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City Cast Pittsburgh

Did you know a Pittsburgher founded Banned Books Week?

Born and raised in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood,  

, and in 1982, she started Banned Books Week as a time for librarians, teachers, and readers of all ages to celebrate “forbidden” titles and protect the public’s right to seek information and express themselves without barriers.

 of parents and stakeholders across the country have filed grievances with books representing LQBTQ+ themes and protagonists, as well as characters of color. 

PEN America’s Index of School Book Bans

 found that 75% of reported book bans in the last school year 

, mainly from advocacy groups, elected officials, or enacted legislation.

Luckily Pittsburgh and outlying communities have faced few challenges so far — but that could change.

Last year, Pennsylvania ranked third in the nation

 for book bans, with 457 challenges across 11 districts — many in Central Bucks County where our own Mallory Falk chronicled 

Legislators are weighing in, too. Lancaster Online shared a 

 to ban book bans at libraries and public schools and 

 that would require schools to notify parents about "sexually explicit content" in curriculums.

Banned Books Week runs this week through Saturday, Oct. 7 nationwide. If you’re fired up to fight for libraries and banned books, here’s how to participate in the ‘Burgh:

At the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s 

 branch, receive a complimentary copy of one of the library staff member’s favorite banned books.

The man who helped millennials fall in love with reading will be hosting 

 on his anti-censorship work in conversation with the Banned Books Week organization.

 with renowned authors, including Dave Eggers and Carmen Maria Machado, plus banned authors such as Maia Kobabe who wrote “Gender Queer,” and more.

Banned Books Week runs from Oct. 1 through Saturday, Oct. 7 nationwide. Here’s how to participate in Pittsburgh if you’re fired up to fight for libraries and banned books.

How to Observe Banned Books Week in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Explained

If you’re looking for outdoorsy autumn getaways, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has you covered. Check out the team’s 

favorite trips within four hours of the ‘Burgh.

Mallory loves this park in Davis, West Virginia for the incredible fall foliage, the biking and hiking trails, and the idyllic waterfalls. After a day of exploring the park, you can treat yo’self at several breweries and distilleries in the area. Mallory also recommends taking a nine-minute drive to 

🚗 About 180 miles northeast of Pittsburgh

This park in Coudersport, PA is the ideal location for stargazers. It’s also a great place for seeing meteor showers, the Milky Way, and, if you’re lucky, the Northern Lights. Sophia especially loves Cherry Springs because it’s the only 

 in Pennsylvania. Campgrounds at the park are 

🚗 About 230 miles northeast of Pittsburgh

 canyon in Arizona get all the love — you’ve got a grand canyon in your state, too! Drive over to Tioga State Park near Wellsboro to witness this canyon that stretches 45 miles with depths of nearly 1,500 feet. Check out the Pine Creek Rail Trail, a converted railroad bed that travels along the Pine Creek Gorge.

🚗 About 300 miles southwest of Pittsburgh

Megan loves staying in the northern tip of this Finger Lake in New York state for its great restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores that make it ideal for overnight stays. The lake itself is great for water sports enthusiasts, and there are a few great bike trails for visitors who’d rather stay dry. The area is really known for its wineries; Megan recommends 

the ideal trips for Pittsburgh beer lovers.

And local haunts for the scary season 👻

If you’re looking for outdoorsy autumn getaways, the City Cast Pittsburgh team has you covered. Check out some of the team’s favorite trips within four hours of the ‘Burgh, including Pennsylvania's only dark-sky-certified park.

4 Fall Getaways Within 4 Hours of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's Best

Julia Child once said, “People who love to eat are always the best people.” And since I know that’s you, I’ve got some workshops and classes to get you learning, cooking, and best of all, 

 your way through Pittsburgh’s fall season.

Learn about this juicy fruit’s origin and how to grow fig trees in your backyard with Grow Pittsburgh in Wilkinsburg.

Turn waste from your garden and kitchen into delicious beverages and vinegar with Community Cultures in Garfield.

