It’s Time for RADical Days – Free FamilyFun
by Janet Jonus
FREE FamilyFun!
Every year, the Regional Asset District hosts RADical Days, a “thank you” to the citizens that support the RAD through their taxes. There are events, open houses, art, performances, and free admission to museums throughout the region. RADical Days start on September 21st and go through October 14th. All events are free but some are limited to the number of participants and to certain ages.
Find your RADical event here:
Friday, September 21st
David L Lawrence Convention Center
Tours: 10AM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM
Tour the Convention Center and learn about the LEED-certified building. Reservations required: Call 412-565-6000. Park for Free in the Convention Center garage. 1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd. Pittsburgh Kids, Tweens, Teens
Associated Artists of Pittsburgh: 106th Annual Exhibition
Free. 11AM-7PM.
View the 2018 Juried Art Exhibition from the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh at their gallery in the Southside Wirks. 2708 Sidney Street, Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust: International Festival of Firsts Kick-off Event
Gallery Crawl: Free 530-1000PM
This is a free quarterly showcase of art and entertainment in the Cultural District Downtown. Tweens, teens
www.TrustArts.org/crawl
Manifold
Free. 815PM & 1015PM
Benedum Center, Penn Ave & 7th Street
The Benedum Center lights up with a video-mapping projection set to music. All ages
www.TrustArts.org/Firsts
Beyond/Playmodes
Free. 730-1030PM, every 30 minutes
An immersive, multi-sensory, interactive art installation that explores the relationship between space, time, and perception. Tweens and teens. Tickets required. Penn Ave & 8th Street. www.TrustArts.org/Firsts
Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild
Free 6-830PM.
The Guild’s in-house exhibition, Inspiring Makers, is an interactive art exhibit from MCG’s teachers and students. Enjoy music and refreshments. Tweens and teens. 1815 Metropolitan St, North Side.
Saturday, September 22nd
Contemporary Craft
Free 10AM-5PM
Participate in hands-on activities with found materials, see exhibits, and meet the artist-in-residence Daniel Baxter. Free paper-making activity from 10AM-2PM. 2100 Smallman St in the Strip District. All ages.
Hartwood Acres Hay Day & Green Fest
Free 12-4PM
Free hay rides, petting zoo, magician, face painting, arts & crafts, pony rides, entertainment, and more! Hartwood Acres Amphitheater, Hampton Twp 15238. All ages.
Pop-Up Concerts at the Carnegie Libraries by the Three Rivers Young People Orchestras Student Chamber Music Groups.
Free admission: 12:15PM CLP-Lawrenceville
279 Fisk Street (Lawrenceville)
Free admission: 12:15PM CLP-Homewood
7101 Hamilton Ave. (Homewood)
Free admission: 2:45PM CLP-West End
47 Wabash Street (West End)
Free admission: 2:45PM CLP-East Liberty
130 S. Whitfield Street (East LIbrary)
Calliope Presents Songwriters Circle
Free admission: 1:30-4:30PM
Live performance from the Calliope Songwriters Circle. All ages.
CLP – Lawrenceville 279 Fisk St. (Lawrenceville)
Quantum Theatre
Free admission: 3:30PM and 5PM
Take a45 minute Behind- the-Scenes tour of the Trinity Cathedral and learn how the artists of Quantum Theater have transformed the Cathedral into a theater for the World Premier of Chatterton, a Pittsburgh World Premiere as part of the Pittsburgh International Festival for Firsts. All ages. Reservations requested at [email protected].
Trinity Cathedral, 328 Sixth Ave. (Downtown)
KST Alloy Studios
Free admission: 10AM-12PM
Get in the groove with a movement class for the whole family (Zumba, line dancing, and healthy treats) and demonstrations of pre-ballet and hip hop for children 3-12 years old.
5530 Penn Ave. (Friendship)
Allegheny Land Trust: Stroll Under the Stars
Free admission: 7-8pm
Take a night time walk under the stars with staff from the Allegheny Land Trust. The hike runs rain or shine. Free but reservations requested: http://bit.ly/altoutside . Older kids, tweens, and teens.
Wingfield Pines Conservation Area, 1560 Mayview Rd. (Upper St. Clair)
Sunday, September 23rd
Pittsburgh Festival Opera and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy at Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall in Carnegie
Free 11AM-3PM
Tours and a musical performance. All ages.
11AM: Children and Family Activities (Library/Espy Post)
11Am-1PM: Garden Grooming with Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (Library Park)
1:30PM: Pittsburgh Festival Opera Performance (Music Hall) Anqwenique & Friends will present a fun short concert of songs for the whole family to enjoy. Get ready to sing along and share new songs.
2PM: Children & Family Activities (Library)
300 Beechwood Ave. (Carnegie) Park for free on Main street and enjoy our complimentary shuttle service.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library
Free 1PM and 3PM
Take an hour-long tour of the library and see the art and architecture of this historic landmark. Meet in the front lobby. Limited capacity – reservation requested at carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours. See additional dates on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout RADical Days. Kids, tweens, and teens.
