12 September events for welcoming fall, from the Pittsburgh Irish Festival to the brand-new Panda Fest

Historically a time of transition and back-to-school buzz, September has more and more become an extension of summer. It’s also one of the year’s biggest event months across the region. So we might as well stay out there and enjoy it.

We rounded up some of the city’s signature events and festivals you need to know about in September, and of course, we couldn’t stop at just 10 picks. Many of Pittsburgh’s most beloved festivals are offering expanded programming this year. There are also some new attractions you’ll want to be the first to know about.

Don’t miss our Summer Concert Guide for details about the ongoing Allegheny County Summer Concert Series, plus music festivals and shows on the horizon. And follow our NEXT in the Gallery series for a comprehensive look at all art happenings around the region. Don’t forget to check out Weekend Event Guide every week for even more of what’s going on in Western Pennsylvania.

1. ReelAbilities Pittsburgh Film Festival at the Pittsburgh Playhouse and online: Sept. 3-13

The remarkable life of Quaker, abolitionist and writer Benjamin Lay. A blind Indigenous artist who pioneers adaptive sculpting techniques in Vietnam. One man’s decision to take a dangerous job with the mob in order to raise the $120,000 needed for his hearing loss surgery. These are just some of the powerful stories coming to screens large and small during this 14th annual film festival showcasing new independent cinema exploring the lives, stories and artistic expressions of people living with disabilities. Committed to presenting films by and about people with disabilities, the hybrid festival also celebrates shared human experiences.

Don’t miss opening night at the Pittsburgh Playhouse featuring seven short films exploring people with diverse abilities. The night will start with a presentation of the eighth annual Meritzer Award honoring Tina Calabro, a writer and speaker specializing in disability issues. The screening will be followed by a festive after-party. Beyond the screen, ReelAbilities is also hosting an artist market in the Playhouse lobby featuring work by artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities from Creative Citizen Studios and Studio Forget-Me-Not. From Sept. 4-13, the festival continues virtually, so that the public can stream three documentaries, three narratives and seven additional short films from the comfort of home. This year’s feature-length films include “Silent Notes,” “The Paper Bag Plan” and the locally made “Becoming Benjamin Lay” by acclaimed Braddock director Tony Buba and historian Marcus Rediker. Schedule and tickets.

2. A Soulful Taste of the Burgh in Downtown Pittsburgh: Sept. 4-6, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Add some spice, flavor and soul to your Labor Day Weekend when this foodie favorite brings the heat to Downtown Pittsburgh. Honoring the rich history of African American chefs, food service pioneers and culinary entrepreneurs, the culinary celebration will showcase 100 proprietors and small business vendors. Savor a wide array of soul food dishes, from sweet potato pie and BBQ delights, to Jamaican cuisine, grilled goodies, African recipes and more. Setting up shop along Stanwix Street and Liberty Avenue, the seventh annual celebration pays homage to the region’s first Black tavern and restaurant, opened by Charles Richard in 1795.

The menu will also highlight additional culinary traditions from a variety of cultures, including Asian, Greek and Italian specialties. There will be live performances by national artists on two outdoor show stages, including Montell Jordan, Def Loaf and Leela James. In between bites, pop into the vendor market, watch food competitions and participate in cultural activities. The largest African American food celebration in Pennsylvania, the extravaganza also includes DJs, educational sessions and a youth fun zone. Information.

3. Clemente Bridge Fest on the Roberto Clemente Bridge: Sept. 11, 3-7 p.m.

If we can’t be out in right field catching fly balls and making throws across the diamond to home plate, then the next best place to celebrate baseball and Roberto Clemente must be on the very bridge that bears his name. Join one of Pittsburgh’s unique museums to honor Clemente’s extraordinary life on and off the field. Discover how Clemente’s impact extended far beyond his athletic achievements, including his lifelong dedication to social justice and helping communities in need. See firsthand how the star’s spirit continues to inspire future generations on the Downtown structure that immortalizes his enduring legacy. Spanning one of the city’s iconic Three Sisters bridges, the family-friendly event features live music, workshops, local food and beverage vendors, special guests and kids’ activities. Ticket proceeds from the bridge bash support the Clemente Museum’s free exhibits, educational programs and community outreach initiatives.

