In today’s fast-paced world, the demand for delicious meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen has never been higher. TABLE’s regular contributor, Anna Franklin, a culinary talent known for her ability to transform simple ingredients into mouthwatering dishes, shares recipes that impress without the stress. Her quick and easy, must-try recipes are not only accessible but also bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling family meals, or simply someone looking to simplify weeknight cooking, Anna’s must-try creations promise to inspire your culinary journey. From vibrant salads to comforting one-pan dinners, each of these recipes is designed to fit seamlessly into your hectic lifestyle without compromising flavor.
Time-Saving, Must-Try Dinner Recipes by Anna Franklin
This collection of four 20 minute dinners is perfect for those with a fast-passed lifestyle. A quick trip to the grocery store and you’ll have a delicious, full of flavor meal on your plate in no time.
The salty sweetness of perfectly seared scallops beautifully contrasts the earthy sweetness of fresh corn in this delightful entree. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with fresh, local flavors.
If you prefer a potato salad with a tangy bite, you will love this Dill Pickle Potato Salad recipe. It starts with roasting boiled and smashed potatoes for crispiness and caramelization. Then the real magic happens with fresh herbs, dill pickles, and yogurt. Up your potato salad game with this easy recipe bursting with flavor.
Your weeknight meal is simplified with this sheet pan recipe. There’s nothing fancy here, just a few ingredients that come together quickly with big flavor.
The hardest part about heading out for a nightcap, happy hour, or beyond is choosing what bar to go to. Living in Pittsburgh means there’s a bar every couple of blocks, leaving a long list of options to choose from. To narrow the playing field, we asked Lilith bartender Jennifer Parks to give us five of her favorite spots to grab a drink. Her list may even introduce you to a bar you’re unfamiliar with.
5 Pittsburgh Bar Picks From Bartender Jennifer Parks at Lilith
For me I don’t get out as often as I used to. Between having my daughter and moving to the suburbs after two decades in the East End, I’ve been busy. So, when I do I make sure to hit up my favorites.
First and always is Kelly’s. And I always order a Negroni. Whether I’m alone at the bar, in a booth with friends, or smoking sneaky cigarettes with coworkers on the patio, Kelly’s, hands down, is my favorite place to grab a drink.
Genuinely, I’m going for whatever high acid white Sean recommends.
40 North (An Honorable Mention)
No longer with us but sorely missed is 40 North. I still dream about their house martini. (Hi Beth! Can we get those specs?)
At Home
And last but not least is my house. I have what I like in stock and I can have a drink in my pajamas with my favorite people in the world. Plus my cats are there, too!
As we move into October and the weather continues to cool, the great outdoors achieves the perfect temperature for exploring. Get yourself moving and embrace the last of the sunny days with workshops and classes out under the sky. We’re diving into a diverse array of outdoor learning opportunities across the city—from tranquil yoga sessions and nature photography hikes to hands-on workshops in the city’s green spaces. Get ready to ditch the stale air, breathe deep, and discover a fun, refreshing way to acquire new skills while enjoying the best of Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Outdoors Classes and Workshops in October
Step along with the Upper Chartiers Creek Watershed Association in a free nature walk. This exciting adventure, perfect for all ages, is guided by a knowledgeable expert who will lead participants through the park. The expert will point out different mushroom species and share interesting facts about their role in nature. It’s perfect for nature enthusiasts or anyone looking to get interesting exercise in.
Are you a photographer or just love snapping photos of the landscapes around you? Then you need to bring your camera along with the PGH Park Rangers. But, if you don’t have a camera you can always bring your phone along to capture images of flowers, trees, wild animals, greenery, and so much more. Your park ranger will even provide some instruction for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders in Pittsburgh is offering a special Self-Care in the Park session for healthcare professionals. This free two-hour event provides a moment of relaxation and well-deserved self-care, acknowledging the demands of their work. The session features dedicated time for networking and two distinct sessions aimed at personal health and wellness.
History buffs, are you ready to learn a new fact about the local environment around you? This introductory, slow-paced hike averages about two miles and is perfect for those interested in exploring Pittsburgh’s newest and second-largest park. A park ranger will lead the group, allowing time to stop and admire the wildlife and scenic overlooks while sharing the park’s past uses for logging, mining, and farming.