Craft three unique cocktails from The PA Market’s autumn line-up. Must be 21 or over.

Learn how to preserve apples by making homemade applesauce with Grow Pittsburgh at Braddock Farms.

Use beer for a chicken satay marinade, make a dipping sauce, and more with the chefs from Third Space Bakery.

Cook up a charred vegetable ragu with roasted honey sweet potatoes with Chef Rachel Homan at Phipps Conservatory.

Make basic egg pasta dough in four different shapes, and learn best practices for storing and caring for fresh pasta at Forma Pasta.

🗓️ Wednesdays and Thursdays in October

Discover, taste, and learn about artisanal cheeses. Insider’s tip: These classes tend to sell out quickly!

Learn how to make a Shepherd’s Pie with a vegetarian spin from Vasudha Viswanath, author of “The Vegetarian Reset.”

Chef Jayashree Iyengar of Popping Mustard Seeds will show you how to cook vegetarian-friendly dishes, including the cultural significance of every ingredient.

Check out these workshops and classes in Pittsburgh to get you learning, cooking, and best of all, eating your way through this fall season.

Tasty Fall Food and Drink Workshops in Pittsburgh

Food & Drink

Cheers to beers and fall getaways! Trace Brewing’s Aadam Soorma 

 to share his favorite spots for craft brews near the ‘Burgh.

Drive two-and-a-half hours north to sip beer from Southern Tier's flagship location located near the beautiful Chautauqua Lake in Lakewood, N.Y. Stay a weekend to check out the Lucille Ball Memorial Statue, National Comedy Center, Celoron Lighthouse, and the 

You can fill up on so much more than beer at this Port Clinton, Ohio brewery near Lake Erie. The 60-acre farm has stone fruit orchards, home-grown produce, a wildflower garden, and a small, seasonal menu that pairs perfectly with Twin Oast’s traditional German brews. Keep an eye on their calendar for live music, game day watch parties, and five-course dinners.

If you’ve enjoyed a craft beer at the Cobblehaus Brewing Company in Coraopolis, you have to take a trip to its cliffside brewery in Mercer, Pa., located on the site of an old iron furnace. Sip on a German or Belgian beer while soaking in its seven acres of natural beauty overlooking Springfield Falls.

Can it get better than drinking beer in a converted barn in the middle of nowhere? Actually, it does: there are pigs everywhere! This Fresno, Ohio brewery practices sustainability by feeding the spent grain to wooly pigs. Head two hours west of Pittsburgh for traditional lagers, ales, and new friends with tails!

You can find this brewer-owned, family-friendly spot specializing in IPAs and lagers just 30 minutes outside of the city. They give a portion of their proceeds year-round to environmental nonprofits, and they’re close to fun seasonal activities — like a visit to the 

Head west an hour to Youngstown, Ohio for a thirst-quencher from this Black woman-owned biz. OK, so it’s not beer, but there is a brewery attached to the building and plenty more in town. It’s a great weekend trip for outdoor fun at 

Cheers to beers and fall getaways! Trace Brewing’s Aadam Soorma joined the City Cast Pittsburgh team to share his favorite spots for craft brews near the ‘Burgh.

The Best Weekend Trips for Pittsburgh Beer Lovers

 Stacey Federoff and Dave Archer to share their favorite frights and delights around Pittsburgh.

Explore more than 70,000 square feet of gore at the 

, located east of Akron, Ohio, inside an old meat processing plant. The tour starts with an introduction from Grandpa Karver, a fictional namesake based on the Karver family who supplied meat for locals since 1948. Yes, that means you can expect cleavers, blood, and guts!

We’ve all seen a horror movie set in an old, creepy school — you can step inside that real life nightmare on three floors of 

 in Connellsville, Pa. The 1916 building is a complete scare season destination with a thrilling escape room, ax throwing, and a coffee shop.

