Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on August 7, 2026.
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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.
Allegheny County Pooches in the Pool
Allegheny County Parks offers a fun end-of-season event at our county pools, and you can take a dip with your favorite furry friend!
Pooches in the Pool takes place on Labor Day Monday, September 7th in 2026, at three county pools- North Park swimming pool, Boyce Park wave pool, and Settlers Cabin Park wave pool from 4:00 to 6:30 pm.
Tickets (which are $20 for county residents and $25 for non-residents) cover one dog and two guardians for a lot of fun swimming, chasing balls, and more! Dogs must have current tags and up-to-date vaccinations to attend.
To pick up tickets to Pooches in the Pool, click here.
This feature has been sponsored by Allegheny County Parks.
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 2026, the Renaissance Festival will have themed weekends like Children's weekend (September 5th to 7th, including Labor Day), Pirate Invasion Weekend (September 12th and 13th), Wine Revelry and Romance Weekend (September 19th and 20th), and finishes the season with Time Travelers Weekend (September 26th and 27th)!
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 17th to 20th and will have a ton of great performances 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? This one typically takes place in late September (taking place on the 18th in 2026), the observatory offers 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 in early August, 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.
2026's dates are September 18th to 20th as well as 25th to 27th.
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!
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 (11th to 13th in 2026), 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 19th and 20th in 2026) 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!
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 Falcons and September 27th against the Bengals. (Pick up tickets here!)
Beyond football, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will be winding down their season with just one home game in September on the 12th against Loudoun United FC, and the Pirates have numerous home games throughout the month taking on the Giants, Angels, Brewers, Royals, and Cardinals, with a drone show on September 4th and a fireworks night on September 18th.
Finally, NHL preseason will be starting towards the end of September with the Penguins having home games on the 21st and 22nd!
Shows in September
There are a number of great shows coming to Pittsburgh in September, with The Lion King coming to the Benedum Center on select dates September 9th to 27th, the Pittsburgh Symphony performing An Evening of Beethoven and Brilliance with Lang Lang on September 26th, Michael Misko in I Laugh in the Face of Magic at Liberty Magic on select dates throughout the month, and more!
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!