Are you curious how the summer has treated your body? Art Trap PGH hosts a free, community physical wellness check with Pasean Evans. Choose from two back-to-back workout sessions that are meant to be energetic and challenging. You’ll sweat, grow, and connect with others in a safe space that encourages exercise no matter your experience. Attendees 16 and older should plan to bring a towel and a yoga mat.
Unlock your inner writer during the Walk & Write series with author Sherrie Flick and archivist Jennie Benford. Imagine strolling through the lush, sprawling grounds of Homewood Cemetery while archivist Jennie sheds light on little-known facts and intriguing local lore. This unique, 90-minute tour isn’t just a walk; it’s a creative exercise led by Sherrie, who provides writing prompts designed to inspire your own stories.
The monthly Rise and Flow series at Oasis Farm invites participants to kick off their Saturday mornings with a guided outdoor yoga practice. This session focuses on movement, breath-work, and meditation, connecting the mind and body with the land and community. The event is open to all experience levels; attendees are simply asked to bring a mat and water. Following the practice, attendees are welcome to stay and volunteer for the farm’s Community Work Day.
A dining experience at Hyeholde takes you to the deepest realms of possibility, serving the finest eats and drinks you’ll possibly ever taste. But, there’s one thing that had been missing on Hyeholde’s menu, a fine table beer. Thanks to a collaboration with Altered Genius Brewing Co., that’s changing and the result is one you have to try for yourself.
Hydeholde and Altered Genius Beer Co.’s Beer Collab
Hyeholde Chef Chris O’Brien actually met Altered Genius Brewing Co. owners Mike Haas and Donnie Cardone in an unusual way. The three share a mutual friend who also happens to be their tattoo artist. After a few conversations together, these three became a match made in brewing heaven.
“We have a shared ethos on locally-sourced products, and we’ve never had a table beer at Hyeholde, so we were both excited to introduce something new to our customers,” says Chef Chris O’Brien.
Behold, the Hyeholde Grisette
The table beer the three dreamed up? The Hyeholde Grisette. It’s on the lighter side, bringing to life an effervescent farmhouse ale that’s bright and crisp. Where many beers can drown out the flavors of a meal and coat your tongue in its properties, this brew is an accompaniment rather than a star on its own.
“Mike and I actually conducted a tasting with some of the crew from Hyeholde and decided on the beers they already had that we wanted to pair with their menu for their Annual Beer Dinner,” explains Donnie Cardone. “The Hyeholde Grisette came out of that. It is a low alcohol ale with pleasant esters and subtle minerality. It is meant to be shared and pairs incredibly well with a variety of the food items on the menu.”
Chef Chris O’Brien notes the creation of the brew is also a fun nod to Belgian (and Pittsburgh) mining traditions since its style was originally for workers to enjoy on the job. While you won’t find any of the staff sipping on The Hyeholde Grisette behind the bar, you will find a glass offered at the Trailside Taproom alongside a special charcuterie box from Hyeholde that features house-made pickles, smoked olives, Hyeholde honey, chicken pâté, gravlax, and a curated selection of cheeses and cured meats. Talk about a delicious hand-picked pairing.
The Fun Doesn’t Stop There
For Altered Genius Brewing Co. this collaboration kick starts a whole line of partnerships that will expand the company’s menu. Cardone and Haas are already looking forward to their next project which includes a collaboration with 100.7 Bubba Show and 96.9 Bob FM to produce beers specifically designed for them.
Overall, the new table beer offers a continuation of Hyeholde’s values. It’s a way to introduce customers to something new while also providing the expertise and fine-quality that people know this restaurant for.
“I’m excited for our guests to learn about the versatility and drinkability of beer,” says Chef O’Brien. “Our guests know us for our carefully-curated wine offerings, but the Hyeholde Grisette is built for pairing.”
