It’s getting chilly out there! For those who like a day in the brisk autumn air, there’s some great events for you this weekend. For those trying to keep toasty — and avoid turning on the furnace too early — we’ve got you covered, too. Here are some things to do this weekend.
North Side Pumpkinfest
Kids 12 and younger and their families will love this North Side autumn tradition, now in its 30th year.
The ‘fest will feature a petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides, pumpkin decorating and many more activities. There will be food to munch on while exploring the booths at the Health and Wellness Fair presented by Allegheny General Northside Partnership.
The fun will start at noon Saturday at Allegheny Commons East Park. Registration is $5 per child. Visit deutschtown.org for more details.
Campfire ghost stories at Hartwood Acres
There’s nothing better on a cool October night than a roaring fire — and a spooky story to go along with it. Join Allegheny County park rangers Saturday night from 7 to 8 p.m. at Hartwood Acres to enjoy this campfire tradition.
Spectators are encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and their Halloween costumes (best costume will win a prize). This event is all-ages, weather permitting and free to the public. Don’t worry, the stories will be spooky but family-friendly.
Learn more at alleghenycounty.us.
‘Silence of the Lambs’ cage night
Fans of the 1991 thriller film “Silence of the Lambs” may know that one of the film’s most memorable scenes was shot at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in Oakland. On Friday, there’s an opportunity to get up close and personal with Hannibal Lecter with a recreation of the iconic cage — and the original rug and bedframe from the film.
Spectators can get a photo as part of the scene (if they dare get close enough!) and a full screening of the film will be held during the event. Costumes are encouraged and face painters will be on site to provide scary makeup looks as well. There will also be a marketplace full of vendors to stroll.
The event runs from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall. Tickets are $25. See more at soldiersandsailorshall.org.
Upcoming Local Events
‘Tosca’ at the Pittsburgh Opera
This is the last weekend to get dressed up and head downtown to see the opening production of the Pittsburgh Opera’s 2024-2025 season. Puccini’s “Tosca” is a beautiful tale of love, bravery, betrayal and many thrills.
Performances will be held Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Benedum Center downtown. Runtime is about two hours and 35 minutes. To get tickets, visit pittsburghopera.org.
Pittsburgh Zoo jack ‘o lantern extravaganza
There’s nothing quite like the Pittsburgh Zoo after dark — and it’s even better with thousands of craftily carved pumpkins. Throughout the first half of the zoo, artistic and themed displays of lit jack ‘o lanterns will light up the night during this ongoing fall festival event.
The extravaganza is open from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. daily and will also feature kids’ activities, other seasonal displays and special food items. Last entry wil be at 9:30 p.m. each night. The jack ‘o lantern trail will open at sunset.
Learn more about the event and admission fees at pittsburghzoo.org.