Published by Jeremy. Last Updated on August 17, 2023.
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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.
Idlewild and Soak Zone
With summer winding down, September is one of your last shots to get out to the children's theme park, Idlewild, or to their rather impressive water park, Soak Zone, on the same grounds! With temperatures dropping, now is the time to enjoy the heat while we have it.
Note that in September this one is only open on weekends!
Jet Ski on the Three Rivers
Looking for a different kind of river experience this September? Why not take a jet ski for a spin on the three rivers with Steel City Jet Ski Rentals? These adrenaline pumping machines offer a great way to see the river while getting some serious speed!
For those who wish to ride down to Point State Park, we recommend at least a 60 minute rental. Note that the area around the point has wake restrictions starting from Friday afternoon through Sunday plus holidays. As such, if you want to catch a fair bit of speed with this one it is best to give them a spin on a weekday rental!
Asian Lantern Festival at the Zoo
The Asian Lantern Festival is returning to the Pittsburgh Zoo in 2023 with a brand new theme- World of Wonders!
This one features an impressive walk through the zoo at night to see dozens upon dozens of large and ornate lanterns with a mix focusing on traditional Asian cultural designs, several showcasing worldly designs, and more!
While the lanterns are on display in the zoo at all times, the night time display requires separate tickets to enjoy the lanterns after the sun sets. In 2023, the Asian Lantern Festival runs on select nights (typically Thursday to Sunday) from August 11th to October 29th.
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.
Klavon's Ice Cream
Old time ice cream parlors seem to be few and far between these days, but if any in Pittsburgh are worthy of such a throwback, it would be Klavon's Ice Cream in the Strip District. Head down to this one of their dozen indulgent sundaes or an old-fashioned ice cream soda to finish out your weekend!
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!
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 49ers on September 10th at 1pm and the Browns will be in town for a game the following week on September 18th at 8:15pm. (Pick up tickets here!)
Beyond football, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds will be winding down their season with just one home game in September on the 16th at 7pm, and the Pirates have home games against the Brewers at the start of the month and take on the Nationals and Yankees in the middle of the month. They'll end the month with a fireworks night show on the 30th against the Marlins!
Finally, NHL preseason will be starting towards the end of September with the Penguins taking on the Blue Jackets on the 24th and the Sabres at home on the 28th!
Shows in September
There are a number of great shows coming to Pittsburgh in September 2023, with Eric Clapton playing at PPG Paints Arena on the 8th, Bruce Springsteen also playing at PPG Paints on September 12th and 14th, and the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival taking place from the 15th to 17th to name a few!
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!