fall foliage and the city skyline of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Fall Festivals 2023 Guide | Fairs, Events & More

Colorful foliage. Crisp air. Pumpkins. What's not to love about Fall?

As the temperatures start to cool down, fall festival season begins heating up! Explore a pumpkin patch at a scenic farm, celebrate at cultural festivals in the city and more with Pennsylvania's stunning fall colors as a backdrop. Happy Fall!

Halloween fans, we have a list of haunts for you, too.

UPCOMING FALL FESTIVALS

Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival

Sept. 24-Oct. 1, 2023
Enjoy nine films from the silent film era screened at eight venues throughout Pittsburgh, all with live musical accompaniment, for this brand new festival for 2023.

Open Air

Sept. 29-Oct. 1
Enjoy food trucks, free community dance performances and wellness classes with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre performances throughout. 

Pittsburgh Hispanic Heritage Festival

Sept. 30, 2023
This new, city-spanning cultural festival takes place across three separate venues on Sept. 30! Start with the Hispanic Heritage Community Festival at Heinz History Center from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., then head over to the Roberto Clemente Museum for the 3,000th Hit Open House, followed by Latin music sensation bringing down the house at PPG Paints Arena at 8 p.m.

Confluence PumpkinFest - Laurel Highlands

Oct. 6-8, 2023
Participate in a Fall Foliage celebration during the Confluence PumpkinFest. The festival includes a variety of events like the Pumpkinfest Queen Pageant, a 5K run/walk, an antique and classic auto show, a parade and a largest pumpkin contest. 

Allegheny County Fall Concert Series - Various Parks 

Sept. 23, 30 & Oct. 7, 2023
A new tradition continues this fall when music fills the region's parks during the Fall Concert Series. Enjoy live performances from the Pittsburgh Jazz Orchestra as well as rock, polka and country bands at a rotating list of parks.

Reel Q Pittsburgh LGBTQ+ Film Festival

Oct. 6-15, 2023
The annual Reel Q film festival in October is the sixth oldest LGBTQ+ film festival in the world and the longest-running film festival in Pittsburgh. Reel Q spans 10 days with a variety of programs, panels, parties and community activities. The festival screens approximately 20 locally first-run feature films and 50+ short films spanning multiple genres.

Festival of Combustion - Rivers of Steel

Oct. 7, 2023
This one is sure to be lit fam (is that what the kids say?). The hottest fall festival returns to Carrie Blast Furnaces with hands-on demonstrations, tours of the property, live music, craft beer and food trucks.

Mars Applefest - Mars, PA 

Oct. 7, 2023
Experience the Mars Applefest with food, fun, shopping, games, crafts, 150+ vendors and entertainment.

Autumnfest - Seven Springs Mountain Resort

Saturdays & Sundays, Oct. 7-22
Treat yourself to a spectacular weekend in the mountains and enjoy the best of Pennsylvania's beautiful fall foliage! Hop on the chairlift for an aerial view of the fiery colors of autumn. Shop from local artisans and crafters, enjoy live music and a mini getaway in the mountains during Autumnfest. 

Fall Flower Show - Phipps Conservatory & Botanical Gardens

Oct. 7-29, 2023

Experience the breathtaking and festive Fall Flower Show: Hometown Harvest. Peruse through an array of whimsical chrysanthemums and stroll along a pond, immersing yourself in a tranquil atmosphere. Find bees creating honey and a lush assortment of vibrant flowers.

Autumn Serenade Luncheon Cruise - Gateway Clipper Fleet at Station Square

Oct. 11, 14, 18, 21, 2023
Enjoy a tasty autumn harvest lunch while taking in the sights of Pittsburgh fall foliage on a riverboat tour.

Fall Foliage reflects off the water in Pittsburgh

Fort Ligonier Days - Ligonier, PA

Oct. 13-15, 2023
Fort Ligonier Days is a three-day festival that commemorates the Battle of Fort Ligonier, a key engagement of the French & Indian War. The festival features historic battle reenactments, live music, authentic crafts, delicious food and more.

Houston Pumpkin Festival- Houston, PA

October 13-15, 2023
Features family fun for all ages, including; over 175 food and craft vendors, music and entertainment, children's games and activities, a parade, and many pumpkin related contests. Free admission.

Annual Country Fall Festival - Zelienople, PA

Oct. 14-15, 2023
Enjoy two days of musical entertainment, three towers of paranormal ghost walks, pumpkin and costume contests, chainsaw carving, petting zoo, free horse-drawn wagon rides, and historic encampments and demonstrations during the Zelienople Country Fall Festival.

Get a Taste of all things Pumpkin Spice in Pittsburgh!

Pittsburgh Coffee Week

Oct. 15-21
A weeklong celebration of everyone's favorite hot bean water with coffee-themed community events, drink specials at participating locations and collaborations with local businesses, all to elevate Pittsburgh's local coffee scene.

Pumpkin Patch Trolley - Pennsylvania Trolley Museum 

Oct. 20-22, 2023
Ride the trolley to the pumpkin patch for fall family fun! 

Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival

Oct. 21-22, 2023
Join in on the action during the Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival, featuring a "Costume Caper" 5K run/walk, pumpkin ragatta, pumpkin pie eating contest, giant pumpkin sculptures and, of course, record breaking giant pumpkins. This year's event is in a new location in the Strip District, at 3 Crossings Campus along 28th & 29th Street.

