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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

Who says you have to leave town to get away? 

 can mean a weekend in a grand historic hotel, a one-night stay in a neighborhood you've been meaning to explore, and just giving yourself permission to 

Here are a few tips for making the most of a getaway close to home:

. This is your chance to lounge in a beautiful room, take a long bath, read a book by the fireplace, order a cocktail, or sleep in. And if you can, put your phone away. Relaxation is the whole point.

 Cross a river and spend some time getting to know a corner of our region you don’t know well. Walk around, pop into shops, try a restaurant or bar, and get a feel for the place, its history, and its connection to the places you know best.

Make your accommodations part of the experience.

 Whether it's a funky boutique property, a Victorian bed-and-breakfast, or a cozy Airbnb, choose a place with some personality. You might even get to stay somewhere you've admired from the sidewalk or Zillow for years.

 A new restaurant, rooftop drinks, a neighborhood bar, a walk through a park, leaf-peeping, a pool, or a hot tub. Give yourself something to look forward to without turning the weekend into a checklist.

Staycations — even for one night! — can work in every season. A night Downtown in December, a summer cabin or campground, a fall weekend exploring a new neighborhood — there's always a reason to get out of your usual routine without going very far.

Things to do at home in the ‘Burgh!

You don’t have to leave town to get away. Get tips for planning an at-home getaway, from exploring new neighborhoods to finding time to unplug and unwind.

How to Plan the Perfect Pittsburgh Staycation

5 Pro-Tips for a Pittsburgh Staycation

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

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

Marla Kauffman

Sophia Lo

The days are shorter, temperatures are dropping, and Pittsburgh’s gray skies will soon be making their comeback. But instead of dreading the next few months, why not lean into them?

Whether your idea of cozy is curling up with a book, sipping a hot cup of tea, or trying a new hobby, Pittsburgh has plenty of ways to make the colder months more enjoyable.

Snail Mail Group, Silent Book Club & More Cozy Pittsburgh Activities

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a good book under a warm blanket when it’s cold outside. If you’re looking for something new to read, consider supporting one of 

Want to make your cozy reading more social? Try one of these local book clubs. A lot of them don’t even have assigned reading!

 meets monthly in Lawrenceville and the Strip District. Bring whatever you’re reading!

 hosts a monthly silent book club (where you can read the book of your choice, uninterrupted) at 

 in Garfield. Headphones and crafting projects are also welcome.

 meets at the Squirrel Hill Library for casual book chats, no required reading.

 has a number of different monthly book clubs covering everything from horror to fantasy and sci-fi…and even cookbooks! Books for each club are shared on 

 that reads books featuring LGBTQ+ characters or written by queer authors. It’s a welcoming space to discover new reads, and bond with new friends over shared love of romance novels. And you don’t have to be a romance expert to join!

Why buy cozy things when you can make them yourself? Challenge yourself to learn a new skill (or strengthen an existing one) this winter.

 brings people together to learn sewing skills and make quilts together to raffle off for charity. And despite the name, there’s no actual church or religion involved.

 in Morningside offers sewing, quilting, and clothing repair classes. You can even rent the studio for your own crafting party.

 has classes in everything from woodworking and leatherworking to sewing and fabric dyeing. And for the holiday they even offer ornament and wreathmaking!

 offers hands-on printmaking Friday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Printing on paper is free with admission, or you can buy a tote bag to customize.

 is great for something a little more old school! The group meets monthly at 

 for some good old-fashioned snail mail writing. Bring your own supplies or use theirs.

Nothing beats a hot cup of tea on a chilly day. 

 recently moved into a new space in Millvale, where you can make your own custom tea blend and attend stitching meetups on select days. 

 in Squirrel Hill is the perfect spot to escape a cold, gray day. Get cozy on the floor cushions and choose from more than 100 teas from around the world. Other spots for loose-leaf tea include 

Feeling fancy? Treat yourself to high tea:

 in Point Breeze offers special holiday tea dates from late November through December.

 in Shadyside serves afternoon tea and an extra-indulgent hot chocolate topped with a chocolate lattice and homemade marshmallow.

 in Morgan, PA offers afternoon tea and tastings where you can learn about different flavors and brewing techniques.

Leaving the house when it’s cold and dark isn’t always appealing, but a fun class can make those winter evenings less dreary.

 offers roller skating lessons Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Homewood YMCA, with skates available to borrow.

 in Larimer is a great, beginner-friendly studio for anyone looking to enter your Pilates girl era. It's a fantastic way to get a workout in without putting too much stress on your joints. And you get to wear fun socks while you do it, so it’s a cozy workout! Check out their free intro class on Saturdays at noon.

 offers Latin dance classes, including a trial class where you can sample salsa, bachata, and Brazilian Zouk.

 has dance and fitness classes for adults.

 teaches hip-hop, K-pop choreography, and Bollywood.

