From music to food, cars, pumpkins, and more, Pittsburgh has all kinds of fun festivals lined up throughout September and October. Here are just some of the events that the city has to offer.
The air may be cooling down, but the festival scene in Pittsburgh is only heating up! The Steel City is hosting many entertaining events this September and October. With a wide variety of activities and opportunities happening every weekend and nearly every weekday, there’s something to appeal to everyone. During these cultural festivals, immerse yourself in the elegant fall colors and the vibrant Pittsburgh community.
Highmark Blues and Heritage Festival
On September 14 and 15, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center will host this annual festival at Highmark Stadium in downtown Pittsburgh. New Breed Brass Band, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Steel Pulse, and Fantastic Negrito will headline, with many more acts filling the card and stages over the two-day event. The festival aims to celebrate blues music and its rich culture and forge connections among diverse groups of people. Check out the event site to learn more or buy tickets.
Pittsburgh Jazz Festival
During the weekend of September 16, experience the best jazz this city offers over a three-day extravaganza. The Pittsburgh Jazz Festival hosts world-renowned musicians, including Ron Carter and Stanley Clarke, and local favorites for a stacked 140-musician lineup. Go to the event homepage for a full lineup and tickets.
Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival
The seventh Chinese Cultural Festival will occur at Mellon Park on September 24. All are welcome to this free event to celebrate Pittsburgh’s Chinese community and its rich cultural background. Come for some of the best Chinese food in town, and stay for the art, music, and entertainment. Visit the Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center site for more information.
Midweek Oktoberfest
For some weeknight action, skip wine Wednesday and sample Allegheny City Brewing’s best German beers. Germany’s Oktoberfest traditionally runs from mid-September until October’s first week. But this version takes place on September 21. ABC’s celebration will feature music from Shelf Life String Band, food from All Over the Campfire, and beers from ABC, Golden Age, Hop Farm, and Old Thunder.
Taco and Margarita Festival
If beer isn’t your thing, September 24 is the first-ever Steel City Taco and Margarita Festival. From noon to five, the best taco trucks in Western Pennsylvania will line up around some live music and refreshing margaritas at the Mountain View Amphitheater. Go here to find tickets and more information.
Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Music Festival
Don’t miss this opportunity to sample unlimited, high-quality drinks in the home of Major League Baseball’s Pittsburgh Pirates at the Pittsburgh All-Star Craft Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Music Festival. This event takes place on October 1 at PNC Park. Enjoy games and music, and hang out on the baseball field at this one-of-a-kind festival. The extremely-limited tickets are for afternoon and evening slots and include two tickets to a future Pirates game. Visit this link for tickets and more information.
German Motor Vehicle Show
If you liked the German beers at Oktoberfest, then perhaps you’ll like their cars, too. Bring your own German vehicle or come see others’ at FAHRZEUGFEST 3 on October 8 on Foreland Street — right next to Allegheny City Brewing on the city’s north side.
Monster Pumpkins Festival
Get in the Halloween spirit during the weekend of October 15 at the Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival. Come see pumpkins weighing up to 2,500 pounds at this free and kid-friendly festival. Better yet, come to see one of these pumpkins get dropped from 140 feet in the air! Other fun activities include pumpkin carving and pie eating contests. Craft food trucks will also be on the scene. This event takes place at The Stacks at 3 Crossings. Go here to learn more.
Pittsburgh Coffee and Chocolate Festival
On October 22, head to the Triple Crown Ballroom in the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows to taste the best coffee and chocolate on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Sample a wide variety of gourmet chocolate and craft coffee and espresso. If that’s not enticing enough, ticket sales benefit Animal Friends of Pittsburgh, and animals will be present for you to meet, play with, and even adopt. Go here to learn more.
Find your best fall sweater and have fun at one or all of these events to support local businesses!
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