary. Events such as barista reading, coffee tasting, board games and latte art will be held at locations throughout Pittsburgh’s scope. Visit pghcoffeeweek.com for a full schedule and a list of participating coffee shops.
Phipps Fall Flower Show
The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens will be showcasing its annual Fall Flower Show from Oct. 5-27, themed “Rhythm and Blues.” It will celebrate through displays of chrysanthemums many music genres, including rock and roll, jazz, hip hop and pop. For operation hours and ticket information, see phipps.conservatory.org.
Location: 1 Schenley Drive, Oakland
Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza
Running from Oct. 3- Nov. 3, the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will house thousands of carved pumpkins featuring the likes of animals, pop culture icons and other familiar figures. The jack o’lantern trail will open nightly at sunset and last from 6:30-10:30 p.m.. For additional details and ticket pricing, visit pittsburghzoo.org.
Location: 7370 Baker St., Highland Park
Walnut Street shopping
With an assortment of shops, restaurants, cafés and boutiques, Walnut Street in Shadyside is ideal for any days when you aren’t quite set on one activity. There’s something for everyone, with standout spots such as the unique gift and bookstore Kards Unlimited and the community-favorite coffee shop Jitters. Keep an eye out for autumn-themed storefronts and seasonal menu items that embody the quintessence of fall.
