Whether you’re looking for outdoor festivals, a Broadway show or prime trick-or-treating spots, October has a little something for everybody. Dust off those Halloween decorations, pick out a costume and get ready for a month full of fun, festive autumn delights.
Come Out & Play Festival at Schenley Plaza: October 1
Have some great outdoor fun with City of Play’s seventh annual Come Out & Play (CO&P) Festival. Presented in conjunction with the Oakland Forever festival, the free event returns to Schenley Plaza in Oakland to present a day of new and innovative games from around the world. CO&P kicks off at 2 p.m. with the all-ages Field Games and Family Games, then transitions at 6 p.m. for After Dark, a variety of social, street and digital games.
From 10 p.m to midnight, the 21 and over crowd can participate in Fantastic Adventure, a citywide game that’s part treasure hunt, part capture-the-flag, and part immersive theater. While most activities are free, Fantastic Adventure requires tickets and costs between $30 and $45.
FAM CON at The River at New Heights: October 2
Have a righteous time in Sewickley during FAM CON. The pop culture extravaganza will present a host of family-friendly activities, including live music by the tribute band Totally 80s and pro-wrestling by the Keystone State Wrestling Alliance. Prepare for a fight against the undead during the zombie crossbow shoot, sample some food truck fare, or check out vendors selling comic books, art and other goods. There’s also plenty of fun for the kids, including hayrides, carnival games and a costume contest.
FAM CON takes place from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at The River at New Heights, 2365 Wharrey Dr., Sewickley, PA 15143. Admission is $7 per person, $25 for a family.
Pumpkinfest on the North Side: October 8
Start autumn off right with the 25th anniversary of Pumpkinfest in Allegheny Commons Park. To mark the milestone, organizers will plant a sugar maple tree and bury a time capsule that won’t be opened until the event’s 50th anniversary in the year 2041. Kids are encouraged to contribute personal tokens to the capsule, including signed cards, photos, letters, or a favorite CD or DVD. The event will also include family fun such as hayrides, games, pumpkin decorating, rides and more. There will also be a health fair featuring more than 40 family service providers.
Pumpkinfest takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. at the corner of East Ohio St. and Cedar Ave. Admission is free for adults, $5 for children ages 12 and under.
Apple Castle Fall Festival and Craft Fair in New Wilmington: October 8
Autumn never tasted so sweet at the Apple Castle Fall Festival and Craft Fair in New Wilmington. Get ready for a morning of apple picking, apple treats like cider and caramel apples, and apple-related activities like the apple slingshot. The family fun continues with pumpkin picking and decorating, live entertainment, tractor rides and a chance to climb the straw bale mountain. And don’t forget the 75 crafters selling an array of unique, handmade items.
The Apple Castle Fall Festival and Craft Fair takes place from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 277 State Route 18, New Wilmington, PA 16142. Admission and parking are free.
Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic! at CONSOL: October 14
The magical kingdom comes alive when Feld Entertainment presents their touring production of Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic! at CONSOL Energy Center. Disney fans of all ages can join Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy as they step into mysterious portals throughout the Disney universe and encounter more than 25 characters from the company’s most beloved animated films. The show uses choreography, state-of-the-art theatrical effects, and a cast of live performers to recreate iconic moments from Cinderella, Toy Story and Aladdin. There will also be original songs and the stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Tangled.
Showtimes are 4 and 7 p.m. Buy tickets online at Ticketmaster.
3-2-1 Ride at Heinz Field: October 16
Cyclists can pedal their way through the annual 3-2-1 Ride. Now in its fourth year, the fundraising event to raise cancer awareness takes bicycling enthusiasts of all ages and skills through some of Pittsburgh’s most scenic bike routes. Events include a seven-mile family trail ride, a 25-mile trail and road ride, and the Metric Century, an epic, 62-mile journey through the Great Allegheny Passage. All rides start and end at the Heinz Field Quay along the North Shore Riverfront Trail. There will also be family-friendly activities, a Finish Line Festival, refreshments and more. Those interested can register at the 3-2-1 Ride website.
Proceeds from 3-2-1 Ride benefit The Woiner Foundation, the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute Melanoma Center and the Alliance of Families Fighting Pancreatic Cancer.