18 September family events to send off summer and welcome fall to the Pittsburgh region

Photo above by Izabelly Marques via Unsplash.

With schools back in session and pumpkin spice in the air, it’s that time of year when end-of-summer events are butting up against fall festivals — which means the lineup of September family events in Pittsburgh has something for everyone.

From fairs and free concerts to puppy pool days, check out all the September family events happening in and around Kidsburgh this month: 

Aug. 29 – Sept. 4: Big Knob Grange Fair

This classic fair is located in Beaver County, not far from Cranberry Township. You’ll find animals, food, games, rides, and music shows. The fair does not require tickets to walk around and enjoy the exhibits — tickets are only required for rides. An unlimited wristband is $20, or single tickets can be purchased for specific rides. Friday night includes a demolition derby, while Saturday evening features a monster truck show. Monster truck show tickets are $12 ahead of time ($14 at the gate) and can be purchased here. The demolition derby tickets are $8 for kids and $12 for adults, and can be purchased at the gate. Check out the fair website for all of the details. 

Sept. 1: Punchline at South Park Amphitheater

This year’s final free summer concert at South Park features the rock band Punchline and special guest Carl Kopta. The food and beverage vendors open at 6 p.m. There will be various food trucks as well as a winery and brewery truck on site, and outside food and drink is permitted. Grab some frisbees and chairs for the last South Park show of the summer. 

Sept. 1: Summer Fridays at The Frick

It’s time for the final concert at The Frick this summer. Bring your blankets and yard games and enjoy one of the few remaining warm summer evenings. While you’re there, check out the museum’s extended hours. “Pittsburgh and the Great Migration” is on display at the Car and Carriage Museum. Find all the details on their website. 

Sept. 1 – Sept. 3: Soul Food Festival in Market Square

A Soulful Taste of the Burgh is excited to bring their Soul Food Festival downtown, with three days of food, music, and entertainment. It’s a great weekend to eat your way through the city. Check out the lineup of music and food here. 

Sept. 2: Foltz School Open Days at Jennings Environmental Center

If you haven’t checked out this one-room schoolhouse in Slippery Rock yet, it’s a great first hand account of local history that comes alive for kids and adults alike. The school will be open this weekend for both self-guided learning and lessons by the staff. Check out all the details here. 

Sept. 3: Sensory-Sensitive Science Hours

From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m the Carnegie Science Center will have adjusted sound and light effects, sensory-friendly demonstrations, and other accommodations for visitors with autism and sensory sensitivity and their families. As a reminder, the science center always has quiet corners and sensory backpacks available. 

Sept. 4: Pooches in the Pool

To say goodbye to summer before they drain the pools, Allegheny County lets the pups take a swim in all four of their pools. Bring your pooch — or just come watch everyone else’s — and send summer out with a last splash. Rates begin at $20 per pup. Check out the rules and regulations here. 

Sept. 4: North Boroughs Community Day

If you didn’t get enough fireworks on Independence Day, you’re in luck! The north boroughs – Bellevue, Avalon, Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, and Emsworth – are co-hosting this event at Avalon Park to make up for their rained-out July event. There will be food, live music, raffles, sweet treats, and fireworks. Find the details on Facebook. 

Sept. 8-10: Somerset Historical Society Mountain Craft Days

In Somerset County, this festival is dedicated to showcasing the local crafts and artisan talents of southwestern Pennsylvania colonists. Kids can learn through displays and hands-on demonstrations. Children 5 and under are free, and admission begins at $5 for older kids and grownups. Check out all the festival has to offer here. 

Sept. 8-10: Pittsburgh Irish Festival

At the Carrie Blast Furnace, enjoy three days of Irish food, beverages, dancing and history. There will be tours of the furnace, a chance to pet Irish dogs, and tons of vendors and activities. Kids 12 and under are free, and regular admission is $20. Find all the details about the festival here. 

Sept. 8 – Oct. 17: RADical Days

Each fall, tax dollars in Allegheny County fund 40 days of enjoying our regional assets in the district — hence the name “RAD” days. During the RADical days fall festival, you’ll find free admission to museums, conservatories and gardens, plus free concerts and more. Find the full schedule of free adventures right here. 

Sept 9-10: Art Book Fair at the CMOA

For two days, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Pittsburgh Art Book Fair will showcase some of the best visual works in the region, including magazines, books and other publications. There will also be book-making activities for children as part of the museum’s regular weekend family programming. Find out more details about the fair here. 

Sept. 10: River City Brass Band at MuseumLab

As part of RAD Days, the River City Brass Band will be playing a free concert at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, which is also open free of charge that day. Performances will be at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Find all the details here. 

Sept. 14-19: Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival

This is the 13th year of Pittsburgh’s jazz festival, and if you haven’t checked it out yet, you should! With four days of music, the August Wilson African America Cultural Center has created a lineup that will have your whole family dancing in the streets (literally). Jazz has played an important part in Pittsburgh’s history. Find details, tickets, and information here. 

Sept. 16: Westmoreland County Demolition Derby Championship

Want to watch lots of cars smash into each other while the crowd cheers? Then a demolition derby is the place for you. This event is at the Westmoreland County fairgrounds. Kids are $5, adults are $10, and pit passes are $20 for all ages. Check out their Facebook page for up-to-date information. 

Sept. 17: Pittsburgh County Fair

Ok, Pittsburgh isn’t a county. But the organizers of this event say they are excited to throw a county fair regardless. Come to Allegheny Commons Park to learn about handicrafts, dyeing and fermenting. There will be activities and lessons, too. Check out the event page for all of the details. 

Sept. 23: Powdermill Avian Research Center Open House

The Carnegie Museum of Natural History is excited to host this “pay what you wish” event at their Powdermill facility. Learn about bird banding, how to reduce the risk of birds flying into windows, and many more tips about conservation and bird populations locally. Register here. 

Sept. 23-24: Evans City PumpkinFest

Evans City sets the stage for fall with a car cruise, carving contest, pumpkin-pie eating contest and plenty of food, beverages and vendors. This event has continued to grow year by year, and is a great early fall celebration. All the details can be found here. 

Note: The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh will be closed September 1-8th. 

Looking for more September family events in Pittsburgh and things to do every day of the week? Sign up for our newsletter here. Did you know Kidsburgh is also on Instagram? Follow along so you don’t miss a thing.