4. Pittsburgh Irish Festival at the Carrie Blast Furnaces: Sept. 11-13

A National Historic Landmark along the banks of the Mon will transform into the Emerald Isle for three shining days, when the 35th annual Pittsburgh Irish Festival returns with new activations and attractions. Make beautiful keepsakes using repurposed Five Farms Irish Cream bottles during a new workshop led by Essers Floral. Put your knowledge to the test during the festival’s first-ever Irish Trivia Competition. Live music provides a centerpiece to the revelry with continuous entertainment in four performance areas spanning numerous genres and styles. You’ll fall in love with everyone from Ally The Piper, Biird, The Bow Tides, The Drowsy Lads and Ladies of Longford to the Screaming Orphans, Abbots Cross, Bealtaine, Devilish Merry and Donnie Irish and many others.

Start your Sunday with a traditional Irish breakfast, then pop into the expanded Celtic Wellness Area to try movement practices developed by the Celtic Druids. Explore all 32 counties of Ireland without traveling 3,378 miles. Cuddle with adorable dogs native to Ireland, watch chefs demonstrate old-world recipes and discover Hedge School secrets. Make noise in the Steeltown Acoustic Instruments Experience and trace that elusive Irish ancestor in the Genealogy Pavilion. Watch stone lifting competitions and Gaelic hurling demonstrations, and sample Guinness chocolate, shepherd’s pie and Butlers candy bars. Don’t miss the Cultural Beverage Tasting Area, Leprechaun’s Landing Children’s Area and Irish Marketplace. Schedule and tickets.

5. A Fair in the Park in Mellon Park: Sept. 11-13

September weekends are made for strolling through the city’s parks just as the seasons begin to shift from summer to fall. Even better when one of Pittsburgh’s iconic green spaces is filled with original fine art. Transforming Mellon Park into an al fresco art showroom, one of the region’s most esteemed fairs celebrates its 57th anniversary in Shadyside. Underneath the park’s remarkable tree canopy, the fair will feature 109 skilled artisans from around the city, region and country, who will be on site to talk with attendees while selling works representing a diverse range of media and techniques.

A gathering space drawing art lovers from across the tristate region, the free fair also features two programming stages, activities and food trucks. Discover artisans working on pieces throughout the park, watch demonstrations by Woodturners Anonymous and join a family scavenger hunt exploring tree facts in the Mellon Park Arboretum. Providing the weekend’s shopping soundtrack will be Calliope House Pittsburgh musicians and a curated lineup of local acts. Mobile kitchens and food trucks will be on-site, so make plans to enjoy lunch or dinner or bring a blanket to have a picnic on the lawn. Fair hours schedule.

6. Pittsburgh County Fair at Allegheny Commons Park: Sept. 12, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

If you’ve ever wanted to try flax scutching, compete in the Farmer Olympics or join a  quilting bee, this homegrown fair is for you. In an age dominated by digital distractions and worrisome AI, the Pittsburgh County Fair is here to help us live off the land right here in the city. Back with new attractions, the fourth edition celebrates urban agriculture and “all things homemade and handmade.” Meet farm animals, join the cast-iron skillet toss and bean threshing stomp, and find out who grows the best tomatoes in Pittsburgh. Don’t miss the Apple Pie Bake Off featuring local celebrity judges, and the Best in Show Cut Flower Contest supported by Sol Patch Garden. Presented by Knit Pit, the Fiber Arts Contest highlights a wide range of categories. Contest winners will receive custom fair belt buckles and ribbons.

Visit the free activity stations to experiment with indigo dyeing, eco printing and sorghum pressing. New this year is the chance to make human sundials and mulberry paper kites using natural materials. Fair-goers can also create a community quilt, hop on pony rides and watch sheep shearing demonstrations. Learn about everything from native plants, fermentation, soil health and honey bees, to foraging, recycled crafting and urban homesteading. Information.