Story by Kylie Thomas Photos Courtesy of Alexa Frankovitch
As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, many of us eagerly anticipate the return of the quintessential flavor of fall: pumpkin spice. While the forever famous Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) has become a seasonal sensation, its sugary sweetness can sometimes overshadow the true versatility of this beloved spice blend. After all, it is a mix of complex spices that come together to make a new flavor entirely. This season, we’re looking beyond the coffee shop counter to explore a world of delicious, creative, and comforting pumpkin spice recipes that go far beyond the basic cup of coffee.
You can’t have a pumpkin spice article without including a recipe for a homemade version. While you could run to the store for a bottle, making this spice mix from scratch is cost effective and lets you adjust the measurements to your liking. Plus, it just makes every recipe below so much better.
Just because you’re on a diet or have certain dietary restrictions doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the goodies of the fall season. Wendy’s returning Pumpkin Spice Frosty is a hit every year but we’re making it keto friendly so you can indulge in your favorite specialties of the season.
Alright, so if you reaaaally can’t let your Pumpkin Spice Latte go for the season, we recommend upgrading it instead. This Pumpkin Spice Latte Martini contains all the goodness of your favorite fall beverage with a dose of vodka that washes relaxation all over you.
Figs are often overlooked as a fall ingredient but we believe these little gems can become your favorite with an easy recipe. This Fig and Pumpkin Spice Galette utilizes store-bought pie crust, making your freeform creation even simpler than normal. Not to mention the balance between the slightly sweet figs and warming pumpkin spice is heavenly.
What’s better than biting into a cookie with a scrumptious filling inside? We’re baking pumpkin pie spice into linzer cookies along with a smear of homemade cranberry compote. Be sure to keep your cookie cutter scraps too, they’re perfect for making smaller cookie sandwiches.
For a mix of tropical Tiki fun and fall staples, this Pumpkin Spice Mai Tai comes in handy. It features the perfect combination of orange, clove, molasses, and orgeat syrup for a mild sweetness. Feel free to get creative with your garnishes like customizing small cocktail umbrellas for halloween.
If you’ve ever watched an episode of The Bear or even the reality show Hell’s Kitchen, you’ve probably heard language like “Yes, Chef,” “Hands,” and “All day.” While these phrases may go in one ear and out the other while watching, the lingo that chefs and staff use in the kitchen is essential to running a perfect operation. Think about how long it takes to say “Start cooking the pork chops” when you can say “Fire pork chops” instead.
In order to get a lesson on kitchen lingo from some true professionals, we turn to Chef Ed Smith of Palm Palm and Ritual House, Chef Dave Racicot from The Commoner, and Chefs Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo at F&F Pizzeria (opening soon in Mt. Lebanon).
Chefs Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo
So, Why Use Kitchen Lingo?
The attraction of this of slang goes beyond efficiency, but it does start there. Chef Ed Smith points out that these verbal shortcuts “Ensure clear, fast communication. Promote safety. Build team cohesion. Support consistency and accuracy. Sustain momentum under pressure. And overall, keep a busy kitchen running like a well-oiled machine.”
Not only is knowledge of this inventive idiom useful in the individual kitchens that these chefs work in, it stretches globally and connects food professionals everywhere.
“This lexicon has become standard because it relates to matters that are pretty much a constant part of kitchen life,” explain Chefs Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo. “Restaurants are also very diverse places, so having a kind of universal language that everyone either knows or can quickly master is vital.”
Chef Ed Smith (right)
What Does ‘All Day’ and Other Kitchen Lingo Mean?
So you might be wondering, what do all these phrases mean? In shows like The Bear with high drama and intense moments, it can be hard to catch what the characters are saying to one another. But, thankfully, all of their sayings are brought in from the real world so our chefs can lend us an extra hand.
“All day” and “86” are both important. They relate to knowing the amount of something that you have. “‘All day’ simply means how many of an item you have. This can either be dishes on hand, on the board, or on fire (cooking). ’86,’ on the other hand means that you are out of that item.” says Chef Dave Racicot.
Consider you have five orders for ravioli that just came into the kitchen but you already have five ravioli cooking. The sentence would correlate to, “10 ravioli all day.”
Chefs Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo also note that the term “86” isn’t just for food items either. The two explain, “It can, in rare but important instances, refer to a person that is no longer welcome on your premises. For instance, ‘We unfortunately had to 86 them for being so rude.’”
