PNC CAROUSEL IN SCHENLEY PLAZA IN OAKLAND | PHOTO COURTESY PITTSBURGH PARKS CONSERVANCY

In another sign of spring, the PNC Carousel reopens on Saturday, April 19, in Schenley Plaza in Oakland — with a day of free rides. This is the 19th season for the carousel, which features hand-painted animals like a camel, elephant, giraffe, ostrich, seahorse and more that celebrate Pittsburgh’s history and surrounding beauty.

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is offering the free rides on the carousel, which will open at 11 a.m. The carousel is one of the region’s few amusement rides that is wheelchair accessible, according to conservancy officials.

Season passes also are available, which offer unlimited rides up to four people through the end of the season on Oct. 19, 2025.

A list of parks conservancy special events throughout the spring and summer in Schenley Plaza can be found here.