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9 Holidays and Events to Warm Your Heart as Fall Arrives

Grandparents Day, Talk Like a Pirate Day, and more happening in September

By Emily Papa, Macaroni KID South Hills Publisher & Macaroni KID September 1, 2024

Fall arrives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh this month, bringing crisp air, shorter evenings, and the routine of busy school days. But that's not all that's happening this month. Here are nine holidays and events that will fill your September with joy and meaningful connections:



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Labor Day
Sept. 2

Bid farewell to summer in style with Labor Day. A day dedicated to honoring the contributions of hardworking Americans. It's also the perfect opportunity for a laid-back end-of-summer BBQ. Spend the day enjoying good company, delicious food, and toasting a summer well spent. Labor Day Weekend festivities include Annual Car, Truck, & Tractor Show at Janoski's Farm & Greenhouse, Labor Day 5K Classic, and McKeesport Rib Festival.



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National Cheese Pizza and Pepperoni Pizza Days
Sept. 5 and Sept. 20

Two chances to revel in the cheesy, savory goodness of pizza? Absolutely! Kick off the month by celebrating National Cheese Pizza Day, and a few weeks later, savor the occasion once more on National Pepperoni Pizza Day. Whether you're ordering in or getting creative on the grill, pizza nights are a surefire way to delight the kids. 

National Pizza Days are the perfect day to order dinner from your favorite pizza spot in the South Hills! I know everyone has their favorite pizza spot in Pittsburgh, but here are a few of my family's favorite places to order pizza:

Fiori's Pizzaria

Brookline 412-343-7788
McMurray 724-941-5910

Donte's Pizzeria

6409 Brownsville Rd
(412) 655-2004

Italian Village Pizza

Pleasant Hills
580 Old Clairton Rd
412-650-4001

McMurray
3905 Washington Rd
(724) 941-7909

Brentwood, PA
2713 Brownsville Rd
412-881-1400

South Park, PA
2951 Ridge Rd
724-348-5700



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National Grandparents Day 
Sept. 8

Grandparents are special. If your children's grandparents are local, spend time showing them just how important they truly are to your family. 

If they aren't local, plan ahead and send a handmade card and a hug: Simply tape together a few pieces of newspaper or use the white side of wrapping paper and outline your child with their arms outstretched. Let your kids color themselves in. Fold it up, put it in an envelope and send that hug to grandma!



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National Day of Service and Remembrance 
Sept. 11 

Pause to remember the somber events of September 11, 2001, and pay tribute to the heroes who emerged from the tragedy. This day invites us to reflect on our resilience as a nation and express gratitude to the first responders who put their lives on the line for our safety every day.



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Hispanic Heritage Month 
Sept. 15-Oct. 15

Taste the richness of culture with this delicious Arroz con Leche recipe recipe, handed down through generations. This month, honor the histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic communities from all backgrounds.



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International Talk Like a Pirate Day
Sept. 19

Ahoy, landlubbers! Inject some swashbuckling fun into your day by adopting your best pirate accent with your junior mateys.




Miniature Golf Day
Sept. 21

Surprise the kids with a trip to one of Pittsburgh's great mini golf courses on Miniature Golf Day! Who can get a hole-in-one? Here is a list of miniature golf spots that are easy to get to from the South Hills: Mini Golf in the 'Burgh Guide



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First Day of Fall 
Sept. 22

Bid a colorful welcome to autumn as the equinox ushers in cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Make the most of the new season by exploring local fall events!



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Good Neighbor Day 
Sept. 28

Foster a stronger sense of community by being a good neighbor. Here are three ideas: Invite neighbors to gather on a weekend to help an elderly neighbor with yard work, start a neighborhood garden, or pool your tools for a neighborhood tool-sharing co-op.