Two other common phrases you may hear are “Hands” and “Fire.” These are handy ones for chefs especially. “‘Hands’ is a call for someone to help run food or take a plate. You’ll usually hear it on the expo line to get dishes out fast,” says Chef Ed Smith. “‘Fire’ is easy, it just tells the staff to start cooking the dish.”
Selections from Palm Palm
Beyond “Yes, Chef”
But it’s not just the chefs and inner kitchen staff that use this language, it’s the servers and hosts too. For instance, “Corner/behind” is to alert other staff as a courtesy that you are coming around a corner or behind them. A lot of servers will also use “walking” to let the kitchen know they are taking a dish out to a table.
While these are just some of the universal kitchen lingo, many kitchens also create their own lingo to use within their space.
“There is one term that is unique to us,” says Chefs Frank Falcinelli and Frank Castronovo. “We refer to our Carroll Gardens block in Brooklyn, which houses three restaurants, several offices in the apartments above them, a popular garden for events, and numerous kitchens as ‘campus.’ So we’ll say, ‘I’m thinking of swinging by campus to say hello on my day off.’”
“We use ‘OUI’ for most of our communications,” explains Chef Dave Racicot. “For us, it’s either a response that you heard a command or posed as a question.”
Even Chef Ed Smith at Ritual House and Palm Palm uses a Pittsburgh-inspired phrase. “‘Kennywood sweep’ is one of our personal ones,” says Chef Ed Smith. “This calls for a line sweep to spot clean the floor.”
Pizza from F&F Pizzeria
Behind the Scenes
All of the language above comes together to support creating the magic that ends up on your plate. So anytime you’re watching a cooking show or even sitting down to a restaurant meal, consider the words, time, and effort that go into the output.
“Every dish is timed down to the second, and one small delay can throw off the whole rhythm,” says Chef Ed Smith. “It’s not just cooking—it’s choreography under pressure. No one person makes your meal. From prep cooks to dishwashers, the final plate reflects the effort of many hands moving in sync. Even the best-run kitchens drop the ball occasionally. Grace goes a long way, especially when we’re doing everything we can to make it right. In short, behind the scenes is a world of passion, pressure, and precision. When it all comes together, it’s magic—but it’s never as effortless as it looks.”
Story by Kylie Thomas Featured Image by Jonathan Borba Photos Courtesy of Laura Petrilla, Palm Palm, and F&F Pizzeria
Busy weeknights can often leave little time for cooking, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or creativity in the kitchen. But we believe that delicious meals can be both simple and quick to prepare. Our curated selection of easy weeknight dinner recipes will help you whip up satisfying dishes in no time. From hearty pastas to vibrant stir-fries, each recipe is designed to bring joy to your table without the stress.
This easy mac and cheese recipe uses zucchini, flavorful carrots, and rich bone broth to add a touch of healthiness to a classic comfort food. Get your protein and vitamin fix while still enjoying the cheesy decadence of mac and cheese!
This is an easy recipe using some more highbrow ingredients: ozette potatoes and corbaci peppers. Making something easy doesn’t mean you have to feel like a slob! All you need is to bake the potatoes and stir fry the vegetables, making this a delicious and easy weeknight dinner option.
You can enjoy this delicious pasta as easy weeknight dinner or lunch, and it will leave you with a ton of leftovers. Broccolini has a ton of vitamins, and combined with the protein from chickpeas and the heartiness of penne, you have a nutritious and fun-to-make meal.
Sheetpans are a weeknight dinner game-changer. The ingredients here are simple but healthy and upscale. Just sausage, feta, and tomatoes. You could even bust this out at a potluck gathering and nobody would believe you that it was an easy sheet pan recipe! Luxury doesn’t have to be hard.
Chicken, corn, and a rich and creamy sauce make for a great weeknight dinner. Plus, the leftover potential is huge. Serve this dish alongside a salad or biscuit, or just enjoy it on its own. Chicken is hearty, savory, and filling—one of the perfect foods for those pesky weeknights.