Sometimes the best way to beat the winter blues is to treat yourself to a little pampering.

 in East Liberty offers everything from therapeutic and hot stone massages to seasonal herbal body treatments. They also offer sliding-scale pricing for some services, with options starting at $60 to help make self-care a little more affordable.

 in Lawrenceville is the perfect spot to sweat out your stress in a sauna, soak in a hot tub, or brave a cold plunge. It’s a great way to unwind, recharge, and get a little warmth back in your bones during Pittsburgh's colder months.

 in Wexford or McMurray. Takes hair washing to a whole new level with relaxing scalp massages and luxurious head spa treatments. It’s a chance to give your scalp some TLC while enjoying a little pampering that goes way beyond your usual trip to the salon.

We’ve got even more recommendations in our 

guide to Pittsburgh’s best spa treatments

And if a spa day isn’t in the budget, take a cue from 

 and spend a weekend morning lounging in bed with a good book. Sometimes doing absolutely nothing is the ultimate cozy luxury.

Okay, this last one is a MUCH bigger commitment than going out for tea. But if you’ve already been thinking about adopting a pet, here’s another reason to consider it: They’re EXCELLENT at keeping you cozy!

There's nothing quite like curling up with a cat in your lap or a dog snuggled up next to you. As any pet owner knows, once you’ve got a cat or dog laying across your lap, it’s basically illegal to move.

Of course, adopting a pet is a serious, long-term responsibility, not just a way to keep warm this winter. But if you're ready for the commitment, check out the adoptable animals at 

. Your new favorite cuddle buddy might be waiting for you!

From silent book clubs and quilting circles to spa outings and high teas, there are so many ways to stay cozy — and social — this fall and winter.

The Best Ways to Stay Cozy in Pittsburgh

How to Get Cozy in Pittsburgh

⏪ 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

As temperatures drop, Pittsburgh’s sauna scene is heating up! If you’re looking to sweat out the cold, 

 in Larimer offers a rustic, Scandinavian-inspired outdoor pop-up sauna experience that’s perfect for a chilly day. 

 is also returning to its winter home at ASCEND in Point Breeze on Nov. 5, offering traditional sauna sessions. For something a little more luxurious, check out 

 in Lawrenceville for saunas, hot tubs, and cold plunges.

Is there anything better than a steaming bowl of noodle soup on a chilly day? November is the perfect time to get your fix, whether it’s a comforting bowl of pho from 

 in Bloomfield or the spicy braised beef noodle soup at 

 in Squirrel Hill. While we’re still mourning the closure of 

’s Shadyside location (although we’re hoping they return soon!), you can still get your ramen fix at their Robinson spot.

Catch a Flick at Three Rivers Film Festival

Every November heralds the return of the biggest celebration of cinema in Western PA: 

, which first began in 1982 and runs this year from Nov. 4 to 15. The screening venues always seem to change with the year, and this time around you’ll head to the Harris, the Lindsay, Row House Hollywood, and even Mr. Smalls, where on Nov. 4 you can watch a documentary about … 

! If you're only seeing one film, make it 

 on Nov. 6 — our creative producer Boen Wang is an extra! Be sure to get free tickets via 

We talk a lot about Pittsburgh’s future, but how often do we hear from the young people who will actually inherit it? On Nov. 10, our host Megan Harris is teaming up with Grapevine Design Collective and The Pittsburgh Foundation for “

What is Pittsburgh’s Brand? Challenged by the Future

,” a FREE event to bring questions and ideas on topics like safety, belonging, and mental health directly to civic leaders.

We’ll be there! Register for your free ticket here.

Your Guide to November 2026 in Pittsburgh

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is traditionally celebrated on Nov. 1 and 2, when families honor deceased loved ones with ofrendas (altars), food, flowers, and other offerings. Pittsburgh-area celebrations offer plenty of ways to experience the 

Indigenous and Spanish Catholic tradition

 — from community altars and family-friendly activities to a gothic dance party and an ancestral ceremony. Here’s where to celebrate around the region this fall ⬇️

Visit a vibrant community altar from artists Lisa DiGioia-Nutini and Alison Zapatta at the Greer Cabaret and contribute a photo, flower, or written memory to honor a loved one.

Enjoy DJ Mateo Mattos, tacos and nachos, signature cocktails, and complimentary Día de los Muertos-inspired makeup while supplies last. Festive attire and makeup are encouraged but not required. $10 cover.

Experience live mariachi music, salsa dancing, face painting, and a traditional altar where you can pay tribute to your loved ones at Camino Coctelería & Cocina. Tickets are $15 and benefit the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corporation.

Follow childhood friends Manolo and Joaquin as their young lives diverge in this 2014 animated fantasy musical, playing one day only at the Harris Theater. Adults $14, kids 12 and under are free.

