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City Cast Pittsburgh

Kevin Gavin

 July is National Ice Cream Month, so we’re testing your knowledge on some local frozen treats.

How much do yinz know about local ice cream lore? (Francesca Dabecco / City Cast Pittsburgh)

Megan Harris

Laura Kondourajian

Francesca Dabecco

 with apple and pumpkin picking, German beer festivals, community farm celebrations, haunted trails, parades, and more.

Check back for updates! We’ll be updating this a lot.

One of Pittsburgh's biggest, oldest German cultural organizations hosts its annual festival over Labor Day weekend, including imported beer, authentic food, and live music.

Check out Brenckle’s enormous stock of pumpkin and gourds, plus some of the most unique and fun decorations to get your home ready for fall. Look for vendors like Nosh & Curd specialty food shop, The Roaming Bean coffee truck, Amish donuts, Recon Brewing, and more.

Mark 27 years of this enormous Murrysville corn maze — grown every year in a different design — and once you find your way out, try to draw it. Don’t skip the pumpkin patch or the cozy hayrides, either.

Start early for family-friendly fun, then stay late for scares at seven haunted houses and four scare zones — plus new fall tasting menus and a one-of-a-kind trick-or-treating experience at the Ghostwood Estate starting Sept. 19. 

Look for 140 vendors offering food, arts and crafts, kids’ activities, and all-day sidewalk sales in the village — all decked out for autumn. 

Step into the magic with Moon Parks & Recreation, featuring boozy and non-alcoholic potions, arts and crafts, music, games, costume contests, and more. Ticket sales support local parks!

Get a taste of their limited release Herman’s Best Oktoberfest Lager (adult tickets include a pour while supplies last), try your luck in their stein-holding contest, throw some axes, watch a chainsaw artist, listen to live music, shop specialty artisans and farmer’s market vendors, and more.

Trick-or-treat through the Story Book Forest and enjoy one of the longest treat trails in Pennsylvania, take a spin on favorite rides like the Midnight Conductor Railroad, and find out what happens when growing pumpkins goes horribly wrong. 

Take part in a celebration of handmade, homegrown, and fermented fun at Allegheny Commons Park West on the North Side. Try an activity like indigo dyeing and wild clay ceramics, or bring your best submission for the pie and tomato contests.

Enjoy a Tolkien-inspired day of fantasy, food, and fun for the whole family at Bloom Cafe in Valencia. There will be live folk music, local vendors, craft workshops, themed drinks, and more.

Watch costumed dogs (up to 25 pounds) zip around an obstacle course near the Waterfront gazebo while the kiddos get their faces painted, take home balloon animals, and more. The pumpkin patch alone is worth a walk around the square.

Fall Activity Recs!

Let us know what fall event you’re excited for!

Fall Festivals, Oktoberfests, Pumpkin Patches, and Autumn Events in Pittsburgh 2026

The Best Fall Festivals, Oktoberfests & Autumn Activities in Pittsburgh

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Laura Tsutsui

Your Guide to September 2026 in Pittsburgh

. There’s a volunteer station by her habitat where you can touch a harpy eagle feather (but sadly you cannot touch Dariéna herself). Check out the aviary on a rainy day, and cross your fingers she’s out and about as their natural habitat is the rainforest.

Here’s a tip: You might be able to get 

. If you’re into those things too, then check out the 

 on Sept. 12! Look for local makers and growers, plus activities like butter making, sheep shearing, and “emotional composting” 👀

I know my way around a farm show, so I’m excited to see the “Best Tomato” and “Best Apple Pie” in the city. I also hope there’s some weird fried food to try 🍟

There’s real hype for the Allegheny County Sanity Authority’s 

! Tour the wastewater treatment plant, check out interactive exhibits, and learn how systems work to protect rivers and streams — and supply fresh water to us. ALCOSAN turned 80 this year!

I know, I know: it’s overplayed, it’s too sweet, “pumpkin spice” 

 — and yet! I love me some oddly orange, cinnamon-and-nutmeg goodness. Even if pumpkin spice is not for you, our local faves have seasonal menus that I’m definitely 

 (hello spiced peach latte!) and PSLs at all shops

 are available at all cafes and I’m eyeing that apple pie cortado

, hopefully including a marshmallow-topped treat

Which local spots have your favorite fall menus?

