There’s so much more to September than back-to-school rituals. In fact, there’s so much to do this month that we couldn’t limit ourselves to just 10 events. Embrace some bonus summer fun and a time of transitions with these 12 must-do festivals, fairs and local traditions.
1. TacoMania Super Fest at Allegheny Commons Park: Sept. 1
Don’t call it a food festival, call it taco mania. Tacos, margaritas, mariachi and wrestling are on the menu for this al fresco fiesta. Taking the street food sensation to a new HQ, the Beers of the Burgh crew is rounding up the city’s toptaco makers – from Los Gallitos and Let’s Taco to Tocayo and La Casa Del Tacos. Plus, there will be sweet and cool delights from Chocolate Moonshine Fudge and Frios Gourmet Pops. Why just eat when you can also watch high-octane Enjoy Wrestling sets and hear music by Big Blitz, Fu*k Yeah, Dinosaurs and Mariachi Internacional? The free event is a perfect tailgate party for anyone attending that evening’s Green Day concert at PNC Park. Tickets. For more tacos, don’t miss The Original Pittsburgh Taco Festival at The Stacks at 3 Crossings on Sept. 14.
2. ReelAbilities Film Festival at Carnegie Science Center and the Pittsburgh Playhouse: Sept. 5-11
The region’s only disability film festival opens with the Pittsburgh premiere of “Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story” with opening remarks by former Steeler Ryan Shazier. Directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, “Super/Man” portrays Reeve’s rise to stardom and the accident that altered his life. Exploring the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people living with disabilities, the festival showcases four feature films and 18 shorts. The festival includes Q&As via Zoom, after-parties, virtual screenings and an artist market in partnership with Creative Citizen Studios and Studio Forget-Me-Not. Tickets.
3. Pittsburgh Irish Festival at the Carrie Blast Furnaces: on Sept. 6-8
Where can you join a stone-lifting competition, savor Guinness chocolate and snuggle with Irish wolfhounds along the Mon? The 33rd annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival invites you to experience the richness of the Emerald Isle without traveling 3,378 miles. Brand new this year is the Fiddle Frenzy concert, an immersive 360-degree virtual reality tour of the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and a display exploring all 32 counties of Ireland. Also new is an exhibit honoring pioneering Irish women and the eye-popping Celtic Magic show. Learn to play Gaelic games, research your Irish roots and watch baking demonstrations. Don’t miss TikTok sensation Ally the Piper, sister band The Screaming Orphans and the Grammy-winning Brigideens. Sláinte! Tickets.
4. A Fair in the Park in Mellon Park: Sept. 6-8
What hatched in 1969 as the Craftsmen’s Guild Craft Show at Allegheny Center has blossomed into one of the region’s most esteemedart fairs. Transforming Mellon Park into an open-air market, the free event features 100 fine artisans and skilled craftspeople from across Pittsburgh and the country. Plus, there will be food trucks, demonstrations by Woodturners Anonymous and performances by Calliope House musicians. The kiddos will love the arboretum scavenger hunt. Information.
5. Pittsburgh County Fair at Allegheny Commons Park: Sept. 15
Where can you watch farmers play kickball, join a bacteria scavenger hunt and compete in an apple pie bake-off – all within the city limits? The county fair also features hands-on demonstrations, workshops, displays and make-your-own activity stations to experiment with indigo dyeing, broom-making and sorghum pressing. Try foot-treading grapes, watch Penna Flower Co. construct a sculpture from farm waste and attend the Best Tomato in Pittsburgh Contest. New this year is a presentation by Angela Ferguson of Onondaga Nation Farm, who will discuss food sovereignty and serve traditional foods. Information.
6. Glow in the Park at Schenley Plaza: Sept. 19
There’s a new gala in town with a green mission. Experience a strolling dinner concept with food stations crafted by The Porch and dance beneath the radiant shimmer of lights to the sounds of DJ Digital Dave at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s inaugural Glow in the Park celebration. The best part? You’ll be helping Pittsburgh’s green spaces “shine brightly for generations to come.” Tickets.
7. PittsburghInternationalJazzFestival on Liberty Avenue and at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center: Sept. 20-22
Jazz is woven into the DNA of Pittsburgh. The 14th edition of this festival is the best place for fans to experience internationally renowned veterans, rising stars and local clubs invigorating the genre. The rich sounds of live jazz will flow Downtown with free outdoor concerts on Liberty Avenue and ticketed events at the August Wilson Center. On Saturday, the Liberty Avenue stage will pulse with performances by Howie Alexander, Endea Owens, Shemekia Copeland, Cimafunk, Robert Glasper and more. Head back on Sunday for Sean Jones, Orrin Evans & The Captain Black Big Band, Vanisha Gould, Average White Band, Luedji Luna, Marsha Ambrosius and more. The action kicks off at Friday’s Taste of Jazz Party. Tickets.
8. Art on Fire Celebration & Auction at the Pittsburgh Glass Center: Sept. 20
Be there when summer’s hottest party comes back to Garfield. Pittsburgh’s only glassartauction is also the grand unveiling of the center’s $15 million expansion. Bidon150 collectiblepieces, party on the Vitro Patio overlooking Penn Avenue and watch sizzling performances byAttack TheatreandIron City CircusArts. Savor fiery foods, sip martinis in handcrafted Penn/Fairmount glasses and watch 100-degree neon and plasma demonstrations light up the night. Be dazzled by Tess van Zalinge’s luminous stained-glass dress made from 500 pieces of Wissmach glass. Tickets.
9. Untitled (Art Party) at Carnegie Museum of Art: Sept. 20
Write your own story within the hallowed halls of Carnegie Museum of Art’s landmark Sarah Scaife Gallery. Sip cocktails on the Fountain Plaza, savor creative cuisine in Café Carnegie and hit the dance floor with Pittsburgh’s beloved TITLE TOWN Soul & Funk Party. Tickets.
10. East Liberty Wine Festival on Broad Street: Sept. 21
East Liberty’s Broad Street Plaza is undergoing a $1.2 million makeover so it’s a terrific time to enjoy an afternoon in the neighborhood. Hosted by the East Liberty Chamber of Commerce, this end-of-summer sipping soiree spans Broad Street between Highland and Centre avenues. Explore East Liberty while enjoying tastings from a selection of wineries. Running from 2-6 p.m., the free event also features live entertainment and music, food trucks, vendors and artisan booths. Information.
11. The Great Race in Pittsburgh: Sept. 28-29
Take your spot at the starting line to usher in the fall running season. In Pittsburgh, the last weekend of September is synonymous with the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race, now dubbed One Great Weekend. One of Pittsburgh’s oldest-running races has expanded its offerings to include opportunities for all ages and fitness levels. Along with Sunday’s signature 10K and 5K, there is the Junior Great Race, Family Fun Run, Tot Trot and Diaper Dash on Saturday. Events raise money for the Richard S. Caliguiri Amyloidosis Fund. Register.
12. Pittsburgh Art Book Fair at Carnegie Museum of Art: Sept. 28-29
After debuting last year, the free Pittsburgh Art Book Fair is turning a page to its next chapter with more exhibitors and expanded programming. Purchase a range of publications, meet the makers and connect with fellow readers, art enthusiasts and small press publishers. The Hall of Sculpture is the perfect backdrop for 65 local, national and international artists. Go beyond the page with hands-on workshops and artist talks. Information.
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