Blog

From a Harvest Celebration to Spooky Adventures, the Season's Lineup Offers Engaging Activities for All Ages in Pittsburgh’s Scenic Green Spaces

PITTSBURGH – SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 – The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy today announced its newly expanded lineup of programs and events for the fall season. As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, the nonprofit unveils a comprehensive programming guide with engaging events designed to deepen connections with nature and the community. From educational outings to family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone to enjoy in Pittsburgh's vibrant green spaces this autumn.

The season kicks off on Saturday, September 7, with the Freedom Harvest Celebration at the Frick Environmental Center. Part of the Allegheny Regional Asset District’s RAD Days, free, family-friendly event will offer engaging experiences, including food vendors serving delicious local fare, live music, and craft activities for all ages. Attendees can partake in a Freedom Tree Walk, weaving tales of the past with Pittsburgh’s present-day woodlands. It's a perfect way to welcome the fall season and celebrate the community in the city’s largest regional park.

Additionally, on September 12, a Walk in the Park: Tree ID and Park History in the Grandview Park section of Emerald View Park provides an opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views while learning about the park's history and tree species. This event is hosted in partnership with the Mount Washington Community Development Corporation's Emerald View Park Committee.

A standout in the lineup is Meet the Salem Sisters at the Schenley Park Visitor Center, where guests can enjoy a wickedly good time with Salem's most famous sisters. This family-friendly event includes an assortment of devilishly delightful treats such as cookies, cupcakes, and punch, making it the perfect spooky season outing for kids aged six and older.

"We’re offering some new programs that we hope will draw visitors of all ages to the parks," said Matthew Hileman, Director of Operations and Visitor Engagement at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. "Autumn is one of the most beautiful seasons of the year in Pittsburgh, and we’re providing experiences designed to accentuate and celebrate the rich colors of the fall."

Other highlights of the season include the Romance of Schenley Park on November 7, where Hileman will lead an hour-long illustrated talk delving into the park's history and design, from its namesake's marriage to the generous gift that transformed Schenley Park into one of Pittsburgh's greatest treasures.

The Parks Conservancy will continue collaborating with 10.27 Healing Partnership to offer its restorative Forest Bathing series throughout various city parks. The series, supported by a generous grant from Staunton Farms, offers a deeper connection to both the senses and nature and will culminate in an intimate mindfulness retreat deep in the forest of Frick Park, Naturally Connected: Slow Down and Nurture Your Wellbeing, on October 12.

Additionally, on October 19, the first-ever Community Campfire at the Frick Environmental Center will offer an evening of live music, lawn games, pumpkin painting for kids, and a cozy campfire.

With activities spanning parks across the city, the fall programming guide offers something for every interest and age group. Registration for select events is required. For more information and to view the full complete schedule, please visit pittsburghparks.org/events.

###

About Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy: 
The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was founded in December 1996 by a group of citizens concerned with the deteriorating conditions of Pittsburgh’s historic city parks. A non-profit organization, the Parks Conservancy works closely with the City of Pittsburgh under an official public-private partnership agreement to restore and improve the city’s park system to its full potential. To date, the Parks Conservancy has raised more than $145 million and completed 23 major park improvement projects. The Parks Conservancy works with thousands of volunteers, hosts hundreds of events, and provides programming for more than 7,500 children annually.

CONTACT:

Alana Wenk
Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy
412.527.0020
awenk@pittsburghparks.org