7 Halloween-themed events in Pittsburgh

Whether you want your socks scared off or you’re searching for family friendly fall activities, here’s your guide to affordable, fun Halloween festivities on the University of Pittsburgh’s campus and around the Pittsburgh region.

Celebrate a community vendor

Saturday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Braddock Farms will mark its 16th year of providing fresh food and organic produce to the surrounding community at its annual Fall Festival. The free fair, sponsored by Grow Pittsburgh, will feature a fresh taco bar, farm games, a giant vegetable contest, craft demonstrations and more activities.

Where: 1000 Braddock Ave., Braddock, PA, 15104

Tickets: This is a free event. Register for tickets in advance online.

Climb in costume

Saturday, Oct. 7 and Oct. 21, 6-8 p.m.

As winter approaches, why not stay active with a new indoor activity? Ascend hosts free nights each month for groups of people who haven’t always had equal access to the sport of rock climbing. BIPOC affinity night is Oct. 7, and Queer, Femme, Trans and Women night is Oct. 21.

Where: Ascend Point Breeze, 7443 Thomas Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA, 15208

Tickets: Free, but registration is required.

Stay scared

Oct. 16-31, various dates and times

Head to Lawrenceville for Row House Cinema’s annual Row House of Horrors fest. The theater will show 11 films — including “Night of the Living Dead,” George Romero’s iconic zombie classic, which was shot in Pittsburgh — as the holiday approaches.

Where: Row House Cinema, 4115 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15201

Tickets: Prices vary.

Hear ghost stories from Quo Vadis

Oct. 20-21, various times

Tour Pitt’s world famous Nationality Rooms with a creepy twist. Guides from the Quo Vadis student organization will take you on a trip through the Cathedral and share frightening folklore related to rooms.

Where: Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave, Pittsburgh, PA ,15260

Tickets: $10 for adults, $6 for students and kids. RSVP now and pay at the door.

Mark the end of the harvest season

Saturday, Oct. 21, 2-7 p.m.

The Pittsburgh Vegan Expo will host a festival to celebrate Halloween and Samhain, a Celtic spiritual tradition. The 2023 Pittsburgh Halloween Festival will feature outdoor activities, including kayaking and a haunted trail, as well as horror art, live entertainment, a haunted gingerbread house competition and more.

Where: Allegheny Rivertrail Park, 285 River Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15215

Tickets: This is a free, unticketed event.

Go on a spooky scavenger hunt

Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Ride to checkpoints around the city during this year’s POGOH Bike or Treat event. Collect a unique stamp at each stop, then head to the afterparty by 1 p.m. for the chance to win prizes for best costume, spookiest bike and more. Admission includes a Bike or Treat water bottle, one free drink at East End Brewing and all the candy you can eat while it lasts.

Where: East End Brewing Company, 147 Julius St., Pittsburgh, PA, 15206

Tickets: $7

Stay safe online

Tuesday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Pitt Information Technology’s annual Halloween event is a reminder that nothing is scarier than putting yourself and your personal information at risk online. At the Cybersecurity Tech Fest, you can test your password security, win giveaways, earn OCC credits and meet Pitt’s Tech Ambassadors, who can tell you about the perks available to Pitt students.

Where: Student Success Hub, Langley Hall 217, Fifth and Ruskin avenues, Pittsburgh, PA, 15260

— Nora Smith, photography by Aimee Obidzinski