Fall Menus

Coffee, sandwiches, dinner, dessert?

4 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in September 2026

 and be at their peak in early-to-mid October. Make plans now to admire 

 bright-colored leaves on your way to these four getaways outside of Pittsburgh.

One of the best Ohiopyle activities is biking along the Youghiogheny River Trail — a crushed limestone trail that was once the rail bed for the Western Maryland Railroad. It’s nice and flat, and there are plenty of outfitters to rent bikes if you don’t have your own. 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 a 

The quaint little town of Harmony was founded in 

, 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 later in the 1800s, the society was worth $2 million. But their riches didn’t last; church leaders believed in strict celibacy, and well, eventually that came to its natural end. These days, you can grab a coffee or indulge your sweet tooth at 

; and wander the Harmony Trail along Connoquenessing Creek and Scholars Run.

Make a Leaf Peeping Plan

Tips and tricks for living your best Pittsburgh life, by locals, for locals.

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

⏪ Looking for a previous Pittsburgh crossword? Find it here:

A crossword puzzle all about Pittsburgh news and fun facts. 

Can You Fill Out This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle?

Try This Pittsburgh Crossword Puzzle

What Pittsburghers have been wondering. We break down why things in Pittsburgh are the way they are and how they work.

Pittsburgh, Explained

Mia Panichella at Walnut Capital

Whether you're relocating to Pittsburgh for a new job, starting graduate school, or simply looking for a neighborhood with a little more to offer, chances are you've come across 

Known as the heart of Pittsburgh's innovation corridor, Bakery Square has become a destination for technology companies, healthcare organizations, startups, and research institutions—including Google Pittsburgh. As the area continues to grow, so does the number of renters looking for apartments nearby.

But living here is about more than being close to work.

The neighborhoods surrounding Bakery Square offer the kind of lifestyle many renters are searching for: walkable streets, locally owned restaurants and coffee shops, green spaces, fitness studios, shopping, and community events—all within minutes of home. It's easy to see why Pittsburgh's East End has become one of the city's most desirable places to live.

Pittsburgh's Innovation Corridor Is More Than a Place to Work

Over the last decade, Pittsburgh has earned national recognition as a leader in artificial intelligence, robotics, healthcare, and technology. At the center of that growth is 

, where innovative companies work alongside local businesses, creating a neighborhood that's as exciting after work as it is during the day.

Unlike many technology districts, Bakery Square doesn't feel like a collection of office buildings. Step outside, and you'll find cafés filled with remote workers, neighbors walking their dogs, patios packed during happy hour, and community events that bring people together year-round.

The neighborhood also connects seamlessly to 

, and nearby communities, making it easy to explore some of Pittsburgh's best restaurants, boutiques, parks, and entertainment without traveling far from home.

It's this blend of innovation and neighborhood charm that continues to attract new residents.

Why More Renters Are Choosing Pittsburgh's East End

Ask someone why they love living near Bakery Square, and you'll probably hear about the neighborhood long before they mention their commute. Maybe it's grabbing coffee before work from a favorite local café. Maybe it's meeting friends for dinner after the office, taking an evening walk through 

, or spending Saturday afternoons shopping along 

Living in Pittsburgh's East End means having the flexibility to enjoy your neighborhood instead of rushing through it.

That convenience makes a difference during the workweek, too.

Instead of spending extra time driving across the city, many residents can walk, bike, or enjoy a quick commute to work before heading home to neighborhoods that feel welcoming and connected. Grocery stores, fitness studios, restaurants, parks, and everyday essentials are all close by, making even the busiest days a little easier.

For many renters, that's just as valuable as the apartment itself.

Finding the right apartment isn't only about choosing the right floor plan, it's about choosing the right neighborhood.

Where you live influences your daily routine, from how you start your mornings to how you spend your evenings and weekends. That's one reason so many people are choosing Pittsburgh's East End.

