Here are 5 things to do in Pittsburgh this weekend: Oct. 17-19
While it’s still pretty warm outside — especially for late October — why not venture out and try something new? New music, new food and new fun await in Pittsburgh this weekend.
Monster Pumpkins Festival
You may have seen plenty of pumpkins already this October, but you probably haven’t seen any this big. The Monster Pumpkins Festival highlights the supersized subset of these seasonal fruits with plenty of family fun.
Featured attractions include the CALFO Pumpkin Pull, where contestants will attempt to yank along a 1,500-pound gourd; an in-costume 5K; autumnal craft vendors; all the traditional fall foods and drinks; pumpkin pie eating contests; pumpkin slinging; carriage rides and more.
The festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Stacks at 3 Crossings in the Strip District. Admission is free. Learn more at monsterpumpkins.com.
‘La Bohème’
Pittsburgh Opera’s 2025-26 season opener will be Puccini’s “La Bohème,” one of the world’s most popular operas. The story of romance, loss, tragedy and life in Bohemian Paris will surely make any audience laugh and cry. And fans of the generational hit Broadway musical “Rent” will recognize the show’s inspiration in this opera.
Performances will be held at the Benedum Center in Downtown Pittsburgh. This weekend’s only performance is on Saturday at 7 p.m., but several other performances will be held through Oct. 26. To learn more and get tickets, visit pittsburghopera.org.
Bark or Treat
Don’t leave your pets out of the Halloween fun this year. We all know your dog has an adorable Halloween costume you’re just waiting to show off, so take the chance. On Saturday, Hartwood Acres is hosting its Bark or Treat event. All costumed puppers will get a free treat.
There will also be hidden tennis balls throughout the dog park so that doggies can “trick or treat” by finding them. Dogs and their owners can turn in their discovered tennis balls for prizes.
The event will take place from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday at the dog park at Hartwood Acres. For more information and to register, check out the Facebook event here.
The Last Splash
This year saw the debut of Shore Thing, a new floating space on the Allegheny River where people could play, connect and enjoy the beautiful riverfront that Pittsburgh offers. This weekend, we’ll be looking back at Shore Thing’s first year and looking forward to its second with The Last Splash.
The event will include food trucks, family-friendly activities, artist activations (courtesy of the artists who helped to create Shore Thing), face painting and make-and-take art stations. There will also be an afterparty with food and drink.
The Last Splash will be held from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at Allegheny Landing Park. Learn more about the event at shorething.riverlifepgh.org.
Pittsburgh Playhouse Fall Fest
Point Park University’s Pittsburgh Playhouse is bringing the fall fun to Downtown Pittsburgh. The Pittsburgh Playhouse and outside on Forbes Avenue will be bustling and rustling with autumnal fun. From food and drinks to games to local vendors, the whole family will make memories at this festival.
Plus, Pittsburgh Playhouse will put on performances of “Boo’s Halloween House Party,” a musical show that will spook and enchant guests of all ages.
The festival will be open from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Friday; 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Performances of “Boo’s Halloween House Party” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. To learn more, visit playhouse.pointpark.edu.
Alexis Papalia is a TribLive staff writer. She can be reached at apapalia@triblive.com.
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