Connect with the ancestors at a sacred evening of remembrance among the graves at the Penn Forest Natural Burial Park. Look for an ancestral altar, fire and cacao rituals, a drum circle, dance, and meditation. Costumes welcome. Adults $50, children under 12 are free.

Look for music, refreshments, and a small business crawl put together by the Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition. And while you’re there, pay homage to the lost pets altar at Riverstone Books.

Introduce kids to the holiday through a special storytime, history lesson, and themed craft activity at the Dormont Public Library.

Catch a special screening of the beloved animated film (set on Día de los Muertos) at the Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de Mexico — a 20-piece orchestra from Mexico — will perform the award-winning musical score live! Tickets are $41+.

Noche Gótica: Día de los Muertos Dance Party

Dance your life away with DJs Krass Advert, Satyrion, and Strawberry Bloodbath to Latin goth, cumbia, darkwave, and industrial music at the Squirrel Hill Sports Bar. Look for lots of local vendors, an ofrenda, face painting, and Oaxacan food. Free entry; 21+.

More things to do in Pittsburgh 🪦💃 

Looking for Día de los Muertos events in Pittsburgh? Find 2026 celebrations, community altars, family-friendly activities, dance parties, and more around the region.

Día de los Muertos 2026: Pittsburgh Events & Celebrations

Where to Celebrate Día de los Muertos Around Pittsburgh in 2026

! To get you in the mood, we’re sharing our favorite spots to get caffeinated (or enjoy an herbal tea) — whatever the reason or time of year.

*POD TITLE TK*

Lorelei by night, LV Coffee Project by day. Great natural lighting and plenty of seating make this one of my favorite places to post up with my laptop. I love getting the hojicha or matcha latte, but everything there is preciously sourced and delicious. LV is a project of Kira Hoeg, who has been providing Pittsburgh with high-quality goods and beautiful experiences for years (notably, the tiny, gone-but-never-forgotten 4121 Main in Bloomfield). —

Emma Honcharski, audience development manager

Long wooden tables and lots of natural light make this the perfect spot to get some work done with the help of a cup of certified 

. Redstart gets its beans from farms that provide a good habitat for migratory birds. You'll see lots of themed decor throughout the space, including a bunch of felt birds to keep you company while you respond to Slack messages. — 

This woman-owned space is cozy, on the quieter side, and has a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to want to settle in and stay awhile. Plus their bagel and lox sandwich is FIRE. I never made it to the legendary Beehive on the South Side, but I imagine the vibes were something like this. I could be completely wrong, so if you were a Beehive regular, consider this your invitation to visit and tell me if I’m correct. —

De Fer has a special place in my heart for socializing because it’s where I went on my first date with my now-fiancé. But even without the sentimental attachment, it’s one of my favorite places to meet up with friends. The coffee is excellent (they roast their own beans), the breakfast sandwiches are delicious, and the big industrial-style space is perfect for hanging out. I’ve enjoyed working here, too, but fair warning: It can get pretty crowded and noisy, especially on the weekends. Not ideal if you’re really trying to focus, but perfect if you’re looking to socialize. —

My favorite place to run into literally everyone I know. I love how easy it is to strike up a conversation with someone new, and that it feels like we’re on Cheers 🎵where everybody knows your name 🎵 The patio is perfect for catching up with a friend and being visited by lots of dogs, eager to get their pup cups, and toddlers playing with pine cones. Check 

for pop-up events like music from the May Day Marching Band, local flowers available for sale, and more.

This former motorcycle shop has a spacious outdoor patio plus plenty of indoor seating options — from comfy, velvety chairs to sleek booths — so you can catch up on the latest gossip without feeling like you're squeezed right next to an eavesdropping stranger. Order a bánh mì or vermicelli bowl to go with your coffee, and you'll leave feeling nourished in more ways than one. —

Delanie's is my go-to spot for inventive seasonal drinks. (Think maple miso latte or salted coconut ube cold brew.) When I want to focus on a good book and great flavors, without any distraction, there's no better place. — 

My favorite way to spend a day with myself is by spending money on a little treat. And the only thing better than one little treat (the drink) is two little treats (the drink and the book!). White Whale has all your basic coffee and tea drinks, as well as seasonal specials. I can’t wait to try their banana bread latte and apple pie chai! —

What’s better than a little caffeinated drink with a book in a magic garden? When I feel like I want to get out of town but only have time to cross a bridge, this is the spot for me. The inside is cozy and bright, and the tables outside and across the street are a nice extension of the space. Plus, there’s often a food truck, and it’s a quick walk to the Mattress Factory, City Books, or Allegheny Commons Park.