A Victorian cemetery, hayride of no return, and chainsaw-wielding killers — find it all at the 

 in Smithfield, Pa. This Halloween tradition has been entertaining with fear in Fayette County for over three decades.

 in Canton, Ohio has five unique spine-chilling attractions. And if you need a minute to work up some courage, there are a few bars throughout: Carnevil, Poison Ivy’s Greenhouse, and French Quarter at the Factory. Shake out all of your fears at the new-this-year Fear Fair Back Alley dance club.

 in Beaver County becomes a haunted, 18-hole mini golf course this time of year. Putt through the shadows with your glow-in-the-dark golf ball, and treat yourself to ice cream afterwards.

Rain or moonshine, there’s a chilling experience waiting for you along the trail at 

, Beaver County's longest-reigning Halloween attraction. Follow the colorfully-painted signs through the woods. Freddy’s slogan is "half the scare is getting there.”

If you want the tricks or treats without being terrified, there are tons of family Halloween activities to explore:

 in Monessen features theatrical vignettes in a former funeral home.

 in Cedar Creek and Twin Lakes Parks takes you through mazes and cemeteries, and past more than 100 ghouls, goblins, and monsters.

 in Ligonier has themed-rides, fall-favorite concessions, and trick-or-treating through Story Book Forest.

 in West Mifflin is perfect for pint-sized thrill seekers.

 in Highland Park has crafts, a costume contest, a Halloween parade, and trick-or-treating.

 in Monongahela has a new and improved Big Boo Barn, plus hayrides, apple and pumpkin picking, a corn maze, and life-size scarecrow building.

Make your own fun this Halloween with dozens of local and destination haunted houses and attractions near Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh's Best Haunted Houses and Halloween Fun

 in early-to-mid October. Admire Pennsylvania's bright-colored leaves on your way to these four getaways outside of Pittsburgh.

Mallory’s favorite Ohiopyle activity is biking along the Youghiogheny River Trail — a crushed limestone trail that was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad. Get your thrills and chills this Friday at two 

 guided hikes with haunted stories. Want to 

? There are plenty of campgrounds, cottages, hotels, and resorts.

Go back in time to the 1800s with a visit to McConnells Mill State Park in Portersville. The park has a deep scenic gorge, waterfalls, and a restored watermill that was one of the first rolling mills in the country. Stop by 

 (3 minutes away) for hayrides, corn mazes, and a pumpkin patch. You can rough it at the 

We love a cool, underground destination — 

. You can explore rock formations in Farmington, Pennsylvania, home to the largest cave in Pennsylvania. 

, and don’t forget your layers! The cave is 52 degrees Fahrenheit all year round.

The quaint little town of Harmony has interesting old buildings, restaurants, and an even more fascinating history. The town was founded in 1805 by Harmonists, a group of exiled, pious Germans that followed their prophet leader to Western Pennsylvania. Their settlement was a common trust where no one individual owned anything, and in the 1800s, the society was worth $2 million. But their riches didn’t last; church leaders called for a celibate period, eventually dissolving the group after 100 years.

Check out the cemetery where they buried their dead without markers, and learn more about the bygone society at 

Fall foliage will be at its peak in early-to-mid October. Admire Pennsylvania's bright-colored leaves on your way to these four getaways outside of Pittsburgh.

Go Leaf Peeping on These 4 Fall Getaways Near Pittsburgh

Whether you like to be scared to the bone or prefer just a little fall fright, there’s a Pittsburgh movie theater waiting for you.

, “The Wolf Man” and “Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man” on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m.

,” or discover the ghostly scenes of the city with “

” — a telling of supernatural tales on Oct. 6 and 7.

Want to experience Halloween on the biggest screen in town? Head to the Carnegie Science Center’s theater for “

Step into an eerie mansion with the characters of “

” on Saturdays at midnight. For a family-friendly outing, watch the 

 participate in a costume contest, and meet black rescue cats on Oct. 21. On Oct. 28, see a 

 including “Night of the Living Dead,” “One Cut of the Dean,” and “Shaun of the Dead.” Plus, come dressed for a zombie walk and bring a donation for the Dormont Free Pantry!

