Courtesy Allegheny Regional Asset District.
Courtesy Allegheny Regional Asset District.

60 regional attractions

September 18 – October 11
Various times

60 venues, 49 events, 24 days, 14 years.

Running Friday, September 18th through Sunday, October 11th, RADical Days invites Pittsburghers of all ages to enjoy everything that is wonderful and free about our local attractions and amenities—that means free admissions, free performances, free scavenger hunts and games, free special events and much more.

PNC Park. Photo courtesy Julie Goetz for RAD.
PNC Park. Photo courtesy Julie Goetz for RAD.

The 14th annual series showcases more than 60 world-class destinations around the city and region—from art museums, parks and libraries, to theaters, sports facilities and community centers. So whether you’ve got a history buff, nature lover, art aficionado or sports fanatic on your hands, you’re definitely going to find lots of free fun for the entire family over the next month.

Ready to be a free RADical?

Tour charming tranquil gardens to experience the wonder of the natural world and learn about the importance of our environment, crawl your way into contemporary art throughout the Cultural District and meet acclaimed authors at local libraries. Next, go behind-the-scenes to visit the rarely-seen homes of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers, stroll with exotic birds and encounter endangered animals at the Aviary and groove, move and sway along with lively jazz, folk and opera music all around town.

At Phipps Conservatory, kids can explore the site’s outdoor garden to search for insect-devouring plants, five-foot wide Victorian water lilies and an orchid that resembles a bat, and discover an oasis filled with some of Earth’s oddest looking plants (think glowing flowers and thorns on leaves!).

Courtesy Allegheny Regional Asset District.
Courtesy Allegheny Regional Asset District.

Ready to usher in Autumn? Hop on a pony, step into a barnyard petting zoo and attend Halloween puppet and magic shows at Hartwood Acres’ Hay Day, enjoy live family-friendly entertainment at Pittsburgh Musical Theater’s Community Day and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Legacy Theatre, batting cages, dugout and press box at PNC Park.

Head to Carnegie Scinece Center’s newest exhibit, H2Oh! to make it rain in the water table, climb a rock wall, compete against Hockey-bot and view a massive model railroad, and then pop into Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Lawrenceville to see Gateway to the Arts’ StoryCorner presentation of the classic tale, Three Billy Goats Gruff.

The rad fun culminates on October 11th with events and activities presented by the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, Senator John Heinz History Center and Western PA Sports Museum, Pittsburgh Public Theater and Scott Township Library.

There is so much more to see and do, so be sure to check the complete 2015 RADical Days schedule online and watch for news on their Facebook page. To receive updates on your mobile device, text RAD to 79797.

Jennifer has worked at the Mattress Factory, Brooklyn Museum of Art and SLB Radio Productions. She is co-author of the award-winning book, "Pittsburgh Signs Project: 250 Signs of Western Pennsylvania." For 15-plus years, she was co-coordinator and marketing director with Handmade Arcade, Pittsburgh's first and largest independent craft fair. She makes music as The Garment District and is a founding member of Brooklyn's The Ladybug Transistor.