The area offers the convenience of being close to major employers without sacrificing the things that make a neighborhood enjoyable. After work, it's easy to meet friends for dinner in 

Weekends are just as enjoyable. Explore neighborhood markets, try a new brunch spot, visit a local coffee shop, or simply spend the afternoon enjoying one of Pittsburgh's most walkable communities.

Living close to work doesn't have to mean living in an office district. Here, work and everyday life blend naturally together.

A Convenient Location for Pittsburgh's Growing Workforce

Google Pittsburgh may be one of the area's most recognizable employers, but it's only one piece of the innovation corridor.

The East End is also home to growing healthcare organizations, universities, research institutions, startups, and technology companies that continue attracting professionals from across the country.

Its central location also makes commuting to 

, and surrounding neighborhoods simple, whether you're working in the office every day or following a hybrid schedule.

For renters, that's one of the biggest advantages of living here. You're connected to where you work while staying close to the restaurants, parks, shopping, and local businesses that make Pittsburgh's East End such a vibrant place to call home.

Find an Apartment Near Pittsburgh's Innovation Corridor

If you're looking for an apartment near Google Pittsburgh or Bakery Square, choosing the right location can make all the difference. Living close to work is convenient, but living in a neighborhood you genuinely enjoy makes your everyday routine even better.

Walnut Capital offers several apartment communities throughout Pittsburgh's East End, making it easy to stay connected to Pittsburgh's innovation corridor while enjoying everything these neighborhoods have to offer.

 puts residents in the center of one of Pittsburgh's most exciting neighborhoods. Walk to nearby offices, grab coffee before work, meet friends for dinner, or enjoy community events without venturing far from home. If you want to be immersed in the energy of the innovation corridor, Bakery Living is an ideal place to start.

 offers modern apartment living in the heart of Shadyside. Residents enjoy easy access to Walnut Street's restaurants, boutiques, and coffee shops while staying close to many of Pittsburgh's leading employers. It's a great option for renters who want both convenience and neighborhood charm.

Situated between Shadyside and East Liberty, 

 offers a central location with quick access to Bakery Square and surrounding neighborhoods. From local restaurants and parks to shopping and everyday conveniences, everything you need is nearby, making it easy to enjoy both work and life in Pittsburgh's East End.

Is Pittsburgh's East End the Right Fit for You?

One of the things that makes the East End so appealing is its variety. It's home to young professionals starting new careers, graduate students, healthcare workers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and remote employees who all appreciate the area's convenience and sense of community.

Living near Bakery Square is a great fit if you're looking for:

Walkable neighborhoods with restaurants, coffee shops, and local shopping

Nearby parks, fitness studios, and outdoor recreation

Convenient access to public transportation and major roadways

A neighborhood with community events and local businesses

Whether you're moving across the country or just across the city, Pittsburgh's East End offers a lifestyle that's both connected and convenient.

What is Pittsburgh's AI and Innovation Corridor?

Pittsburgh's AI and Innovation Corridor is centered around Bakery Square and extends throughout nearby neighborhoods like East Liberty, Shadyside, and Larimer. The area is home to technology companies, healthcare organizations, research institutions, startups, and innovation-focused employers, making it one of the city's fastest-growing destinations.

What apartments are near Google Pittsburgh?

Walnut Capital offers several apartment communities near Google Pittsburgh, including Bakery Living, Centre Lofts, and Walnut on Highland. Each provides convenient access to Bakery Square while keeping residents close to restaurants, shopping, parks, and neighborhood amenities.

Why do renters choose apartments near Bakery Square?

Many renters choose the area because it offers more than a shorter commute. Walkable neighborhoods, local restaurants, coffee shops, fitness studios, parks, and year-round community events make it easy to enjoy life both during and after the workday.

Is Pittsburgh's East End a good place to live?

For many renters, yes. The East End combines career opportunities with walkable neighborhoods, green spaces, local businesses, and easy access to Downtown Pittsburgh, Oakland, and other popular destinations. It's a great option for anyone looking for convenience without giving up a sense of community.