7. Original Pittsburgh Taco Festival at the Stacks at 3 Crossings: Sept. 12, 12:30-7 p.m.

If July is all about pickles, September is all about tacos. Returning to the Strip District, the Burgh’s longest-running taco extravaganza offers a vibrant celebration of culture, community and authentic flavor. This year, organizers say the festival “will feature exclusively taco vendors” to stay true to the event’s roots and name. There’s even more to munch on because this popular foodie fest is also celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Savor specialty tacos created by 25 Latin American food vendors curated by the Pittsburgh Hispanic Development Corp. Beyond the plate, visitors can try salsa dancing lessons and experience authentic Latin music. For the youngest taco fans, there will be family-friendly activities and games, face painting and live entertainment. Founded in 2016 by Craig McCloud to support local food truck startups, the taco festival also features an artist market, live painting and resources from local community organizations. General admission is just $5, so this is one festival that won’t break the bank.

8. Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center and on Liberty Avenue: Sept. 17-20


Jazz is woven into the DNA of Pittsburgh. It is a rich cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s cultural legacy and current scene; many pioneering jazz figures call the Burgh home, from composer Billy Strayhorn, vocalist Lena Horne and saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, to drummer Art Blakey, guitarist George Benson and contemporary star trumpeter Sean Jones — who’s featured this year. These four spirited days simultaneously preserve the legacy of jazz while also amplifying the creative voices of artists. The 16th annual festival is a vibrant mecca for fans to experience internationally renowned veterans alongside rising stars and local artists.

All weekend long, the evocative sounds and rhythms of live jazz will pulse with free outdoor concerts on Liberty Avenue along with ticketed indoor events. This year’s theme explores how the musical styles of jazz, blues, rock, soul, gospel and hip-hop have shaped American culture and global trends. Featured headliners include Lalah Hathaway, Terri Lyne Carrington, Orrin Evans, Bernard Purdie, Eric Roberson, Lady BlackBird, Annie & The Caldwells, Nate Smith, Dwayne Dolphin, The Rakiem Walker Project and Jae Sinnett. Additional highlights include the one-of-a-kind Jazz Train (tickets) hosted by pianist Orrin Evans and the Taste of Jazz Pittsburgh Restaurant Tasting Party (tickets). Schedule and information.

9. Art on Fire Celebration & Auction at Pittsburgh Glass Center: Sept. 18, 6-11 p.m.

Glowing bright in Garfield, Pittsburgh’s only glass auction turns up the heat for one last summer soiree. This year, the center has even more reason to raise a glass because the organization is celebrating its milestone silver anniversary. So if you’re looking for a statement piece to decorate your own home, office or studio, but are not sure where to start, Pittsburgh’s hottest cultural gala has you covered. With 150 stunning pieces by internationally acclaimed and emerging artists in the signature auctions (bidding is now open here), it’s a rare opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind works while supporting the makers. In between bids, feel the heat of 2,100-degree excitement during live glassmaking demonstrations. Watch local artists transform molten glass into one-of-a-kind objects in the center’s new rooftop studio opening onto a patio overlooking Penn Avenue.

As the party shines on, local artists will light up the night with dazzling neon demonstrations. Daniel Guillaro of Pittsburgh Piano Bar will bring the party to life with an interactive sing-along experience featuring popular favorites and audience requests. This year’s event honoree is Philadelphia-based artist Amber Cowan who creates large-scale sculptures using glass cullet sourced from scrap yards, flea markets and antique shops. Proceeds support free public programs, scholarships, youth outreach and artist residencies. Tickets.