Store bought pesto is completely okay to use with your pasta dish as long as you dress it up a little. For this Easy Pesto Pasta, we take that jar of pesto and add in heavy cream and lemon juice along with pine nuts, asparagus, and Italian sausage.
Save your money from the expenses of Chinese takeout and create your own Pork Wonton Soup at home. The soup itself slowly boils all ingredients over the stove while you form pork meatballs and add those to the pot too along with wanton wrappers and bok choy.
In case you need a side for your weeknight dinner or perfer a bowl full of veggies, this One Pan Beans and Potatoes recipe is for you. Plus, you’ll fall for the vibrant seasonings of cumin seeds, black mustard seeds, pistachios or almonds, red onion, thyme, and lemon juice.
We know Gumbo can look daunting at first but we promise the hardest part of this recipe is waiting for it to cook! A savory ham hock broth and roux form the base for filling handfuls of kale, collard greens, andouille sausage, celery heart, onion, bell peppers, and so much more.
Fish is a no-no territory for so many people out of fear of cooking it wrong. Thankfully, with this sheet pan recipe, you’ll cook your salmon just right every single time. Not to mention the addition of juicy cherry tomatoes, lemons, and Kalamata olives leaves this dish far from boring.
In case you need to feed a crowd, and a particular one at that, these Rainbow Veggie Flatbread Pizzas let you customize each and every slice with fresh produce. Think peppers, broccoli, onions, tomatoes, and so much more. Feel free to switch up our recommended ingredients for your own favorites to get creative.
Get ready for a caffeine high as we celebrate National Espresso Day on November 23 with delicious espresso recipes. This day is a tribute to the rich, bold essence of highly concentrated coffee that often gets us through our days. Whether you’re enhancing the chocolate notes in a fudgey brownie, adding a layer of depth to a creamy filling, or simply elevating your traditional cocktail, espresso is the perfect secret for sophistication and fun. We’re featuring recipes that take you beyond your morning mug of coffee, showcasing how this mighty innovation can go a long way
Imagine one of your favorite desserts combined with the flavors of rich, decadent espresso. Our Espresso Swirl Cheesecake is made simple with the use of leftover Nespresso pod grounds. Bite into a homemade graham cracker crust and creamy, pillowy filling with a kick. We even include cheesecake baking tips so you can create a successful product regardless of your skill level.
While it isn’t quite October, we think September 29 is close enough so why not celebrate National Coffee Day and spooky season at the same time? Plus, you don’t have to decorate these Espresso Brownies in spider webs. Instead, customize them for any event, the rich flavor is enough to keep you coming back.
When the evening has settled and the guests have gone, break out this Toasted Marshmallow Espresso Martini for a relaxing, nostalgia trip in a glass. We’re upgrading the classic espresso martini to include a toasted marshmallow simple syrup that you can use in other drinks as well. Top it all off with an actual roasted marshmallow and let yourself slip into the mindset of sitting by a campfire.
An Espresso Martini is not just for Sagittarius but it does help if you have their expressive energy. This classic recipe uses coffee liqueur, vodka, and espresso to make the cocktail of your dreams. It’s strong, sweet, and a bit bitter all at once.
Italy’s espresso, dessert infusion is getting made even simpler with our Nespresso Affogato. All it takes is a scoop of your favorite ice cream and quick brewing by Nespresso to have the perfect affogato in mere seconds. No more complicated instructions to receive that indulgence of hot and cold, bitter and sweet. Plus you can customize your recipe with different varieties of Nespresso pods.
We won’t be leaving the Negroni lovers out of National Coffee Day. This aperitif or after-dinner drink gets you buzzing with a dose of espresso followed by the classic taste of a Negroni. The Espresso Negroni is like the Espresso Martini and Negroni had the perfect child!
When relaxing on a hot day, cool yourself down with our Espresso Spritz. This refreshing mixture of espresso and tonic can help you kickstart your day or give you an evening pick-me-up. Plus, the splash of fresh orange juice adds a citrusy touch that brings the espresso and tonic together. Or, you can experiment with your own favorite cocktail additions to modify the flavor.