Are you a fan of “The Silence of the Lambs?” There’s a 

 celebrating the Pittsburgh-filmed movie at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum on Oct. 27. See a replica cage and movie stills, take a selfie with Hannibal and Clarice re-enactors, and 

hear from the owner of Buffalo Bill’s house

 in Perryopolis. Vendors, face painters, tarot readers, and flash tattoos will be onsite. The movie starts at 7:30 p.m.

” with trunk-or-treating, pumpkin funnel cakes and hot apple cider, and a double feature for all ages. 

👻 Visit horror film destinations in Western Pennsylvania with 

Where To Watch Halloween Movies in Pittsburgh

Welcome to your Hey Pittsburgh bulletin board: A virtual space to share volunteer opportunities, fundraisers, workshops, and other ways to help your neighbors.

✏️ Scholarship Contest for Aspiring Journalists

Calling undergrad students: There are just a few days left to register for the 67th Annual Gertrude Gordon Scholarship Contest with the Women’s Press Club of Pittsburgh, which will take place Sept. 23 at 10 a.m. via Zoom. The competition honors one of the first female reporters in Pittsburgh to have a byline appear on her articles. 

. (Disclaimer: I'm the president, and no I can't be bought!)

🩸 Donate During the National Blood Shortage

The American Red Cross says they received 

 than expected in August. You can donate at 

. Hospitals are in greatest need of blood platelets and universal blood type O.

Chatham’s Society for Ecological Restoration is looking for volunteers to 

 near Eden Hall on Thursday and Friday, 2 to 4 p.m. 

🥕 Discuss: Grocery Store for Hazelwood

Pittsburgh City Council is meeting with stakeholders and development partners at Propel Hazelwood Charter School on Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about 

bringing a full-service grocery store to Hazelwood

Submit to the Hey Pittsburgh Bulletin Board!

A scholarship for aspiring journalists, a community meeting for a Hazelwood grocery store, and where to donate blood in Pittsburgh.

Where To Donate Blood in Pittsburgh During a National Shortage

Help Your Neighbors

When people ask my friends Kaydi and Keith Gratzer what they grow in their backyard garden in Pittsburgh’s Windgap neighborhood, she says, “It’s almost easier to tell you what we don’t grow.”

 in the “Best Tomato in Pittsburgh” contest at the Pittsburgh County Fair on Sept. 17 and won first place.

“They’re special for their combination of sweet flavor and small size,” Kaydi says. “It’s the perfect bite-sized snacking tomato.”

The judges gave an overall score of 8.4 (out of 10) in the categories of aroma, texture, and flavor. They were required to bring enough tomatoes for three judges to taste, plus one for display.

“I brought six, and they ate them all. There was nothing but stems left on our plate,” she says. “Suffice to say they came back for seconds!”

, and look out for next year’s urban agricultural celebration of handmade, homegrown, and fermented fun.

🌱 And if you want an award-winning tomato like the Gratzers, here are some tips on 

how to make your garden grow in Pittsburgh

The Gratzers submitted their sun gold cherry tomato in the “Best Tomato in Pittsburgh” contest at the Pittsburgh County Fair last weekend and won first place.

The Crop That Won Best Tomato in Pittsburgh

Urban Almanac

The historic, walkable town of East Allegheny — neighbor to Allegheny Commons Park and Troy Hill — was a part of the original Allegheny City before it was annexed into Pittsburgh in 1907. It’s named Deutschtown because a lot of its early settlers were German immigrants. Today, it’s split in half by I-79 but still boasts innovative restaurants tucked between historic row houses and is just a skip to museums, stadiums, and Downtown attractions.

