17 October events: From slightly scary fun to crafts, animal visits and much more!

October is a stellar month to be a kid in Kidsburgh. From spooky events to not-so-spooky fall activities, it’s always packed with things to do for every budget and age range.

We’ve got a guide to apple picking, details on ways to use RAD passes for free local fun, and more. Dig out your Steelers hoodie and boots, and get ready for fall in Pittsburgh!

Oct. 1-31: Laser Family Halloween at the Kamin Science Center

While the science center is preparing for lots of new changes, they are still doing many of our favorite local events, like semi-spooky laser shows. Get into the Halloween spirit with music from the “Addams Family,” “Ghostbusters,” and “Beetlejuice,” plus classics like “Thriller” and “Superstition” under the lasers. Tickets are $7.

Oct. 2-12: Oktoberfest Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership wants local families to head down to the Golden Triangle and take in everything the city has to offer. Festival-goers can immerse themselves in German-inspired activities for all ages as well as the return of the Ferris Wheel on the Clemente Bridge. Highlights include the ever-popular Stein Holding, as well as an array of Karneval games. Adding to the festive atmosphere, an Oompah band and Bavarian-style musicians will fill the air with accordion melodies and lively polka tunes. Admission is free.

Oct. 2-Nov. 2: Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

This family-friendly event is the perfect combination of nighttime fun, the spirit of autumn, and artistry with thousands of intricately carved pumpkins. The Extravaganza includes activities for children, gently spooky seasonal displays and specialty seasonal food items. Tickets are $20-$26 for adults, $15-$20 for kids.

Oct. 3-5: Release Party for “Life of a Showgirl” at The Lindsay Theater

Bring your little Swifties to Sewickey for a weekend of viewing Taylor Swift’s latest music video, “The Fate of Ophelia,” along with behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot, brand new lyric videos, and Taylor Swift’s never-before-seen personal reflections on songs from her 12th studio album, “The Life of a Showgirl.” Tickets are $12, and it is strongly suggested to purchase them ahead of time since this may draw a big crowd.

Oct. 4: The Electric Playground at Hazelwood Green

Join Hazelwood Local for The Electric Playground, a free community celebration that brings together games, performances and hands-on activities for all ages. Hosted in partnership with Hazelwood Local and the August Wilson African American Cultural Center, this event will feature a live concert by Squonk, free video games trials, STEAM showcases, and more than 30 food and retail vendors. The Electric Playground isn’t just about fun — it’s a chance to highlight the incredible creativity, culture, and innovation happening across the Steel City, all in one exciting afternoon. Find all the deets right here.

Oct. 4: Little Hoopers Basketball Clinic at Sewickley Community Center.

This event is open to kids in grades K-2 and hosted by Premier Youth & Community Center. Led by local basketball coach Emily Cottrill, this clinic will let even the youngest athletes experience the sport and learn the basics. All skill levels are welcome; no basketball experience is required. Dinner will be provided. Participants must wear sneakers and should bring a water bottle. Parents are welcome to either drop off or stay and watch. The cost is $20 and registration is required.

Oct. 5: Riverview Park Day

From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., families are invited to a free celebration of historic Riverview Park on Perry Hilltop for activities, music, and family fun courtesy of the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. Find more info here.

Oct. 10: Parents Night Out: Youth Power Up Party at Attack Theater

Calling all superheroes! Capes, masks and big imaginations are welcome at Attack Theatre’s Parents Night Out event. Kids ages 5 and up will spend the evening dancing, creating heroic crafts, and transforming into their favorite characters through imaginative activities — all while discovering the power of movement and play. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a well-deserved night off in the heart of Lawrenceville, knowing their little heroes are safe, active and having a blast. This event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the cost is… nothing. Sign up for this free babysitting here.

Oct. 10-12: Fort Ligonier Days

For kids who are into history (and those who think they aren’t, but will have fun), Fort Ligonier Days are the perfect way to explore some of this region’s colonial history. With vendors, music, reenactments and kid-friendly activities, there is something fun for families each and every day of the festival. Find vendor info and the full schedule right here.

Oct. 10 and 17: Spooky Spirits Walk at The Frick Pittsburgh

Explore the macabre, haunting history of Pittsburgh’s East End on a guided walk of the Frick grounds. From the city’s link to the “crime of the century” to the real-life origins of the city’s most enduring urban legends, discover the darker side of the East End. Two drink vouchers and a sweet treat are included in the cost of the ticket. Register in advance for the Oct. 10 and Oct. 17 sessions. Tickets are $50 for grown-ups and $25 for students.

Oct. 11: Banned Books and Breakfast for Kids at Vintage Max Mercantile

Did you know that October 5-11 is Banned Books Week? Throughout history, various works of art have caused a stir, but why? Vintage Max Mercantile, a bookstore and gift shop in Bellevue, concludes the week with a morning of donuts and banned books readings just for kids! Grab a seat and listen as they read some cherished – yet banned – children’s stories from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Find more info here. This event is free, and walk-ins are welcome.

Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25: “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” at Allegheny County Parks

Grab your warmest blanket and a Thermos of hot apple cider! It’s time for Halloween Movies in the Parks. This not-so-spooky event visits Hartwood Acres, Settlers Cabin, Deer Lakes Park, and Roundhill Park this month. The PG-13 film screens at dusk. Admission is free. Find dates and locations here.

Oct. 18: Creatures and Crafts at The Ellis School

Join the Ellis School and Humane Animal Rescue Pittsburgh on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for a morning of festive fall fun. This free community event is open to kids in grades 1–4 (with an adult chaperone) and promises a mix of creativity, learning and seasonal treats. They will also have a special visit from a Humane Animal Rescue wildlife ambassador (that’s some kind of interesting creature!). Advanced free registration is required.

Oct. 18-19: Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkins Festival in the Strip District

Have you seen a pumpkin bigger than a car? Well, you should. From a pie-eating contest and giant pumpkin sculptures to a floating pumpkin regatta, this festival celebrates all things pumpkin. There will be food, vendors, demonstrations and lots of fall fun. Admission is free.

Oct. 24-26: Explore Bats with Park Rangers at Allegheny County Parks

Pittsburgh families are lucky to get so many chances to learn from amazing park rangers around the region. This weekend, kids will learn about fascinating nocturnal aerial predators at ranger-led stations and then get a chance to relax around a campfire. Enjoy a short, guided walk, with flashlights provided. Enrollment for this activity is free.

Oct. 28-30: Creatures of the Night Hike at Schenley Park

Yet another great chance to learn from our local park rangers! Join Pittsburgh Park Rangers for a twilight hike on one of three hikes, including an exploration of plants, nocturnal animals and mythical cryptids. Registration is free, but required.

Oct. 31-Nov. 2: “Dracula” at the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre

Back by popular demand, PBT will perform Michael Pink’s acclaimed Dracula ballet at the Benedum Center on Halloween weekend. See Count Dracula make his chilling return to the Benedum stage, just in time for Halloween. Based on Bram Stoker’s classic Gothic horror story, this ballet features dramatic choreography, exquisite storytelling, opulent costumes, theatrical sets and a gripping original score by Philip Feeney. NOTE: This performance is not recommended for young children, but is appropriate for kids ages 14 and up. Tickets can be purchased here.

Riverview Park Day photo at top of story courtesy of Pittsburgh Parks Convervancy.

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