If you are not a martini or vodka fan, mix up an Espresso Whiskey Martini for an extra kick. This cocktail hits harder than a regular Espresso Martini. Plus, you’ll find the addition of sweet, hazelnut-y Frangelico as a happy welcome.
Did you know Mocha Truffles can be a tasty, sugar-free treat to serve at your next gathering? The recipe engages simplicity too with just five ingredients being all your need and easy instructions. They’re also sure to relieve your sweet tooth when rolled in topping of unsweetened cocoa powder, chopped nuts, or freeze dried fruit.
Let the spices of fall and winter join your morning coffee routine. This Cardamom and Clove Oat Milk Latte helps you wake up with warming flavors and a creamy finish. The best part is learning to make a Cardamom and Clove Simple Syrup that you can use in cocktails as well.
We couldn’t have an ode to National Coffee Day without the number one drink, the Pumpkin Spice Latte. Our martini version is perfect for those hard days after work where you need a little pick me up and a little comfort.
You have the choice to customize your own Shakerato with either limoncello, Sambuca, or Amaretto. Depending on the flavor profile you prefer then this simple mix of espresso and simple syrup either takes on citrusy, anise, or nutty notes.
A little DIY project can turn into a coffee day or week gift for your friends and family. A couple of spoons from Dollar Tree, melted chocolate, and instant espresso powder can take your morning cup of coffee to the next level. Simply let your spoon rest in a cup of hot milk and voila!
Take your Espresso Martini up a notch by using freshly brewed espresso and Dirty Chocolate Cream Liqueur. Don’t forget the extra shavings on top for a smooth, chocolatey finish.
This winter greens salad doesn’t just use garden variety produce (pun intended). Using local, sustainable produce, we’ve put together a salad that goes far beyond your standard lettuce, spinach, and kale. There may be a few vegetables you’ve never heard of, like Parisian carrots, but get curious!
What Are Winter Greens?
Winter greens are typically darker in color and more bitter in flavor than summer greens. They include savoy cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, arugula, rapini, and other leafy greens like that (including some less conventional ones like the aforementioned Parisian carrots). A winter greens salad can pair great with winter citrus for a celebration of late season crops.
Add all vinaigrette ingredients to a blender and blend until emulsified and smooth. Set aside.
Toss the carrots and turnips in 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Roast in the oven at 400 degrees until the carrots are slightly browned.
Arrange the lettuces on a serving platter and top with roasted carrots and turnips, red onion and pistachio.
Drizzle with vinaigrette before serving.
Recipe and Styling by Anna Franklin Photography by Dave Bryce
If you’ve ever tried to explain to a sobbing six-year-old that the zombie chasing them with a chainsaw is just pretending, then you know the danger of taking your family to an age-inappropriate Halloween event. Thankfully, Pittsburgh has plenty of fall activities created with families in mind, from scary-cute trolley rides and trick-or-treating to pumpkin adventures and kid-sized amusement park rides.
A few practical notes: Many venues prohibit full-face masks and anything that resembles a weapon, so make sure the kids costume accordingly. Several events require timed tickets and some can sell out, particularly later in October, so book ahead when you can.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events for Kids in Pittsburgh
Through October 31 | Idlewild & SoakZone, Ligonier
The gold standard for little kids, Idlewild turns Halloween into a family-friendly fall celebration with HallowBOO, running on weekends through October 31. Kids can trick-or-treat through Story Book Forest, meet Spookley the Square Pumpkin, ride Halloween-themed attractions, and wend through family-friendly mazes. There are also seasonal live shows and more than 40 rides, attractions, and performances throughout the park. Children 2 and under are free.
October 9–11, 16–18 | Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, Washington
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum, home to more than 20 historic trolley cars, hosts one of the most-charming events on our list: the Magic Pumpkin Trolley lets kids plant a magic pumpkin seed, take a trolley ride through the fall scenery, then return to find a fully mature pumpkin has grown. There’s also pumpkin decorating, children’s games, complimentary refreshments, a LEGO display, and interactive exhibits. Costumes are encouraged but not required. October 9 has a sensory-friendly session from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m and the museum also hosts Trick or Trolley on October 24–25. Fun fact: Fred Rogers filmed an episode of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood at the museum in 1983.
