The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy has developed a newly expanded lineup of programs and events for the fall season to reach residents of all ages and deepen connections with nature and the community through educational and family friendly activities.
“We’re offering some new programs that we hope will draw visitors of all ages to the parks,” said Matthew Hileman, conservancy director of operations and visitor engagement, in a news release. “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.”
One of the first events and the newest addition to the lineup is the Glow in the Park fundraiser 7-10 p.m. Thursday at Oakland’s Schenley Plaza. Participants are invited to dance to the beats of DJ Digital Dave after a strolling dinner, and the event will take place rain or shine. Guests must be 21 years or older, and tickets start at $99.
Conservancy staff said a standout in the fall program lineup is Meet the Salem Sisters, planned for Oct. 6 from noon to 2 p.m. 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 cookies and cupcakes and punch, and it is geared to a “spooky season outing” for children 6 and older. Registration is required for the event as seating is limited; tickets are $25.
Other highlights of the season include The Romance of Schenley Park on Nov. 7 from 6 to 7 p.m., where Hileman will lead an hourlong illustrated talk delving into the park’s history and design, from its namesake’s marriage to the gift that transformed Schenley Park. This event also requires registration.
The Parks Conservancy will continue collaborating with 10.27 Healing Partnership to offer its restorative Forest Bathing series throughout various city parks. The free series, supported by a grant from Staunton Farm Foundation, offers a deeper connection to both the senses and nature led by certified guides, according to the news release. Frick Park sessions are set for Thursday and Sept. 26 and Oct. 10. It will culminate in an intimate mindfulness retreat deep in the forest of Frick Park — Naturally Connected: Slow Down and Nurture Your Wellbeing — on Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Registration is required, and a fee will be charged for the retreat, which includes lunch.
Additionally, on Oct. 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. The event takes place from 4 to 7 p.m. Registration is required, and a fee will be charged.
A Nature Walk and Storytime for Baby and Me will be held on Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Schenley Park Visitor Center. Food, raffles and toddler activities will be offered for children 3 and under. Registration is required for the event presented in partnership with Hello Baby.
Other events at Schenley Plaza are geared to different age groups. Sunday Swing on Sept. 29 and Oct. 20 from noon to 3 p.m. starts with a 30-minute lesson under the tent there, then participants can jump right into that social dance. Kids Day, presented by Peoples Gas with musical performances, character meet and greets, children’s activities, free carousel rides and more, is scheduled for Oct. 13 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The PNC Carousel will close for the season on Oct. 13, according to the fall guide.
Azure Family Concerts and Autism Pittsburgh will present a free Good Grooves Jazz Concert on Oct. 13 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Schenley Park. Autism Pittsburgh is handling the required preregistration.
Riverview Park Day is set for Oct. 6 from noon to 3 p.m. Geared to adults and youth 14 and up, the day will include free activities, including bike tours, adventure hikes, family-friendly games, live music and food. The day will include a Beginner’s Mushroom Walk from 1 to 2 p.m., with registration for that activity and other select events.
The park will also offer bird watching on Oct. 14 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and forest bathing on Oct. 5 and Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. until noon. Registration is required for both.
Allegheny Commons will offer forest bathing on Oct. 19 and Nov. 9, and August Wilson Park has a birding session on Nov. 16 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. All require registration.
For more information and to view the full complete schedule, please visit pittsburghparks.org/events.
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