Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on September 8, 2026.
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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.
Halloween Attractions
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There are many great Halloween attractions in Pittsburgh to check out in October.
From Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood to area haunts like Hundred Acres Manor, Castle Blood, Zombies of the Corn, and more, you really can get your scare on this month!
For those who are scare-averse, be sure to check out for lights-on, behind-the-scenes tours for a scare-free experience, too!
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 October with their annual Autumnfest, running October 3rd to 18th in 2026. Here you can get into fall fun with artisan crafts, chair lift rides in the resort to go hiking, listen to live music, and so much more.
Festival of Combustion at Carrie Furnace
Carrie Furnace is celebrating all things industrial arts at their annual Festival of Combustion taking place at the historic steel mill on October 3rd.
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!
Phipps Fall Flower Show
We often lament the fact that, much like fall, Phipps Conservatory's Fall Flower Show feels far too short. Running just about three weeks, this one is a limited time special that you really must seen.
In 2026, the Fall Flower Show's theme is Alice's Adventures in Autumn and is an extension of the Summer Flower Show with fall flowers thrown into the mix! Be sure to check out the exhibits during the limited run from October 10th to November 1st!
Pittsburgh Oktoberfest Downtown
While there are many great Oktoberfest celebrations in Pittsburgh from late September to early October, downtown Pittsburgh is getting into the fun with the aptly named Oktoberfest Pittsburgh.
This event runs from October 1st to 11th in 2026 and will transform downtown into a Bavarian village with decorations, games, music, and ample beer. Be on the lookout for ample event programming as well as a 60-foot tall Ferris Wheel on the Sixth Street Bridge!
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 10th from 7pm to 11pm. Check out local independent artists, music, food and beverage, and so much more after the sun sets!
Shows in October
The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra will be welcoming Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra on October 6th, Romantic Rachmaninoff on October 16th to 18th, and the music of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 starting on the 30th.
The Pittsburgh Opera will be performing Rigoletto on October 10th, 16th, and 18th.
And if you haven't seen a show here yet, Club Cafe offers some great live music in South Side!
Sports in October
Although we would always hope for the Pirates to make it into the post-season for October, it doesn't seem to be in the cards for 2026 short of a Cinderella end of season run.
Thankfully, there are a number of great games coming up throughout the month! The Penguins come out of pre-season with regular season games on the 3rd, 5th, 10th, 22nd, 24th, and 29th!
The Steelers play one home game on October 11th, the Pitt Panthers play at home on October 10th and 31st, and the Riverhounds play their final games on October 10th and 24th at 7pm!