10 things to do this weekend, from running on the tarmac at the airport to behind-the-scenes tours of Downtown

Photo above courtesy of P3R. 

It seems impossible that October is already here, but the crisp and cool days that arrived in the ‘burgh this week have officially kicked the fall vibe into full gear. Luckily, Pittsburgh and surrounding areas are brimming with things to do this weekend that will get your crew in the spirit. 

Friday, Sept. 30: Mix, Make, and Mingle with Assemble, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Not sure what Assemble is? Come check out Mix, Make, and Mingle –  an intimate night of coming together for creation, inspiration, and imagination for grown-ups! The event will include food, drinks, and a variety of hands-on activities at “Creation Stations.”  Guests can illuminate their outfits with wearable LED pins, participate in hands-on play, or check out the greenscreen booth. Assemble has tons of events for kids, but this evening is for adults to learn more, unwind and help out this amazing community resource. Purchase tickets for the fundraiser here. 

Saturday, Oct. 1: FlyBy 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run/Walk at Pittsburgh International Airport, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. 

This race is not your average jaunt. This one-of-a-kind event lets participants run through the airfield and taxiways of Pittsburgh International Airport, taking them past aircraft parked along the runway and showing them a side of the airport few get to see. It’s stroller-friendly, and kids under 4 are free. All participants receive a race shirt and finisher medal. Register here. 

Saturday, Oct. 1: Carnegie Fall Fest, 2 p.m. -9 p.m.

A pierogi sampling contest, hay rides, apple tosses, live music and more make Carnegie the place to be this Saturday afternoon. Family-friendly events run from 2 p.m. until 7 p.m., and then Fall Fest After Dark begins for the grown-ups. Check out the full list of activities here. 

Saturday, Oct. 1: Doors Open Pittsburgh, 10 am-4 pm

Doors Open Pittsburgh gives you access to explore normally off-limits spaces in a large collection of downtown buildings, including private clubs, theaters, government offices, artist spaces, hotels, commercial spaces, residential buildings, and more. Kid-focused events include a  photo safari that will have children ages 5-12 on the lookout for simple architectural details that are common across Pittsburgh’s buildings. Get all the details here.

Saturday, Oct. 1: Life with a Shawnee Family at Meadowcroft, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. 

Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, part of the Heinz History Center, is inviting families out to Avella to experience Life with a Shawnee Family. Watch native American interpreters perform daily tasks like their ancestors and learn how Ohio Valley tribes lived off the land. This event is included with Meadowcroft admission, but pre-registration at the link above is strongly encouraged. 

Saturday, Oct. 1: Mars Applefest, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Head north to the quaint hamlet of Mars for their annual Applefest. Admission is free, and shuttles are provided for families to reach the downtown area. Don’t miss a family photo opp at the spaceship in the center of town – Mars is truly out of this world! 

Saturday, Oct. 1: Hay Day at South Park, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

If you missed last weekend’s county Hay Day at Hartwood Acres, don’t worry. South Park is having another Hay Day this weekend. Join friends for this fun-packed day. Balloon artists, a petting zoo, a magician and food trucks will be available for attendees.  

Sunday, Oct.  2: Riverview Park Day, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Pittsburgh CitiParks are throwing a party! At Riverview Park Day,  families can enjoy free music, a CycloCross race, guided hikes and interactive activities for kids. Riverview Park includes a large playground, dog park, hiking trails, and Allegheny Observatory. Pack lunch and head on over for the afternoon – no registration required. 

Sunday, Oct. 2: Chess Fest in Market Square, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

In 2017, former Pittsburgh City Councilmember Dan Gilman and former Allegheny County Councilmember Tom Baker declared October 1-8 to be Chess Week in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Now you can join the first-ever chess festival in Market Square! The event will include speed chess tournaments for chess enthusiasts, a simultaneous exhibition with an International Master, opportunities for beginners and new players to learn the game, engaging activities for early learners, and special guest speakers. A schedule and a link to the free tickets can be found here.

Sunday, Oct. 2: Youth Film Fest at Carnegie Museum of Art, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Have a creative teenager with an interest in visual art? This free event for teens aged 13-18 showcases teen-submitted art and film. There will also be an art talk by emerging artists and photographers. Registration is required. 

Now that it’s October, are you ready to hit the pumpkin patch? Here’s Kidsburgh’s roundup of some of the best in the area.  Don’t miss our giant list of local fall happenings that will entertain your family through the end of November.