Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on August 28, 2024.
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September in Pittsburgh often brings about the first signs of fall. The temperatures start to decrease below 80, fall festivals and seasonal attractions open up, school is back in session, and more.
While the looming season change may first be noticeable in this month, there are still plenty of wonderful things to do during the month, and in this one we wanted to share a few of our favorites!
So if you are looking for things to do in Pittsburgh in September, check out the following options.
Renaissance Festival
Looking to take a trip back into Medieval times? Make the journey out to West Newton for the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival to enjoy this fall tradition! The Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival takes place every weekend in September and offers live performances, monster turkey drumsticks, and games to name a few.
In September 2024, the Renaissance Festival will have themed weekends like Children's Weekend (1st and 2nd), Mead and Whiskey Weekend (7th and 8th), Pirate Invasion Weekend (14th and 15th), Romance and Wine Weekend (21st and 22nd), and a Final Huzzah Oktoberfest Weekend (28th and 29th)!
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
Love jazz music and want to see a bunch of great acts outside this month? The Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival is for you! This one returns on September 21st and 22nd and will have a ton of great performances at two stages downtown. Be on the lookout for ticketed performances at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center as well!
Allegheny Observatory Open House
You may know that the Allegheny Observatory does weeknight tours from spring to summer. But have you ever visited for their annual open house? Taking place on September 27th from 7 to 10pm, the observatory will be offering self-guided tours of the facility (starting every half hour) with a possible chance to view through the telescopes (weather permitting) and members of the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh on-site, too!
Entry to this one is ticketed and is likely to book up in advance. Tickets typically become available on August 1st, and are free.
Oktoberfest at Penn Brewery
One fall event that we absolutely love is Oktoberfest, the annual Bavarian festival that has taken the world by storm for its celebration of all things beer. In Pittsburgh there is no bigger Oktoberfest than at Penn Brewery, the city's oldest craft brewery. Get here early as they fill up fast! Penn Brewery's Oktoberfest generally takes place the last two weekends of September.
In 2024, Oktoberfest at Penn Brewery will take place September 20th to 22nd and September 27th to 29th. Additional dates are planned for the first weekend in October as well.
Apple Picking at Norman's Orchard
Norman's Orchard in Tarentum is one of the city's premier apple picking spots and has many varieties of apples ready to be plucked during the fall. But be warned, the secrets of Norman's is out and the crowds descend upon this one during prime apple season!
If you come back into town later in the day, grab a Pittsburgh craft beer at Strange Roots in Millvale, Dancing Gnome Brewery in Sharpsburg, or a glass of wine at Wooden Door Winery near New Kensington!
Fruit picking is highly variable each year based on how late spring frosts affect the crops. Check their Facebook page to see availability before you visit!
Hit the Bike Trails
September generally is the month where temperatures start improving after the usually insane summer heat wave. So on a nice late summer or early fall weekend why not hit one of the many Pittsburgh bike trails to go for a nice long ride? You can hop on the Great Allegheny Passage for a long ride close to the city or perhaps head out to the Ghost Town Trail near Indiana, PA- it is one of our favorites!
Pittsburgh Irish Festival at Carrie Furnace
They say everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick's Day. But if that is enough enough fun Irish festivities for you, a trip out to Carrie Furnace for the Pittsburgh Irish Festival is a must. Taking place each September (6th to 8th in 2024), the Pittsburgh Irish Festival at Carrie Furnace is one of the largest heritage festivals in the region.
Sample great Irish food and drinks, listen to live music and demonstrations, check out dozens of vendors, and more all with the glorious backdrop of Carrie Furnace!
Washington & Greene Counties Covered Bridge Festival
Do you like covered bridges? How about going on a road trip to check out all of the covered bridges in Washington & Greene Counties during the immensely popular Covered Bridge Festival?
This festive event typically takes place on the third weekend in September (Saturday and Sunday 21st and 22nd in 2024) and features pop up vendors at numerous covered bridges throughout the county. The flagship stop is often Mingo Creek County Park not only because it is home to two covered bridges, but also due to hundreds of artisans with handmade works setting up shop nearby.
Just be sure to get to this one early, as the traffic can be quite intense as the day goes on!
• Traveling to Pittsburgh soon? Find a flight deal.
• In need of a room? Check out hotel and apartment prices.
• Don't overlook picking up a rental car or day tours as well!
Sports in September
September is always a great month in Pittsburgh sports as it is the return of football season! The Steelers kick off the home opener against the Chargers on September 22nd at 1pm. Other games throughout the month are, sadly, away. (Pick up tickets here!)
Beyond football, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will be winding down their season with two home games in September on the 7th against Rhode Island and the 28th against Birmingham, and the Pirates have numerous home games throughout the month taking on the Nationals, Marlins, Royals, and Brewers on select nights. On September 13th, the Pirates will also have a Zambelli Fireworks Night at the end of the game.
Finally, NHL preseason will be starting towards the end of September with the Penguins taking on Buffalo on the 24th!
Shows in September
There are a number of great shows coming to Pittsburgh in September 2024, with Hamilton returning to the Benedum Center on September 11th to 29th, the Pittsburgh Symphony performing Rachmaninoff's Symphonic Dances on September 27th to 29th, Rick Maue in A Fine Li(ne) at Liberty Magic on select dates from September 6th to 28th, and more!
Fancy an international mega rock group? Green Day is playing at PNC Park on September 1st, too!
Great post! I’ve always wanted to visit Pittsburgh and this article has convinced me even more that it would be an amazing experience. Can’t wait to plan my trip!