Well, that’s an official wrap on summer, folks! It’s time to think about chilly nights, mugs of hot apple cider and the scent of falling leaves. Here are a few things to do while ushering in autumn during a still-warm weekend.
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival
This weekend, musicians will fill Liberty Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh with the sweet sounds of jazz.
Saturday and Sunday both have packed lineups of performers starting at 1 p.m. and going late into the evening. On Saturday night, the August Wilson African American Cultural Center will also host performances starting at 10 p.m.
Food trucks will be available throughout, as well as craft beer at festival bars. It’s recommended that attendees bring chairs for the outdoor portions of the event. There will also be a KidZone for youngsters to enjoy.
Get the full lineup at pittsburghjazzfest.org.
Hazelwood Brew House Oktoberfest
Hazelwood Brew House — new home to Abstract Realm Brewing Co. and New France Brewing Co. — will host a celebration of the German festival Oktoberfest Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
This is the first year for the event. Both breweries will offer their own Oktoberfest beers. German food will be available for purchase, and music by The Polkamaniacs will set the mood. Saturday will even include Oktoberfest Olympics!
Entry to the event is free and all ages. Learn more here.
Phantom Fall Fest
Things are getting spooky at Kennywood starting this weekend. Open Fridays from 6 to 11 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 11 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 10 p.m., this scary version of the amusement park will be open through Oct. 27.
After a day of enjoying your favorite rides and concessions, stick around after dark to wander the Halloween-decorated park and visit six haunted houses and four “scare zones.” There will even be special fall food for purchase.
Tickets are currently as low as $29.99. Get yours at kennywood.com.
Beats and Bounce Fall Fest
Looking for more autumnal fun for the whole family? Visit Highmark Stadium on the South Side this Sunday for Beats and Bounce Fall Fest.
This fun-filled day will feature a lineup of live music, including Totally 80s and No Bad JuJu. Trax Farms is offering “fall festivities,” and there will be fall-themed food and drink to get into the season’s mood. The field will be open and filled with obstacle courses and bounce houses. And don’t worry about missing the 1 p.m. Steelers-Chargers kickoff — the game will be broadcast on the big screen.
Tickets are available in three-hour session blocks. Choose your time slot at highmarkstadium.com.
Sip and Swirl at the Pittsburgh Zoo
Looking for a classy night out for the adults? Head over to Sip and Swirl at the Pittsburgh Zoo on Friday night. From 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Aquarium and Water’s Edge buildings will be alive with tasty food and drink — and even some small animals!
Local and national vineyards including Bushy Run Winery, Narcisi Winery and Edgewood Winery will be on site to offer tastings and sell bottles of their delicious creations. The zoo’s caterer will offer seasonal bites to sample as well. There will even be an auction of animal-created art.
Sip and Swirl is 21 . Get your tickets at pittsburghzoo.org.