10 Reasons to Visit Pittsburgh in September – Fall is Coming

Baconburgh

Who doesn't love bacon? The team behind the popular beer festival, Beers of the Burgh, has teamed up with local food influencer (and our close friend), Alex Eats Too Much, to put on a festival celebrating all things bacon- aptly named Baconburgh!

One September 27th, head down to South Side Works to get your fill of 15+ food trucks serving at least one bacon-featured dish, beer and cocktails, live music, and so much more. While this one does require an entry ticket, those attending will get a welcome beer (Yuengling or Athletic NA) and access to the trucks for this event.

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 2025, the Renaissance Festival will have themed weekends like Children's Weekend (through the 1st), Mead and Whiskey Weekend (6th and 7th), Pirate Invasion Weekend (13th and 14th), Wine Revelry and Romance Weekend (20th and 21st), and a Final Huzzah Oktoberfest Weekend (27th and 28th)!

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 20th and 21st 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 26th in 2025), 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 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.

2025's dates are September 19th and 20th as well as 26th and 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 (5th to 7th in 2025), 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 20th and 21st in 2025) 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 Seahawks on September 14th 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 13th against Louisville and 27th against Las Vegas, and the Pirates have numerous home games throughout the month taking on the Dodgers, Brewers, Athletics, and Cubs on select nights. On September 19th, 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 having home games on the 26th and 27th!

Shows in September

There are a number of great shows coming to Pittsburgh in September 2025, with The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise coming to the Benedum Center on September 9th to 14th, the Pittsburgh Symphony performing Dvoraks Eighth on September 26th and 28th, Michael Misko in I Laugh in the Face of Magic at Liberty Magic on select dates throughout the month, and more!