October 17–18, 24–25 | Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Highland Park
ZooBoo brings daytime Halloween fun to the Pittsburgh Zoo, with trick-or-treating, costumed characters, and other activities for younger kids. It’s a gently spooky way to celebrate Halloween without keeping anyone up past bedtime—and you might catch the zoo animals enjoying Halloween-themed treats. While you’re there, be sure to stop by the lion’s den to meet the zoo’s newest lion cub, Kiazi.
The Children’s Museum has Halloween programming throughout October, including its Skeleton Scavenger Hunt, in which kids search for miniature skeletons hidden throughout the museum and earn prizes. The museum also has Halloween workshops for older kids ages 9 and up, including special-effects makeup how-tos and a mask-making workshop. The museum’s Boo! A Sensory-Friendly Halloween takes place October 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with lower lights, softer sounds, pumpkin painting, a silent disco, and trick-or-treating that lets families create a sensory kit instead of receiving candy. Admission is free for children under 2. After your day at the museum, finish things up with dinner at one of the North Side’s many restaurants.
October 17–18, 24–25 | National Aviary, North Side
Don costumes and head to the National Aviary for Owl-O-Ween. Kids can collect Halloween treats, make crafts, and meet an owl up close while learning about its nocturnal habits during the Sp-OO-ky Meet and Greet. The event is included with general admission. You can even catch a glimpse of the aviary’s latest arrivals, two striped skunk sisters with plenty of spunk.
Bring little ghosts and goblins to Phipps on October 23 from 5 to 8 p.m. for an evening of family-friendly Halloween activities. It’s free with regular Conservatory admission, and it coincides with the Fall Flower Show: Alice’s Adventures in Autumn, which opens October 10.
Photo by Katie Long
Bloomfield Halloween Parade
TBD | Bloomfield
The Bloomfield Halloween Parade is a long-running neighborhood tradition that brings costumed marchers, floats, and bands to Liberty Avenue. The 2026 date and time haven’t been announced, but historically, the parade has taken place on a Thursday evening in late October.
Head to Hartwood Acres for the annual Trunk-or-Treat, where kids can collect candy from cars decorated for Halloween. The free event runs from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hartwood Acres Amphitheater parking lot, and registration is not required. Allegheny County also holds a second Trunk-or-Treat at South Park on October 24.
October 31 | Kelly Strayhorn Theater, East Liberty
Spend Halloween afternoon at Kelly Strayhorn Theater’s Pumpkin Palooza, an East Liberty Halloween celebration. Families can drop in for candy, crafts, and activities in the lobby, then stick around for a 2 p.m. youth performance featuring K-Theatre Dance Complex, Yanlai Dance Academy’s K-pop Class, and other local performers. The performance ends with a costume parade onstage. Stay in the area after the palooza and grab a bite to eat at one of East Liberty’s restaurants.
For Families Looking for Sensory-Friendly Halloween Events in Pittsburgh
Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh: Boo! A Sensory-Friendly Halloween takes place October 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., with lower lights, softer sounds, and plenty of space to move at your own pace. Activities include a silent disco, pumpkin painting, maker activities, family portraits and trick-or-treating that creates a sensory kit rather than a candy bag. Tickets are $8 per person, and children under 2 are free.
Pennsylvania Trolley Museum: The museum’s Magic Pumpkin Trolley includes a sensory-friendly session on October 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a quieter experience and trained staff.
Carnegie Museum of Natural History: The museum has offered a sensory-friendly Halloween program in previous years, with reduced audio and visual elements, quiet zones, animal ambassadors, a scavenger hunt, and a low-key story time. Check the museum’s calendar for October 2026 dates.
Kenny Gould is a writer and the founder of Hop Culture, a digital magazine focused on the beer industry. In addition to writing about food and beverages, he’s also the author of several fiction books, including the bestselling fantasy The Castle of 1,000 Doors. He holds a BA from Duke University, an MFA from Chatham University, and an MBA from NYU Stern. To learn more about Kenny, visit his website or follow him on Instagram at @thekennygould.
