Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show adds fall edition
A smaller version of the annual spring Pittsburgh Home & Garden Show – The Pittsburgh Fall Home Show – will bloom Oct. 8-10 at the David Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown.
The 10-day spring show, a staple for four decades, was postponed until March 2022.
Organizers decided to host an abbreviated event because this time of year is perfect for home improvements such as replacing roofs and insulation as well as kitchen and bathroom remodels, said John DeSantis, the show’s executive director.
“We find people regret not taking care of that leaky roof or having their home well-insulated, as well as addressing heating issues which they often find develop into bigger problems by January and February,” DeSantis said. “They think they can make it through until spring, but oftentimes they can’t. Taking care of those things now will save them some frustration this winter.”
Fall also is a good time to reach contractors, many of whom are more available than in the spring and summer. Some will offer discounts.
DeSantis also said supply-chain issues remain a challenge. Because it could be difficult to get items in a reasonable time frame because of backlogs in manufacturing and distribution caused by the pandemic, it’s best to plan for work ahead of time and not wait until the last minute.
The pandemic kept many people apart in 2020.
But people once again might be hosting family and friends for the holidays and will want to refresh their home spaces.
For the fall show, DeSantis said they are recommending that guests wear masks.
With fewer vendors — 200 versus 2,000 vendors for the spring show — there will be plenty of space to social distance. They also have created aisle space that is double the normal width.
“We are encouraging common friendliness,” DeSantis said. “Be kind to those around you.”
Vendors will include ones ranging from kitchen and bathroom companies to floor covering supplies to windows and farm-to-table offerings — with local growers and wineries showcasing food and drink.
“The fall is an especially good time for homeowners to consider interior purchases that will make for better holidays in just a few months,” DeSantis said.
He said there are those who may have procrastinated on projects such as roofs, windows and heating and insulation who can’t wait much longer because cooler weather as well as ice and snow will be arriving shortly.
“This time of year is about getting everything buttoned up for the season,” DeSantis said.
The 2020 show opened March 6, just as the pandemic was emerging, and was scheduled to run through March 15. On March 12, Duquesne Light, the title sponsor, pulled its employees from the event to limit potential covid-19 exposure. The next day, the show was canceled.
The event was moved this year from March to April and then to October because of the pandemic. This will be the first time for a fall event. DeSantis said the plan is to make it an annual happening.
There won’t be any shuttle service from Heinz Field on the North Shore for the fall show. There is parking at the convention center and surrounding area garages.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Oct. 8-9 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 10.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the show and are good for a return on other show days. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $4 for children 6 to 12. Children younger than 6 will get in for free.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.