Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on October 2, 2023.
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October in Pittsburgh is often when fall makes itself known. The temperatures drop rapidly, fall colors reach their peak, and the end-of-year slowdown starts becoming much more apparent.
But that doesn't mean you have to slow down in your explorations of the city, as it turns out October is another great month where you can get out and enjoy the city!
So if you are looking for things to do in Pittsburgh in October, check out the following options.
Doors Open Pittsburgh
Historically, Doors Open Pittsburgh offered a monster event every October that allowed access to dozens upon dozens of buildings in downtown and the North Side every October.
In 2023, Doors Open is approaching the event a little differently with more focused tours throughout the month (and year at large). In October there are a number of great events scheduled like an ArtWalk on the Allegheny on October 7th, Squirrel Hill on the 8th, a Roots of Pittsburgh tour on the 14th, and many, many more! Check out all of the tours scheduled here!
Hundred Acres Manor
One of our favorite things about October is that it means Halloween is just around the corner, and to us there is no place better to go than Hundred Acres Manor in South Park.
This estate is one of the largest destinations for haunted attractions in the city, and is consistently rated among the best in the nation. Feeling brave? The haunt typically operates Thursdays to Sunday throughout the month!
Looking for more Halloween attractions in Pittsburgh? Click the previous link to check out more great options!
Autumnfest at Seven Springs
Most Pittsburghers think of Seven Springs Mountain Resort as a winter destination thanks to its ski slopes, but this one has a lot to do year-round!
The celebration of fall typically occurs over multiple weekends in September and October with their annual Autumnfest (typically the first three Saturdays and Sundays in October). Here you can get into fall fun with artisan crafts, chair lift rides in the resort to go hiking, listen to live music, celebrate Oktoberfest (select weekends), and so much more.
Chase Fall Colors at Area Parks
In the mood to get out in nature and check out the fall colors near Pittsburgh? There are a number of area parks you may want to check out that look absolutely gorgeous when the leaves start to change. From Schenley Park in the city to McConnells Mill State Park and Laurel Hill State Park, you have a number of great spots to go explore!
Kennywood Phantom Fall Fest
Kennywood is back for the month of October with their Phantom Fall Fest haunted houses. During the weekends of October the park is transformed into a theme park of horrors full of haunted houses and thrilling rides.
If you have some more time in the afternoon before Kennywood Phantom Fall Fest, schedule a tour of Trundle Manor to get you in the horror spirit!
North Shore River Trail
When it comes to viewing the fall colors, you have many options both in and out of the city. One of our favorite spots in the city limits is the North Shore River Trail which spans several miles west and east of the city.
Pick up your bike at one of the many POGOH kiosks (formerly Healthy Ride) in downtown or the North Side and check out the sights like the Mr. Rogers memorial, PNC Park, and of course, the stunning views of the city.
There are a number of awesome attractions and restaurants along the North Shore River Trail By the Science Center is the USS Requin Submarine, and for those making a bigger walk or ride can cross the river and head down to Gaucho in the Cultural District!
Arsenal Cider House
Although you can enjoy Arsenal Cider House any time of the year, we think this one is worth visiting in the fall at the height of apple season.
As a special bonus, Arsenal Cider House rolls out their fall and winter flavors around this time, which are some of our favorites of the bunch. Be on the lookout for events here, as Arsenal's outdoor space is the perfect spot to let the night roll by with live music or a food truck!
Want to have a dinner while out in Lawrenceville? Visit Piccolo Forno or Morcilla for a great meal!
Pittsburgh Ghost Tour
Looking to get acquainted with Pittsburgh's dark side? A pre-Halloween ghost tour is in order with the folks at Haunted Pittsburgh. This two-hour tour covers some of the city's most famous hauntings- hilarious, insidious, and otherwise.
After the ghost tour grab a drink at The Commoner or the Biergarten at the Hotel Monaco.
Allentown Night Market
Head to Pittsburgh's Allentown neighborhood for a night of fun at the Allentown Night Market on October 7th from 7pm to 11pm. Check out local independent artists, music, food and beverage, and so much more after the sun sets!
Sports in October
Although we would always hope for the Pirates to make it into the post-season for October, it wasn't in the cards in 2023.
Thankfully, there are a number of great games coming up throughout the month! The Penguins come out of pre-season's final home games (October 2nd and 4th) with regular season games at home on the 10th, 14th, 24th, 26th, 28th, and 30th.
The Steelers play two home games in 2023 on September 8th and 29th-both at 1pm, the Pitt Panthers play at home on October 14th at 6:30 PM, and the Riverhounds play their final games on October 7th at 7:30pm and October 14th at 4pm!