Choosing an apartment is about more than finding a place close to work—it's about finding a neighborhood that feels like home.

Pittsburgh's East End offers the best of both worlds. You'll be close to some of the city's leading employers while enjoying walkable streets, local restaurants, neighborhood parks, shopping, and a strong sense of community that makes everyday life more enjoyable.

Whether you're searching for apartments near Google Pittsburgh, apartments near 

, or simply a neighborhood that keeps you connected to everything the city has to offer, Walnut Capital's East End communities make it easy to experience one of Pittsburgh's most exciting places to live.

After all, the best apartment isn't just about where you live—it's about loving the neighborhood around you. 

Why More Renters Are Choosing Pittsburgh's AI & Innovation Corridor

Do you love your pet and supporting Pittsburgh businesses? Here are some local shops that have everything you need to 

 on Forbes Avenue (get it?) stocks food, treats, leashes, and more for dogs and cats. If you’re a new pet owner or just welcoming a new animal to your home, you can get set up quickly with 

 is dedicated to your four-legged friends, with more than 25 years of experience in the pet biz. Find food, treats, leashes, toys, and more supplies here. They even harvest and 

 has a wide selection of healthy and natural foods, treats, and supplies for dogs and cats. The name comes from the word “pedagogy,” the art or profession of teaching, because the shop owners love learning about the best products for your furry friends. They also have locations just outside the city in McCandless, McMurray, Cranberry, and Greensburg.

Does your pet have wings? Find everything your flying friend needs at the family and veteran-owned 

 in Millvale. Plus, if you’re going away, you can board your bird there, too!

 and sentimental items for pet lovers has grown into a 

. The Liberty Avenue space sells treats and toys for dogs and cats. In addition to its storefront, the Rebel Hound also operates a dog-friendly lounge, “The Green Room” — it’s like a 

 is a self-serve pet wash that also boasts a selection of pet supplies — items for bathing your furry friends, or if you’re like me, to treat your dog after they suffer through a bath. Self-serve bathing options are reasonably priced and include soap and conditioner, plus a raised tub for small pets and a walk-in shower for large ones. Best of all, their staff will clean up when you’re done!

Find nutritious foods and treats, grooming supplies, and toys at this 

 in Bellevue. Every year, Wagsburgh hosts free photo 

 after a recent flood from a leaky pipe, but owner Joe Thornton 

 about ongoing repairs. He says he hopes to see customers again soon!

Do you love your pet and supporting Pittsburgh businesses? Here are some local shops that have everything you need to feed, care, and play.

Pittsburgh’s Best Locally-Owned Pet Stores

While home is a very cozy place to watch a movie — my partner has gotten really into our 

 — nothing beats a large screen, a salty popcorn, and a bubbly soda. If you need a few hours of escapism, here are our favorite independent theaters to check out in Pittsburgh. Keep in mind that some play the latest movies released, while others only host special viewings and other events like trivia.

Want to nerd out even more about Pittsburgh’s film connections? Check out our conversation with Josh Axelrod, director of communications at The Lindsay Theater & Cultural Center and founding member of the Pittsburgh Film Critics Association. We spoke to him earlier this year about Oscar nominees, from the films’ ties to the city and where to watch them before the awards show. (Psst! He also has 

This single-screen space hosts special events and series like “

” featuring films about show biz and its annual “

” horror movie marathon in October. Buy tickets one screening at a time, or get a Rowhouse Film Club membership for a monthly movie ticket, free popcorn, and invites to member-only screenings. Be sure to swing by 

 next door to get beer, wine, or craft sodas. Row House lets you take them into the theater!

Row House Lawrenceville’s sister theater in the South Hills has its own lineup of series and recurring events across two screens: one large auditorium for up to 386 viewers, and a small, more intimate space with 46 seats. Row House Hollywood is currently hosting “

” twice a month with a shadow cast from the 

 who act out the roles alongside the film. Another feature of this space is its ability to share 

, which have a unique texture and grain experience over digital film. Plus, remember that 

This venue east of Pittsburgh was envisioned as a 

 from its Film Lounge & Kitchen space with beers from nearby craft brewery 

. The 45-seat theater hosts weekly trivia, comedy shows, and projects from independent filmmakers.

