Last Updated on August 23, 2022 by Jeremy
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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 2022, the first weekend of September is Children’s Weekend with a Prince, Princess & Pirate Costume Contest (Sept 3rd-5th), the second weekend (Sept 10th & 11th) is Wine Revelry!, the third is Pirate Invasion (Sept 17th & 18th), and the fourth weekend is Love and Romance (Sept 24th & 25th)!
The Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival
If there was an official food of Pittsburgh, the pierogi would be in the running for the title. This Eastern European dumpling can be made in a number of styles, used as toppings for things like salads and burgers, and enjoyed any time of the year. At the Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival at Kennywood, you can get your fill of unique pierogi creations from local favorites like Gosia’s to those created by local chefs, food trucks, and more. The Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival takes place on Sunday, September 22nd in 2022.
Looking to grab a beer after attending the festival? Head over to Brew Gentlemen in Braddock for a craft brew!
South Park
South Park in South Park Township is one of those places that has something for everyone. This park has numerous picnic areas scattered about, a wave pool, activities for visitors of all ages, and many other unique attractions throughout its 2,000 acres. Get a group together, pack up a big lunch, and plan to spend the day enjoying one of the county’s largest and most beautiful parks.
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!
Gateway Clipper
When the temperature starts to cool off in mid-September, it is time to get out on the water. One tour that is unlike no other is the Gateway Clipper, and their hour-long sightseeing tours will give you an appreciation for the city the way it was meant to be experienced- by the river.
After taking a cruise on the Gateway Clipper, take the Duquesne Incline up to Grandview for the city views or head down to South Side for a meal at La Palapa or The Colombian Spot or a coffee at Delanie’s Coffee!
La Casa Narcisi Winery
If there is any winery in the area that you can show up and stay for a while, it is La Casa Narcisi. This one has put incredible time, effort, and money into building one of the most beautiful estates of any winery in the region, and their outdoor patios and concert venue areas are designed for you to come out, pick up a few bottles of wine, and relax. Perfect for a gorgeous September day!
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 2022 with a brand new theme- dinosaurs!
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 everyone’s favorite prehistoric creatures, 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 2022, the Asian Lantern Festival runs Thursdays to Sundays through October 30th.
Beechwood Farms
Beechwood Farms is a 100+ acre private nature reserve in Fox Chapel that is designed to let you experience the serenity of nature. The numerous hiking trails wind their way through various habitats and lookouts, and there are always great options for bird watching and wildlife spotting here!
Steelers Game
You know fall has arrived when the Pittsburgh Steelers season begins, and the warm temperatures make it the best time of the year to take in a game. The home opener for the Steelers in 2022 is against the Patriots on September 18th and they play two away games on the 11th and 22nd (Bengals and Browns respectively)! Pick up tickets on Stubhub today!
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! In 2022, Penn Brewery’s Oktoberfest takes place September 16th-18th and 23rd-25th.
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!
Note that in 2022, Norman’s is not going to have a large selection of fruit due to a late spring freeze. They will only have pick-your-own on Saturdays and we recommend checking 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!
Chatham Village
Out of all of the neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, the small enclave of Chatham Village on Mount Washington is one of the most beautiful. This historic neighborhood features homes built in Georgian Colonial Revival style that are absolutely gorgeous. So when the leaves begin to change head up to this one for a quiet stroll around this stunning collection of houses!
If you’re able to spend more time on Mount Washington, take a hike around Emerald View Park’s trails or grab a meal at Bigham Tavern or the Uzbeki restaurant Kavsar!
