The leaves are changing, and autumn is settling into the Burgh! This fall, you can enjoy a variety of free and low-cost events amidst a backdrop of oranges and red in picturesque Downtown Pittsburgh. Make the most out of this season by Checking out our complied list of the best arts and culture events, perfect for squeezing in between pumpkin patch visits and apple picking adventures!
1- BNY Mellon Presents JazzLive Series
Tuesdays | 5 – 7pm | The Lounge at the Greer Cabaret
Join us every Tuesday this October for an evening filled with free jazz. There is no better way to spend a brisk autumn evening than with the soulful sounds of Pittsburgh’s local jazz artists.
2- Highmark International StrEAT Festival
Saturday Oct. 19 & Sunday, Oct. 20 | 12 – 8pm (Sat) & 12 – 6pm (Sun) | The Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th & Penn
Indulge in the flavors of fall with the return of the International StrEAT festival. With free entry to the festival, you get access to a weekend full of live music, games, and eating contests. There will be a wide variety of Pittsburgh’s best cuisine available for purchase at the festival.
3- Gallery Crawl
Friday, Oct. 25 | 5:30 – 9pm | The Cultural District
The last Gallery Crawl of 2024 is upon us! Take in the crisp fall weather with a stroll through the Cultural District and discover new art. Experience all that our galleries have to offer, including Roger Jacoby: Pittsburgh Stories, and events like the Art Olympics, a game show-inspired live art making contest.. End your evening with Fusion: Foodprep x Transit. Beginning at 8 PM, enjoy food, dancing, and music in a visually transformed Wood Street.
4- Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership Night Market
Friday, Oct. 25 & Saturday, Oct. 26 | 5 – 10pm | Market Square
Catch the last two Night Markets of the season with entertainment from Vento, Ziggy, and Hawk & McCarthy on Oct. 25 and Creatives Drink on Oct. 26. Enjoy vendors displaying clothing, furniture, food, drinks, and more!
5- Creative Conversations: & Juliet and MJ The Musical
Wednesday, Oct. 30 & Wednesday, Nov. 20 | 6:30pm | Trust Arts Education Center
Attend one of our Creative Conversation sessions this fall to learn about the magic of Broadway! The conversations will be hosted by local theater professionals and company members from the show, and all the questions you have about Broadway will be answered! Admission is free but registration is encouraged.
6- Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Gallery Exhibitions
Wednesday – Sunday 11am – 5pm (Closed 1-1:30pm)
There is no better way to spend an autumn afternoon than in one of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s free art galleries. Visit one of our art galleries to catch the amazing exhibits on display while you still can! Kim Bond: We Are Not Alone at 707 Gallery and the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh 110th Annual Exhibition at SPACE Gallery are both on view until January 12. If you're looking to hear from artists, interact with their work, and dive a little deeper, check out these upcoming free events.
7- Harris Theater
Saturday, Oct. 19 | 7pm | Harris Theater
Get ready for a night of fun and laughter at the annual Three Stooges Festival! This family-friendly event is perfect for all ages and, as a bonus, kids 12 and under can attend for free with a paid adult ticket.
8- Lounge at the Greer Cabaret
Free entertainment is returning to the Lounge at the Greer Cabaret this season! So far, the John Hall Quartet and Dirk Quinn Band are in the books for October 22 and November 7 respectively. Keep an eye out as we add more performances by talented local performers, artists, and musicians to the schedule.
9- Día de los Muertos Celebration
Wednesday, Oct. 30 | 12 – 1:30pm | The Giant Eagle Backyard at 8th & Penn
On October 30, Celebrate the flavors of Mexican and Latin cuisine with a food truck round-up featuring local vendors. Enjoy delicious tacos, tamales, and more while being serenaded by Mariachi International’s live music, bringing the heart of the celebration to life through music and food. Continue the celebration by participating in our interactive ofrenda, where attendees can contribute personal mementos and flowers to the altar from October 24 - November 2 in the Greer Cabaret Theater lobby.
10- Farmers Market at the Backyard
Thursdays in Oct. | 10am – 12pm | The Giant Eagle Backyard at 8th & Penn
A seasonal staple for thousands of Downtown visitors, residents, and workers, the Market Square Farmers Market has relocated to the Backyard at 8th and Penn! This unique and exciting shopping experience showcases over 50 local farmers and vendors, as well as the region’s finest small-batch wine & spirit producers.