5 Things to Do in Pittsburgh This Weekend

Plus, seasonal events around the city.

September 29, 2026

PM Staff,

PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO

Festival of Combustion
Oct. 3 | Carrie Blast Furnaces

Set against the towering Carrie Blast Furnaces, this one-day celebration brings together industrial arts, American craft, live music and hands-on experiences for curious minds of every age. Whether you’re introducing your kids to the magic of making or you’re a lifelong metalworker eager to watch master craftspeople at work, you’ll find something to spark your imagination. The festival kicks off at 3 p.m. on Oct. 3. You can purchase tickets at the gate for $30 or online ahead of time for $25.

Northland Renaissance Faire
Oct. 3 | Northland Public Library

Even if you can’t make it out to the Pittsburgh Renaissance Faire, you can head to the Northland Public Library to enjoy some Renaissance revelry. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the library will host a range of entertainment, workshops and even medieval dancing, as well as face painting and open board game sessions with fellow gaming enthusiasts.

Steel City Spooky Market
Oct. 3 | Allegheny Commons Park West

The Steel City Spooky Market is a Halloween themed market, meaning the vendors sell spooky art, tarot readings, taxidermy, crystals,and more. You’ll also find food vendors and food trucks that are sometimes themed. The market will open at 10 a.m. in Allegheny Commons Park West.

Oktoberfest Pittsburgh
Oct. 1-11 | Downtown

For 11 days, this year’s event will be held at Fort Duquesne Boulevard, utilizing the westbound roadway from Stanwix Street over to 7th Street and incorporating the 6th Street Bridge. This year promises an even better celebration of culture, food, music and community, so festivalgoers can fully immerse themselves in German-inspired activities for all ages.

Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza
Oct. 2- Nov. 1 | Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will illuminate the first half of the zoo with thousands of artistically carved pumpkins glowing on your night walk through this gourd-geous new display. During the first full week of the festival, Oct. 2-9, gates open at 6:30 p.m.; starting on Oct. 10, gates will open at 6 p.m. for the rest of the event.