There’s a Historic Landmark Map at the corner of Cedar Avenue and East Ohio Street featuring 24 landmarks on more than 175 individual hand-painted, ceramic tiles. Check out historic homes like the 

 pours coffee seven days a week, and you can find fresh baked goods by Lawrenceville’s Driftwood Oven in the shop. For something savory, grab a breakfast sandwich from the new 

 at the corner of East Ohio and Cedar. While you’re there, pick up some 

Find flavors from India, China, Nepal, and Bhuta at 

’s fast-casual restaurant and bar that serves nostalgic eats alongside live performances, from lunch to last call. Tip: On game day, they have a 

There’s a reason why East Ohio Street is called “restaurant row.” 

 offers fresh takes on old favorites, filled with flavor from its wood-fired oven, and 

’s New American menu has drink pairing suggestions for its shareables and mains.

, which stands for “eat your vegetables,” serves veggie-forward dishes, and chef/owner Mike Godlewski says his goal is to support as many local farms as possible. My favorite is his mushroom barley risotto.

For local brews, food trucks, and live events, head to 

💐 Find flowers, candles, home decor, and more nature-inspired gifts at 

🎶 Browse for records while enjoying a fancy coffee at 

 for hair, face, body, and more wellness products.

🐾 Get nutritious treats, grooming supplies, and toys for your furry friend at 

⚾ See vintage photographs and other memorabilia from nine historic ballparks at the 

🌳 Go for a stroll under the towering old trees in Allegheny Commons Park, and find the 

🪕 Take part in the more than three-decade tradition of singing and dancing at 

. Their annual fundraiser, Johnny Cash Night, is Sept. 30.

🎤 If you’re a local music fan, stay tuned for the annual summertime 

The historic, walkable town of East Allegheny on Pittsburgh's North Side, also known as Deutschtown, is claiming a new name: "restaurant row."

Get to Know East Allegheny

Neighborhood Guides

Does your neighborhood need redd up? You can make a difference by channeling your competitive spirit in the 2023 Garbage Olympics this Saturday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The annual competition to see which neighborhood can pick up the most trash started in 2017, and it’s been growing every year since. Last year, more than 500 volunteers representing 48 neighborhoods collected over 1,000 bags of trash, plus hundreds of tires, TVs, and other bulk items.

Allentown won first place in 2022; Garfield and Penn Hills won second and third.

Prizes are awarded for most trash collected, largest team, weirdest item found, and most spirit.

Bags, gloves, safety vests, and litter grabbers will be provided by Public Works and the Clean Pittsburgh Commission.

 at Threadbare Cider House from 12 to 2 p.m. Happy cleaning!

The annual competition to see which neighborhood can pick up the most trash this Saturday, Sept. 23.

How To ‘Clean Up’ in the Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

It’s fall time at the farm! Here’s where to pick the perfect pumpkin around Pittsburgh.

 in Wexford drinking cider, picking pumpkins and apples, and shopping at the market; 

 opens Sept. 30 and is open seven days a week. Check out their scenic walking trail!

 in Beaver County hosts its fall festival on weekends in October, but right now you can still find fresh corn at the market.

 in Gibsonia turns into a pick-your-own pumpkin festival on the weekends in October with hayrides, a corn maze, farm animals, craft beer, baked goods, and more.

 every weekend in October with tractor and hay rides, farm-fresh food, a pumpkin patch, and more. Get in on the autumn fun early with the 21+ 

 event on Sept. 23 where you can hunt for local beer, wine, and spirits in the corn maze.

Listen To Our Podcast

How to Observe Banned Books Week in Pittsburgh

4 Fall Getaways Within 4 Hours of Pittsburgh

Tasty Fall Food and Drink Workshops in Pittsburgh

The Best Weekend Trips for Pittsburgh Beer Lovers

Pittsburgh's Best Haunted Houses and Halloween Fun

Go Leaf Peeping on These 4 Fall Getaways Near Pittsburgh

Where To Watch Halloween Movies in Pittsburgh

Where To Donate Blood in Pittsburgh During a National Shortage

The Crop That Won Best Tomato in Pittsburgh

Get to Know East Allegheny

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