Have a RAD October With These Free Downtown Events
By Olivia Miller
The Allegheny Regional Asset District’s 2023 RAD Days serve as a way for those in Allegheny County to celebrate all the region has to offer that might be overlooked in everyday life. For 17 glorious days in October, you can experience the area’s museums, behind the scenes looks of your favorite sports venues, and entertaining shows for free.
In October, here are some free and fun ways to experience Downtown Pittsburgh unlike ever before:
Heinz History Center- Oct. 1st, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On the first of the month, venture to the Heinz History Center to learn over 250 years of history throughout the 7 story facility in just one day. From appreciating the exquisite oil paintings of the Revolutionary War to invoking childhood nostalgia while browsing original “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” sets to learning about the history of your favorite Heinz condiments and bringing out your inner athlete at the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, a day at the History Museum will give you a new understanding for the region and some of the great inventions that have come out of it.
Guests are encouraged to book their tickets here.
Mattress Factory- Oct. 4, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Spend the day exploring Pittsburgh’s iconic abstract art museum. With both an ever-changing selection of rotating exhibitions as well as permanent exhibitions, guests are provided with an immersive experience that allows them to be a part of the art.
Guests are required to pre-register and book their tickets, which can be done here.
SLB Radio Productions- Oct. 7, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 pm
Grab your little ones and spend your Saturday morning learning about radio productions at the North Shore campus of SLB Radio Productions. Starting at 10am, there will be a live broadcast recording of their weekly morning show, The Saturday Light Brigade. Kids of all ages will get a chance to be on the radio alongside special guests from local theatre troupe, The Pittsburgh Savoyards. After the taping, there will be tours of SLB’s facilities including their Youth Media Center.
PPG Paints Arena- Oct. 8, 2-6:00 p.m.
Grab your skates and get ready to channel your inner Sidney Crosby and hit the ice rink at PPG Paints Arena. Pre-registration is required for this event and can be done here.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra- Oct. 10, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
Get a sneak peek at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming season at this free 90-minute concert featuring snippets of Mozart’s “Jupiter” Symphony, Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet Suite, and Gershwin’s An American in Paris. Also, exclusive to this event, Sarah Gibson will premiere her piece she co-commissioned with the Orchestra, to make this mountain taller.
Pre-registration for this event is encouraged by calling 412-392-4900 or visiting here.
Fort Pitt Museum- Oct. 14, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Spend the day learning about Pittsburgh’s role in the French & Indian War as well as the American Revolution with free admission from the Fort Pitt Museum. Pre-registration for this event is not mandatory.
Trust Arts Education Center- Oct. 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
This free event at Downtown’s Trust Arts Education Center is the perfect way to prepare you and your family for Halloween. The two hour long workshop will feature spooky songs and storytelling lead by Teaching Artists, Gil Teixeira and Liza Barley.
Costumes are encouraged and pre-registration is mandatory and can be done here
Carnegie Science Center- Oct. 15, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On Oct. 15, the Carnegie Science Center is opening its doors with all-day free admission to its attractions. You can learn about space, the human body, robotics, and history all under one roof. Pre-registration is encouraged and can be done here.
PNC Park- Oct. 17, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
All Pirates fans mark your calendars for Oct. 17 and get a free tour of PNC Park. The 50-person tours will start at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and 12 p.m. and will center around the history of the park and the Pirates. No registration is required for this event.