The Best Pittsburgh Coffee Shops for Every Occasion

City Cast Pittsburgh Staff

Are you a movie buff? A pizza connoisseur? A fan of campy thrillers? If so, there's a performance for you! For over-the-top gore, check out 

. (Beware: if you nab a ticket in the first few rows, you're officially in the "splash zone" and can get splattered with fake blood.) 

 promises "everything you love about the 90s classic with a whole lot more singing, dancing, and theatrical chaos." And 

 Dan Tallarico) invites the audience to participate in the show.

Time to break out your Sidney Crosby jersey! The Penguins host the Montreal Canadiens for their 

 at PPG Paints Arena. Get to your seat early for a pregame ceremony to kick off the team’s 

, complete with a retro-inspired logo and a ton of… 

Whether you want a little seasonal atmosphere or to be scared out of your mind, Pittsburgh has lots of options! Here are just a few of them.

If your idea of seasonal shopping involves fewer pumpkins and more peculiar finds, head to the 

 on Saturday, Oct. 10. The free event features more than 150 offbeat artisans and crafters, plus performers and food vendors. Come for the creepy shopping, stay for the neighborhood’s year-round Halloween energy.

Get to know the city’s creepy history with a nighttime walking tour through Downtown. 

 mixes local history with ghost stories. 

 promises tales of restless hotel guests, prisoners, and legends from the industrial era.

For the “I paid good money to be terrified” crowd, brave the 

 in Connellsville, where three floors of a former school become a real-life nightmare. Prefer a little less terror? The ScareHouse team’s new 

Halloween Hangout at The Plaza at North Shore

 offers movies, food and drinks, family-friendly trick-or-treating, and more. We took an in-depth look at tons of haunted attractions of all different age and scare levels in-and-around Pittsburgh 

” is a gorgeous poem that references the 71A bus), and this month features plenty of local authors. On Oct. 15 at the Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, 

 will read from his newly published collection Konbit that’s inspired by the Haitian Revolution. And grace (ge) gilbert — Boen’s incredibly talented wife! — will host a 

multimedia presentation at City of Asylum

, accompanied by a live audio soundscape created by Boen. Stop by on Oct. 12 and say hello!

 by enjoying the beautiful green spaces within and beyond Pittsburgh. Head down to Duck Hollow on Oct. 17 for a full 

, including hiking through Frick, biking along our 

, kayaking around the fountain, and more. Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is also hosting a community bonfire Oct. 17 — they’ll provide the roasting sticks, you bring what you wanna roast. And if you 

need to escape, drive about an hour north to 

, where you can camp or (if you’re not quite as rugged) “glamp” in an on-site cabin.

The Best October Happenings in Pittsburgh

Your Guide to October 2026 in Pittsburgh

Looking for a scare this season? Pittsburgh is blessed to be in close proximity to all kinds of elaborate haunts, from the truly terrifying to a literal “boo barn.” Get in the Halloween spirit with these local and destination haunted houses and attractions near Pittsburgh.

Hear City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Marla Kauffman share some of their favorites and the ones they can’t wait to try.

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.

Guard your soul down in West Mifflin, where a demonic force named Rulos lurks in the walls of an abandoned building. Rulos, the devious mastermind behind Pittsburgh’s newest professional haunted house, 

, offers VIP experiences — including snacks! — and lots of dates all throughout October.

With a continuous walk through five themed houses, 

 in Bethel Park is a classic for any Pittsburgh scare season. Their immersive scares feature all kinds of add-ons, like a beer garden, chainsaw maze, enigma escape room, and even a burial simulator voiced by horror icon Tom Savini.

Every Halloween, the Ohio State Reformatory in Mansfield, Ohio — famous for being the film set for “The Shawshank Redemption” — becomes 

, bringing 100 years of genuine human suffering to the fore. Children as young as 10 are permitted on tours that last 40-50 minutes. (Psst. You can also take historical and paranormal tours at the 

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

 in Smithfield, Pa. This haunted attraction has been entertaining Halloween junkies 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 the site: Carnevil, Poison Ivy’s Greenhouse, and French Quarter at the Factory. Shake out all of your fears at the Fear Fair Back Alley dance club, a new addition this year.

 in Somerset County get you access to four attractions, including a boarding house and asylum, sinister hayride, swamp walk, and cornfield, as well as DJs, food and drink concessions, and nightly bonfires. Check for discounts. Admission is free for most dates if your birthday is in October!

Explore a decaying estate once known for its glamour, a grotesque circus, or a pulseless trail at the 

 in Uniontown. Plan for an hour and a half, plus wait times.

 in Monongahela, guests take a shuttle to a secluded property, where a stone mansion and creepy surrounding grounds make up the main attraction. Look for campfires, concessions, eerie music, and an outdoor horror movie theater.

 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.

Get in the Halloween spirit with these local and destination haunted houses and attractions near Pittsburgh.

The Best Haunted Houses and Attractions in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh's Best Haunted Houses and Halloween Fun

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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