Once dubbed the “Jewel of Oakmont," this nearly 90-year-old, single-screen venue now shares films ranging from 

 and independent works to family-friendly screenings like “

.” It also has two full-service bars and a 20-seat lounge for live music, trivia, and more.

This two-screen cinema hosts the latest releases and is perfect if you’re seeking — and want to support — accessibility. The Lindsay hosts 

, where all movies have on-screen captions, and 

, where the film volume is lower, house lights are dimmed (but not fully off), and extra staff are on hand to assist guests. It also hosts programming for 

The Manor is one of my favorites, because I can do a whole small businesses-only night in the neighborhood: drinks at Hidden Harbor, dinner at Everyday Noodles, movie (complete with soda and popcorn) at the Manor. It’s also one of the only theaters with general admission 

 (and evening tickets are $11 Monday through Thursday). Stop by the century-old cinema for the latest film releases in one of four auditoriums. You can also sip a cocktail during the screening from its in-house bar!

As the name implies, it’s a HUGE 71-by-39-foot screen at the Kamin Science Center — most theater screens are about 50 feet wide. Don’t look for new releases. It has a rotation of three 40-minute films to accompany your Science Center visit about anthropologist 

. Its “Special Screenings” in September include 

The only remaining drive-in in Allegheny County! Roll up for the first showing (and the best pick of parking), and you’ll get two movies for the price of one. At $10 per person, it’s a great deal, and it has a snack bar so you can make a true night of it. The four-screen lot opened in 1950 and continues to show new releases.

 regularly shows a mix of contemporary, classic, independent, and foreign films — often movies you can’t find anywhere else — like International Art House Classics in August and nods to spooky season in September, including “

” and a documentary about the making of it, “

Pittsburgh’s Best Indie Movie Theaters

If you’re hoping to reach new heights (pun intended), then Pittsburgh is a great place to rock climb. Here’s a look at where you can climb year-round in the Steel City.

 Most gyms aren’t just for climbing! Some offer yoga and fitness classes and have traditional gym equipment like squat racks, treadmills, and stationary bikes to keep you moving.

On your first visit, you’ll sign a waiver and get a tour from a staff member who will point out basic gym do’s and don’ts and where to find equipment and classes. From there, staff will review how to fall safely (there is a 

If you’re ready to hop on the walls, then bouldering – a climbing style that doesn’t use ropes or harnesses – is a great place to start. Just grab your shoes and go!

If you want to top rope (aka, climb with ropes), you can use auto-belays that let you clip in and climb, or climb with a friend who’s passed the gym’s belay test.

What’s the difference between top roping and bouldering? I like to think of top rope climbing like running a 5K: It requires endurance, stamina, and a comfort with heights. Bouldering is more like sprinting: you need power and technique to stay on the (much shorter) walls.

 Gyms usually have shoes and harnesses for rent. You can also buy your own in most gyms’ pro shops, or find a good deal on a secondhand pair online or at an outdoor store like 

Ascend ushered in the city’s latest climbing wave in 2017. Both its facilities have walls for bouldering and top roping, though the walls in Point Breeze are higher (up to 42 feet for top roping) and offer lead climbing for more advanced folks. Ascend regularly hosts free climb time for affinity groups, like women and femmes and LGBTQ+ climbers, and organizes interest clubs such as “Sustainability Club” and “Peak Parents” where climbers can take turns belaying kids. Check the 

Look for bouldering and yoga classes, plus private coaching if you’re interested in one-on-one support. ICB hosts great events including monthly “

” where day passes are discounted to $15 and the gym invites food and drink vendors, musicians, and more for a block-party vibe. ICB also offers 

 for PPS students and the occasional “Student Rush” discount night for college students.

Pittsburgh's Best Climbing Gyms

Where To Climb in Pittsburgh 

July is National Ice Cream Month, so we’re testing your knowledge on some local frozen treats.

Food & Drink

How Well Do You Know Pittsburgh’s Ice Cream History?

Kevin Gavin

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