10 Reasons to Visit Pittsburgh in November – When the Seasons Change

Last Updated on June 21, 2023 by Jeremy

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November in Pittsburgh is truly a month of change. If we are lucky the start of the month still has mild temperatures and peak fall colors, and by the end of the month winter is starting to descend upon the region.

As such, while there may still be a number of outdoor activities to enjoy this month, depending on the weather forecast you may also want to start moving inside for some experiences!

So if you are looking for things to do in Pittsburgh in November, check out the following options.

Pitt Panthers Game

Heinz Field from Above

Hail Pitt! Pittsburgh may be a professional sports town to its core, but that does not mean we neglect college sports. So it should be no surprise when we say that Pitt football is also a big deal. Check out the Pitt Panthers home schedule and head down to Acrisure Stadium to cheer them on! In November 2022, the home games for the Pitt Panthers are on November 5th and 19th.

Want to grab a bite to eat before the game? Check out Burgatory near Acrisure Stadium!

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

Heinz Hall

Pittsburgh absolutely loves its symphony, and this dedication means that we are lucky enough to have a lot of awesome performances throughout the year that other cities may not get. Sure, there are the traditional classical performances, but the symphony packs its calendar with special performances of the music from popular movies, concerts with popular musicians and so much more. So no matter your tastes, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra has something for you!

In November 2022, the symphony will be playing Elf in Concert, the Music of ABBA, Tchaikovsky's Pathetique, and Strauss Family Favorites for Thanksgiving Tradition!

Want a nice meal before the symphony? Check out tako or, if you can get a reservation, Gi Jin!

Learn to Curl at the Pittsburgh Curling Club

Pittsburgh Curling Club

With the dropping temperatures, winter activities start to return to the region. One of our absolute favorites is the Learning to Curl introductory classes at the Pittsburgh Curling Club in McKees Rocks!

This club has a rather stellar curling rink and offers a great in-depth lesson for those who want to learn this fascinating sport. But be warned, this one is oddly addicting!

In November 2022, the club will have public curling events on the 11th and 26th. Advanced registration is required.

Light Up Night

Things to Do in Pittsburgh - Light Up Night Fireworks

Pittsburgh loves fireworks celebrations, and one of our favorite shows of the year is for Light Up Night to celebrate the start of the Christmas season. The Christmas trees turn on all around the city and the night ends with an impressive fireworks show!

Looking to make a night of it with the fireworks? Grab a reservation at the much-coveted Altius or Monterey Bay Fish Grotto for front row seats to the show!

In 2022, light Up Night is taking place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving- November 19th. However, fun events are scheduled throughout the weekend!

The Wheel Mill

The Wheel Mill

Want to get more biking in despite the dropping temperatures? Head to the indoor BMX and mountain biking park, The Wheel Mill, in Homewood to get a bit of exercise on the numerous ramps and obstacles found on-site! Or, if you're new to this style of riding, sign up for an introductory lesson to get familiar with the basics before tackling the bigger tricks!

Shadrack's Christmas Lights

Shadracks

We know that the holiday season doesn't kick off in earnest until after Thanksgiving, but many of our area Christmas attractions start in mid-November. For those who don't like crowds, visiting in this month can be a great idea to skip what would otherwise be long waits.

This is especially true at Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland in Butler County (now at Cooper's Lake in 2022). This one has been known for multi-hour lines on peak days, so visiting in late November after their opening date (November 18th in 2022) can help save some time in line when checking out these lights!

Penguins Practice at the Mario Lemieux Complex

Mario Lemieux Complex

Want a different kind of Pittsburgh Penguins experience? Take in one of their free public practice sessions at the Mario Lemieux Sports Complex near Cranberry!

These events typically run for just an hour around lunch time and is a great opportunity to watch our great hockey team warm up and get ready for the season ahead. In November 2022, dates include the 4th, 8th, 14th, 16th, and 30th.

Please note that practices can be canceled at the last second for a variety of reasons, so it is recommended to check out the Mario Lemieux Sports Complex event calendar for times and updates.

Wine Tasting at Palate Partners

Palate Partners Wine Tasting

Palate Partners is one of our favorite places to taste wine in Pittsburgh as their first and third Friday tasting is one of the most cost-effective night outs we know of! For just $12 you can get a taste of six unique wines as well as snacks from a communal cheeseboard and an informal presentation to learn more about the wineries and wines you are tasting. But be warned, if you are wine lovers like us you'll be hooked after your first visit!

Looking to keep your wine tasting going? Head to Allegheny Wine Mixer in Lawrenceville for a glass after the tasting!

Enjoy the Maxo Vanka Murals in Millvale

Maxo Vanka Murals

Odds are good you've driven by St. Nicholas Croatian Catholic Church in Millvale a number of times without realizing what is inside. This church is home to numerous murals from acclaimed artist Maxo Vanka, and depicts religious scenes with social commentary from the era (namely around WWI and workers in the steel mills, as an example). Tours take place each Saturday and online registration is required.

Kentuck Knob

Kentuck Knob

You are likely aware of the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, Fallingwater, in the Laurel Highlands. But did you know that a second Wright house was built just a few miles away? Kentuck Knob is that house and is perched upon a hilltop with gorgeous views of the Laurel Highlands and offers a second insight into the work of this acclaimed architect!

On your way back to Pittsburgh, stop for a meal at Out of the Fire Cafe in Donegal to try their famous smoked salmon and mushroom soup!

Pittsburgh Discounts and Promotions

In the mood for a sale? Or perhaps you simply want to try out something new? Check out our latest Pittsburgh promotions below!

Steel City ShirtsGet 10% off clothing from Steel City using code: DISCOVERTHEBURGH

Pittsburgh SkylineGrab discounted tickets to Kennywood, Sandcastle, and Idlewild!

ColombinoTake 10% off orders from Strip District-based Colombino using code: DISCOVERTHEBURGH

Harvie Food BoxOrder a local food box from Harvie and take $25 off your first order on us!

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