10. Panda Fest at Station Square: Sept. 18-20

There’s a new foodie fest waddling into the Burgh, so clear your calendar — and make room on your plate. Setting up shop in the Station Square parking lot, the country’s fastest-growing Asian food and culture festival makes its Burgh debut with 80-plus vendors and one very adorable 15-foot inflatable panda. Take a culinary trek across Asia with vendors representing diverse cuisine from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond. From authentic street food staples to innovative fusion bites, Panda Fest offers a flavor for every palate — and every budget with varying price points.

Beyond the plate, the three-day festival celebrates the richness of Asian American and Pacific Islander cultures. Attendees can enjoy cultural programming spanning traditional and contemporary practices — from lion dances, sugar painting and paper cutting, to calligraphy, theatrical showcases and K-pop performances. Shop in the curated marketplace showcasing crafts, apparel, accessories and artisanal goods inspired by Asian heritage. Celebrate all things panda with playful attractions like inflatables, games, themed treats, exclusive souvenirs and photo activations throughout the festival grounds. Festival hours and tickets.

11. The Great Race in Pittsburgh: Sept. 26-27

The last weekend of September brings a beloved tradition that has kept Pittsburghers moving through the city’s streets for 49 years. That means it’s time to take your place on the starting line — or amidst the cheering crowds for The Great Race. As summer’s heat fades, more than 10,000 participants from 30 states and several countries will cross the dramatic finish line in Downtown Pittsburgh during the One Great Weekend race festivities. Lace up and join them because there’s a pace for everyone, from the Junior Great Race and Family Fun Run to the Tot Trot and Diaper Dash.

On Sunday, runners will tackle the 10K and 5K through the streets of Pittsburgh. Predominantly downhill, the 10K and 5K courses travel along Forbes Avenue, Fifth Avenue and Boulevard of the Allies before finishing in Point State Park. If you’re feeling extra, compete in both during the One GREAT Challenge and earn a bonus medal. The 10K course begins in Frick Park at Beechwood Boulevard, and the 5K starts at Fifth Avenue and Atwood Street in Oakland. Don’t miss the post-race festivities in Point State Park with an awards ceremony and raffles. All participants receive a race shirt and finisher medal. Proceeds support the Richard S. Caliguiri Amyloidosis Fund. Register.

12. Johnny Cash Day at the Allegheny Elk’s Lodge No. 339: Sept. 26, 7 p.m.


With the world mourning the loss of superstar Dolly Parton, it’s the perfect time to get those tickets to this beloved event celebrating the gentleman who first introduced the Nashville icon to the Grand Ole Opry. In case you haven’t heard by now, Pittsburgh takes Johnny Cash Day very, very seriously. The bourbon and the baritone ballads will flow at the historic North Side Elks Lodge, nestled within the stately Victorian row houses of Deutschtown. You likely already love the Elks for its Pittsburgh Banjo Club nights and fish fries, but for 22 years and counting, this cozy space has also hosted one of Pittsburgh’s most unusual musical celebrations.

If you’re a Man in Black devotee, there’s no other place to be. The joy-filled night brings together local music, food and camaraderie — all while raising funds for Elks 339 charities. This year’s lineup features local bands The Pump Fakes, Dan Getkin & the Twelve Six and The Beagle Brothers, who will put their own spin on Cash classics while sharing their original music. In between sets, stay nourished with vegan comfort food for sale, including chili, cornbread and nachos. Adding to the festivities will be raffles, The Wheel of Swag and exclusive Johnny Cash Day T-shirts for sale. Tickets.

Bonus list: 6 more things to do in September

Britsburgh Festival at multiple venues: Sept. 7-13

Pittsburgh Homecoming throughout Pittsburgh: Sept. 18-20

Assemble’s Unicorn Palooza 15th Anniversary at The WBU Event Venue: Sept. 19, 6-9 p.m.

Grow Pittsburgh’s Garden Get Down at Grist House Brewery: Sept. 22, 6-9 p.m.  

A Landing Ovation Fall Preview at Arts Landing: Sept. 24, 6 p.m.

Pittsburgh Earth Day’s Ecolution Fashion Gala at The Pennsylvanian: Sept. 30.

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