Looking for fun things to do around Pittsburgh this week? From world-class live music to special culinary pop-ups that you won’t get another chance to try, the city is packed with events from September 14 to 20. Head out for a girls night where you test your botanical knowledge over drinks, take the whole family to a food festival for the ages, or even take a quiet moment for yourself to connect with nature as you craft your own paper. No matter what you choose, make sure you squeeze one of the events below into your busy week, you won’t regret it.
Fun Things to Do in Pittsburgh September 14-20
Evening Thyme & Trivia: Pollinator Pursuit
September 16, Canopy Café
Do you know your botanicals and green things that thrive amongst the Earth? Put your knowledge to the test at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden’s Canopy Café with a trivia night. This date’s theme focuses on Pollinator Pursuit so think of all those little friends like bees, butterflies, and birds that help flowers and plants grow. Along with a chance to take home houseplant prizes or artisan merchandise, you’ll also get extended hours to look through the gardens and sip on the café’s beverages, just arrive early before the gardens close at 7 p.m.
September Alfresco Wine Dinner
September 17, The Priory Hotel Courtyard
The Priory Hotel’s Executive Chefs Pete Phillipy and Michael Henney alongside John Gratner of Wine Merchant put together an evening of outdoor dining that you won’t want to miss. As you settle into the courtyard, you’ll try a four-course small plate menu with four wine pairings to match. Of course, cheese and crackers will be available for the table as well and you can listen to music from Martha Aggazzio as you enjoy. Just in case you don’t feel up to heading home after dinner, the hotel also offers a Wine Party Package that gets you an overnight stay in a Deluxe King Room and covers admission to the dinner for two guests.
Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival 2026
September 17-20, 980 Liberty Avenue
Don’t miss one of the best cultural parties in Pittsburgh featuring some of the biggest names in jazz music over four days of events. It all starts with a jazz train that brings in out of town guests before a Friday night Kickoff Concert, a Taste of Jazz celebration, and then a street festival to close the weekend. All are welcome to head down to the free street festival on Liberty Avenue September 19-20 for non-stop jazz music from artists like Lalah Hathaway, Terri Lyne Carrington, and Eric Roberson. Besides basking up at the stage in awe, you can also browse through local vendors, take in cultural presentations, let the kids participate in activities, and dig into Pittsburgh’s local cuisine.
Panda Fest Pittsburgh 2026
September 18-20, Station Square East Lot Parking
For those who fawn over dumplings, tanghulu, bubble tea, and especially pandas, this festival is for you. Panda Fest, the national Asian street food and market festival makes its way to Pittsburgh, taking over the Station Square East Lot. Those who attend will see the little, cuddly panda mascot on bowls of ramen, cups of matcha, and all over merchandise. It’s your opportunity to try all the Asian snacks and foods you’ve always dreamed of while also getting hands-on cultural experiences through lion dance performances, K-Pop artists, and sugar painting demonstrations. To learn more about the first-time event, check out our guide to Panda Fest in Pittsburgh.
Paper Making
September 19, Garden Dreams
Did you know you could make your own paper? And, in the process, you can help fight invasive species in Western Pennsylvania. Grow Pittsburgh invites you to create handmade paper that uses a “wet on wet” collage process full of plant fibers, pressed and dried leaves, grass, and other green things. You can then use your finished paper as a decorative piece in your home or use it to write a letter to a friend and draw a picture on such a unique backdrop. The venue, Garden Dreams, is an organic farm and greenhouse so dress for the weather and come prepared with a bottle of water you can refill.
Check out our calendar for other events this week. Or, view our guide for things to do in Pittsburgh any time of the year.
About the Author
Kylie Thomas is TABLE Magazine’s Online Editor, covering Pittsburgh food, drink, and going out, including the Things to Do in Pittsburgh column. A Point Park University graduate, her work has also appeared on The Takeout, QBurgh, and Empire Extreme. She also runs the photography business Photos by Ky.
Featured Photo From Panda Fest
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