As October rolls into Pittsburgh, we're greeted with a mix of favorite traditions and celebrations, like the return of fall football with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the anticipation of trick-or-treat events.
This month is also special to many of us because it marks the shift in weather, the vibrant colors of changing leaves, and the chance to dig out those cozy sweaters and bake our beloved apple pies.
But there's more to October than football, costumes, and pumpkin spice.
It's a month packed with meaningful observances, causes, and fun holidays, from Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Mental Illness Awareness Week to Homemade Cookies Day and Make a Difference Day.
Here are 15+ events, holidays, and celebrations happening in Pittsburgh this October:
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Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer among American women, according to the Centers for Disease Control. About 250,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Each of the women and men diagnosed has their own story. Read one mom's story here. Oct. 1-31
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Homemade Cookie Day
Kick-off October by making cookies with your kids on Homemade Cookie Day. Check out this fun fall recipe for Caramel Apple Cookies. Yum! Oct. 1
 Simone Biles, Gold Over America Tour |
Gold Over America Tour
Straight from the world stage, the best gymnasts in the U.S. featuring the most decorated gymnast of all-time, Simone Biles, will headline the Athleta Presents Gold Over America Tour coming to Pittsburgh! Biles, who medaled with silver for team competition and bronze for the balance beam, will be joined by her teammates Jade Carey who won gold in floor exercise, Jordan Chiles and Grace McCallum who won silver for team competition and MyKayla Skinner who won silver in vault. Gold Over America Tour will be at PPG Paints arena on Wednesday, October 2nd. ppgpaintsarena.com
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RAD Days
RAD Days opens up dozens of Allegheny County’s regional assets for all to appreciate, but they end the first week in October. Enjoy them before they are gone! https://www.radworkshere.org/
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Mental Illness Awareness Week
One in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year and 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year, according to the National Association of Mental Illness. Now, if you need help or know someone in need, you can reach out immediately for help. You can dial “988” to reach trained crisis counselors anywhere in the United States if you need help in a mental health, substance use, or suicide crisis anywhere in the United States. Learn more about 988 here. Oct. 6-12
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4. Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is the perfect time to talk about fire safety with our families, and also to ensure our home and children are prepared in the case of an emergency. Check out these 10 National Fire Prevention Association fire safety tips for families. Oct. 6-12
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International Day of the Girl Child
This year's theme, "Our time is now — our rights, our future," brings attention to the existing burdens on girls around the world, looking ahead at a decade investing in the future of girls' leadership and potential. Oct. 11
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National Coming Out Day
When someone "comes out" to you, it shows a deep trust. How can you support your loved one during this act of bravery? Tell them you love them. Still have questions? PFLAG offers tips, tools, and ideas for PFLAG members looking to support LGBTQ+ individuals planning to come out and new (and potential) allies who want to demonstrate their acceptance of LGBTQ folks in their lives. QBurgh is the Pittsburgh Chapter of PFLAG, and they meet the 2nd Sunday of each month (except June) at the Persad Center from 2pm-4:30pm. October 11th
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Yom Kippur
Yom Kippur is the “Day of Atonement” during which Jews around the world reflect on their sins from the past year and ask for forgiveness. The focus of the Yom Kippur holiday? Introspection and connecting to your religion. To do that, they fast from sundown the night before to sundown the night of Yom Kippur. This noodle kugel is one family's traditional way to break the fast once the holiday is concluded. Oct. 11-12
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Blippi: Join the Band Tour
C'mon and join Blippi to make music in Pittsburgh in the brand new live Blippi: Join the Band Tour!. Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians to explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, through all your favorite Blippi hits. So grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that's fun for the whole family! Get tickets at trustarts.org. October 11
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Indigenous Peoples' Day
Did you know many US states and the District of Columbia, along with more than 195 cities across the United States, now observe Indigenous Peoples' Day instead of, or in addition to, Columbus Day? It's a way to acknowledge and honor the people native to our lands. Find out the Native American tribes that called your area home on this map. Oct. 14
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Disney Jr. Live on Tour: Let's Play
In “Disney Jr. Live On Tour: Let’s Play” presented by Walmart, Mickey is getting ready for the biggest playdate ever at the Clubhouse with all his favorite pals including Minnie and Goofy, the Puppy Dog Pals, Ginny and Bitsy from “SuperKitties” and Ariel from “Disney Jr.’s Ariel,” but mysterious weather keeps interrupting the fun. Can Team Spidey from “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” find out who is behind this and help save the playdate? Get tickets art trustarts.org. October 17
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Disney on Ice
Disney On Ice presents Frozen & Encanto transports families into the realms of two of Disney’s most popular films. Watch as Anna, Elsa, and Olaf tell the extraordinary story of sisterhood in Frozen (Act One) before Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, and Bruno take center stage in Encanto (Act Two). The entire show features high-flying acrobatics and stunning special effects. Hosted by Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Frozen & Encanto showcases world-class ice skaters and elaborate costuming that brings two of Disney’s most beloved stories to life. Disney on Ice will be in Pittsburgh at PPG Paints Arena on October 24th, 25th, 26th, and 27th! Get your tickets HERE!
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Make a Difference Day
The fourth Saturday in October is devoted to helping others by doing volunteer work in the community. Find a project you and the kids can volunteer for and make a difference today! Oct. 26
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Diwali
Diwali is the most significant holiday in Indian culture. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali celebrates the Indian new year. It traditionally spans over 5 days, but many families will gather on day three, as that is when the major festivities take place. Sharing food and sweets is an integral aspect of Diwali. Here are two amazing recipes for Indian dishes from Sarina Shah Grady, a Macaroni KID reader. Oct. 31 - Nov. 1
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Halloween
One of the most anticipated holidays of the year for many kids! Dressing up in fun costumes, fun treats, and candy... what's not to love? Be sure to check the Macaroni KID event calendar to find all the great local Halloween activities and events happening today! The 'Burgh's Ultimate Fall Family Fun Guide has everything covered from October daily events to season long events, PYO pumpkins to apples, Haunted Attractions to Pittsburgh photographers offering mini sessions and more! Sign up for our free newsletter to get the latest updates delivered directly to your inbox every Monday. Oct. 31
Some other notable things for Pittsburgh kids to check out this October:
- Our friends at DaVinci Workshop and Cafe have started doing a drop-off day camp for 3-year-olds and up!
- Healthy Kids Running Series races start 10/6 and are a great way to get your kids moving in the fresh air this fall
- FREE admission for kids to Heinz History Center for the entire month!
- Children's Museum of Pittsburgh will be closed on Wednesdays
- 22nd Annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread House Competition opens on Tuesday, October 1. Registration will open online at 10am at www.pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread and remain open through 11:59pm on Sunday, November 10.
- Kids bowl & Drink Soda for free every Sunday at PINS Mechanical from noon - 9pm.
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