Top 5 Fall Festivals in Pittsburgh
Listen, we know there’s more festivals in Pittsburgh than these, but if you have to create a family “bucket-list” of events, we highly recommend these 5 favorites:
Jack-O’Lantern Extravaganza at the Pittsburgh Zoo
🍁 When: October 2- November 1, 6:30-11pm (Last Entry 10pm)
📍 Where: Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
You’ll wander through The Islands and Jungle Odyssey, plus themed sections with Pittsburgh flair, spooky favorite characters, jaw-dropping pumpkins shaped like zoo animals, even a dazzling Living Wall of pumpkins with sound and light effects.
Kids get to do more than stare—there’s pumpkin painting, scavenger hunts, rides (carousel, night train), glowing accessories, and photo ops galore.
Ticket wise: weekdays are cheaper, weekends cost a bit more. Kids 2-13 are discounted. Babies under 24 months are free. There are also group rates, “Value Nights,” and flexible ticket options. Members of course get discounts, too.
Tips for Taking Little Kids:
Go early in the evening. Little legs + late nights don’t mix. Aim for the first time slot so you’re not dragging a sleepy toddler through glowing pumpkins.
Pack a snack (or two). Yes, there are treats there—but nothing diffuses a meltdown faster than a granola bar you already have in your bag.
Stroller or carrier? Paths are stroller-friendly, but if you’ve got a baby, a carrier makes weaving through crowds much easier.
Layer up. Pittsburgh fall evenings can trick you—it’s chilly one second, warm the next. Hoodies + light jackets = lifesavers.
Bathroom check before you start. Nothing says “fall family memory” like sprinting halfway back because someone suddenly has to go.
Don’t overdo it. There’s a lot to see—pick a few highlights and let the rest go. The kids will remember the magic, not the full checklist.
Make it yours. Maybe you grab hot cocoa, maybe you let them pick a glowing wand at the gift shop, maybe you just wander. Whatever it looks like—it counts.
Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkin Festival
🍁 When: October 17-18, 2026
📍 Where: Strip District [3 Crossings Campus between 28th and 29th Streets]
The Pittsburgh Monster Pumpkin Festival is where you can see the World’s Biggest Pumpkins : imagine a sea of orange giants — all towering, outrageous color, and wow-factor moments … with free entry!
With some pumpkins weighing over 2,500+lbs, a dramatic pumpkin drop, costume runs, “Hercules Pumpkin Pull,” pumpkin weigh-offs, food, pie-eating contests, and that pure autumn energy.
It’s one of those events that feels big in every way—but it’s still about families finding joy, wide-eyed kids, sticky fingers, and memory-making. Check out the schedule of events here!
Autumnfest at Seven Springs
🍁 When: Weekends of October 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18, 2026, 11am-5pm daily
📍 Where: Seven Springs Resort
The Seven Springs Autumnfest is your chance to dive into all things autumn—hayrides, pumpkin patches, warm drinks, live music, maybe a bonfire or craft market thrown in.
It’s the kind of place where the beauty of the season slows you down. Where your kids get messy in leaf piles, you sip something spicy, and you remember what you loved about fall when you were their age.
Tips for Making the Most of Seven Springs AutumnFest
Check the schedule ahead. Rides, music, & market booths might only pop up at certain times. Planning helps if you’ve got little ones with short patience.
Plan your budget . Parking, entry to the craft show and live entertainment are all free, but everything extra will cost. There’s plenty of food to choose from, 80 regional artisans selling their crafts, plus fun kid activities like face painting, balloon artists, and a hay maze. Basically bring some cash!
There’s some thrills and may not be for every kid. You can ride a scenic chairlift (it goes high!) to see the fall foliage or take a thrilling trip down the Alpine Slide!
Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood
🍁 When: Select Dates run from September 12 through November 1, 2026. Fridays 6-11pm, Saturdays noon-11pm, Sundays noon-10pm
📍 Where: Kennywood Park
This year Phantom Fall Fest boats 7 haunted attractions including the puppet-themed “Detached", “mAlice in Wonderland Unleashed” and “Dark Shadows.” Plus you’ll find 200 scare actors throughout the park. More than 30 rides will be open during Fall Fest day and night, with Kiddieland open during the day.
What to Know:
Under-21 kiddos: Anyone 17 or under must be with an adult 21+
Bring comfy shoes. Lots of walking and lots of lines, especially after dark.
Plan arrival time based on what you want: if you want the rides + family side, come earlier; the daytime “spook” is noon-6pm. If you want full fright, evenings are more intense and are from 6pm-close. Sunday afternoons are smaller crowds and shorter waits, perfect for the younger crowd.
Buy tickets ahead online. It’s cheaper than gate-price. The earlier you buy, sometimes there are “flash sale / last call” deals.
Mars AppleFest
🍁 When: Saturday, October 3rd, 10am-4pm
📍 Where: 145 Grand Avenue Mars, PA (Mars Town Square), handicap spots on Marshall Way, overflow lot is 121 Brickyard Rd. with free shuttle!
AppleFest is celebrating over 40 years of fun! With free admission and parking, expect around 145 vendors (food, crafts, music, and more)! This is a very family-friendly event and a great place to start holiday shopping!
How to Make AppleFest Feed Magical
Go early! Arrive close to 10am so you can enjoy cooler morning air, avoid crowds, and settle into the event while energy is high (both yours and the kids’).
Dress for walking + weather. Layered clothing, comfy shoes. Rain coat or hat just in case; October in PA is unpredictable.
Pack the essentials. Water bottles, light snacks, a small foldable bag for crafts or small purchases from vendors.
Have cash & card options. Some vendors may be cash-only or prefer exact change.
Shop early for gifts & decorations. Craft vendors often have unique items—this is a great spot for holiday décor or handmade gifts before the crunch.