KDKA: RAD Days are here with 40 days of free shows and events

About 50,000 people will take advantage of free admission and free shows over the next forty days for RAD Days, which began Friday, Sept. 8 and run through Oct. 17.

You might recall it used to be called RADical Days but now it’s shortened to RAD Days. RAD stands for the Regional Asset District. One percent of all sales tax in Allegheny County goes to this fund that supports our parks, libraries, cultural institutions and more of what makes our region special.

As a “thank you” to taxpayers, the organizations offer at least one free day during RAD Days to places like Phipps Botanical Gardens, Acrisure Stadium and the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, as well as free shows by organizations like the Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

“We recognize that these are important places to sustain and foster, and for us to be able to go around to business owners around the country where people are looking to move here and say, ‘Hey, it’s not just about roads and bridges and things like that. We are also investing in the kind of place that people want to be, that people want to bring their family and ultimately, hopefully build a life in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County,’” says RAD Communications Manager James Santelli.

Many of the organizations that are open are great for kids and families, including the Children’s Museum and Museum Lab, ice skating at PPG Paints Arena and the Heinz History Center. It’s a good idea to look now because some of the eighty events and experiences do require advance registration and fill up.

Find the calendar of events and experiences right here.