Trick or Trolley - Pennsylvania Trolley Museum

Oct. 28-29, 2023
Trick or treat the Museum in your costumes!

Discover more upcoming Halloween events and happenings.

Asian Lantern Festival - Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

Thursday-Sunday nights through Oct. 29, 2023
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium will illuminate the city with the glow of colossal, handcrafted lanterns. This all-new display will feature a global perspective that takes guests over mountains, through jungles and under the sea during walk-thru and drive-thru experiences.

Phantom Fall Fest - Kennywood 

Select Dates  through Oct. 29, 2023
Experience Kennywood's new Phantom Fall Fest! Visit the park during the day for family-friendly fun, including festive food and a unique Kennywood autumn atmosphere. After dark, the Phantom takes screams to the extreme with seven haunted houses and four scare zones.

Related: Fall Date Ideas in Pittsburgh

Highmark Blues & Heritage Festival - Highmark Stadium

Nov. 3-4, 2023 
Highmark Blues & Heritage Festival (HBHF) at Highmark Stadium features two days celebrating hope, roots and the connections that music makes across races, neighborhoods and beliefs. Presented by the August Wilson African American Cultural Center.


Fall Foliage Hikes - Allegheny County Parks

Program guided tours are available all season and can be scheduled in advance by contacting the Allegheny County Parks Education and Outreach Coordinator. 
Enjoy a scenic, guided tour on one of Allegheny County Parks' nature/hiking trails. 

2023 DATES TBD

Look for official dates and more details of these fall festivals coming soon.

South Park Hay Day - South Park & Hartwood Acres

2023 Dates TBD
Join Allegheny County parks for a day full of free family-friendly fall activities. Families can enjoy hay rides, a hay maze, a pumpkin patch trip, a barnyard petting zoo and more. Food, beverages and snacks will be available for sale from food trucks and vendors. 

Trax Farms - Finleyville, PA

2023 Dates TBD
Trax opens up its farm for the annual Fall Festival including pumpkin picking, hayrides, a 3-acre cornfield maze and more. Stop by the Cafe for a fresh apple dumpling and a mug of hot apple cider before heading home.

Triple B Farms - Monongahela, PA

2023 Dates TBD
If you're looking for a fall festival mixed with a carnival check out Triple B Farms this fall. The family-friendly festival includes traditional activities like a pick-your-own pumpkin patch, cut-your-own sunflowers and hayrides on the farm along with some fun but unexpected activities like the Liberty Tube and Squirrel Hill Tunnel Slides, a haunted barn and more.

A tractor pulls a hayride through a field at Triple B Farms

PAST FALL FESTIVALS

Pittsburgh Taco Festival - The Stacks at 3 Crossings

Aug. 26, 2023

Pittsburgh's top tacos and food trucks take over the Strip District! Enjoy this community-centered event which features more than 25 food trucks and vendors plus live music, an art market and family fun. This festival is produced with the support of the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation and Latin American Cultural Union.

Kickoff and Rib Festival - Acrisure Stadium

Aug. 30-Sept. 4, 2023
Western PA football kicks off right at Acrisure Stadium, home of the Pitt Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers! Enjoy six days of football, amazing ribs, live music, the area's largest cornhole tournament, farmers market and more at this free fest.

Pittsburgh Soul Food Festival - The Plaza at PPG Place & Market Square

Sept. 1-3, 2023
Enjoy a Soulful Taste of the Burgh at this free festival spotlighting Black culinary, butchery and food businesses. While the fantastic food takes center stage, a small business market, live music, BBQ contest and cultural activities make this event an all-day affair!

Britsburgh

Sept. 4-9, 2023
Bringing a bit of Britain to Pittsburgh, the 2023 Britsburgh Festival is chockablock with events from afternoon teas and cask tapping to Shakespeare performances and even a polo match, all designed to bring people together over a shared love of all things British!

ReelAbilities Film Festival - Pittsburgh Playhouse

Sept. 7-13, 2023
The ReelAbilities Film Festival presents award-winning films through the lens of individuals living with disabilities. In addition to impactful films, the festival also features artwork and special guests to bring the themes of community and shared human experience to the forefront. ReelAbilities is a program of Film Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival - Mellon Park

Sept. 16, 2023
Come experience the biggest Chinese community event in Pittsburgh at this free festival. Celebrate Chinese heritage, watch traditional performances, listen to beautiful music and enjoy some delicious food.

Pittsburgh Irish Festival - Carrie Blast Furnaces

Sept. 8-10, 2023
Guests at this year’s Pittsburgh Irish Festival can expect to see their favorite Irish international, national, and local acts in person at the event’s 32nd Annual Celtic Celebration! The line-up features new bands, phenomenal solo performers, well-known favorites, local Irish dance groups and more on four stages for non-stop fun and enjoyment.

Three Stooges Festival - Harris Theater

Sept. 16, 2023
Enjoy six of the best Three Stooges shorts and see if you're a real wiseguy with Stooges trivia. Concessions will be available and the Harris Theater is now BYOB.

41st Annual Latin America & Caribbean Festival - Posvar Hall, University of Pittsburgh

Sept. 23, 2023
The 41st Annual Latin American festival is a celebration of Latin American culture featuring food vendors, musicians, performers, arts and crafts and more! Since 1979, the mission of the festival is to showcase Latin American cultures in Pittsburgh to both Pitt students and the Pittsburgh community.

Enjoy Fall in and around Pittsburgh and let us know where your family went for a great experience using #LovePGH on social media!