4400 Forbes Ave. (Oakland)
Attack Theatre: Some Assembly Required
Free 2PM
Discover the Braddock Carnegie Library’s Art Lending Collection through dance and live music performance. All ages.
419 Library Street (Braddock)
Monday, September 24th
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Free admission: 9:30AM–8PM
Explore the beauty of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. All ages.
One Schenley Park (Oakland)
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
Free admission: 10AM-4PM
Free entry and tours of the nation’s only military memorial dedicated to honoring the men and women of all branches of service from all generations and conflicts. All ages.
4141 Fifth Ave. (Oakland)
Pittsburgh Public Theater at Scott Township Library
Free 6:30PM
Kids ages 7-13 can participate in theater and improv workshops. Space is limited. RSVP at scottlibrary.org
301 Lindsay Rd. (Carnegie)
Tuesday, September 25th
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy: Volunteer Day
Free 10AM-12PM
Help plant an ADA-accessible garden at the First United Methodist Church in Shadyside. Kids, tweens, teens. Volunteers 18 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited. Register in advance (412) 586-2324.
First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh, 5401 Centre Ave. (Shadyside) waterlandlife.org
Wednesday, September 26th
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library
Free admission: 11AM and 1PM
Take an hour-long tour of the library and see the art and architecture of this historic landmark. Meet in the front lobby. Limited capacity – reservation requested at carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours. See additional dates on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout RADical Days. Kids, tweens, and teens.
4400 Forbes Ave. (Oakland)
Pittsburgh Public Theater at the Wilkinsburg Public Library
Free admission: 4:00pm
Kids ages 7-13 can participate in theater and improv workshops. Space is limited. RSVP at [email protected]
605 Ross Ave. (Wilkinsburg)
Associated Artists @ BFA Exhibit at Point Park University
Free admission reception: 6-8PM
Enjoy a juried art exhibit at the Tomayko Gallery at Point Park University. Kids, tweens and teens.
201 Wood Street (Downtown)
Saturday, September 29th
North Hills Art Center
Free admission: 10AM-1PM
Create art at three different stations plus a tour. All ages.
3432 Babcock Blvd. (Ross Twp)
The Andy Warhol Museum
Free admission: 10AM-5PM
Spend a day at the Museum, create your own work of art, and film a screen test. All ages.
117 Sandusky St. (North Side)
Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Free admission: 10AM-5PM
Enjoy the Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Browse through the Carnegie’s extensive collections of art, fossils, artifacts, and of course dinosaurs. All ages.
4400 Forbes Ave. (Oakland)
African American Cultural Center: Blues & Heritage Festival at the August Wilson Center
Free admission: 12PM-6PM
Enjoy a day of free family programming including musical concerts, art exhibits, and activities. All ages. Sponsored by Hallmark.
980 Liberty Ave. (Downtown)
Texture Contemporary Ballet at the New Hazlett Theater
Free admission: 4PM
Watch the company perform parts of their new work, The Speed of Sound, followed by interactive children’s games. Tickets must be reserved in advance at www.textureballet.org. Go to The Speed of Sound – Children’s Performances. One ticket per family. Kids, teens, teens,
6 Allegheny Square East (North Side)
Chatham Baroque Family Concert with Classical WQED-FM 89.3
Free admission: 2PM
Chamber music classics for all, a concert, and a lively discussion at the end of the performance. Kids, tweens, teens.
Calvary Episcopal Church 315 Shady Ave. (Shadyside)
Sunday, September 30th
National Aviary
Free admission: 10AM-5PM
Walk through immersive habitats with free-flying birds from around the world including the NEW Tropical Rainforest. See rare and endangered birds including penguins, flamingos, eagles, owls, parrots, even a sloth. All ages.
700 Arch St. (North Side)
Children’s Museum
Free admission: 10AM-5PM
Spend the day at the Children’s Museum where you can create a silkscreen, create things in the MAKESHOP, and splash in the water in the Waterplay area. Babies and toddlers, preschool, kids.
10 Children’s Way (North Side)
Saturday Light Brigade
Free admission: 10AM-5PM
Visit the radio broadcast studios of The Saturday Light Brigade and Youth Express for a behind-the-scenes tour. The studio is inside the Children’s Museum.
10 Children’s Way (north Side)
Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra Presents Pop Up Concerts at Carnegie Libraries
Preschool, kids, tweens, teens
Free admission: 1PM CLP-Allegheny (7-10 woodwind musicians)
1230 Federal Street (North Side)
Free admission: 2PM CLP South Side (4 strings musicians)
2205 E. Carson Street (South Side)
Mattress Factory
Free admission: 1-5PM
Browse through the galleries with brand new exhibitions. Kids, tweens, teens.
505 Jacksonia St. (North Side)
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library
Free admission: 1PM and 3PM
Take an hour-long tour of the library and see the art and architecture of this historic landmark. Meet in the front lobby. Limited capacity – reservation requested at carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours. See additional dates on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout RADical Days. Kids, tweens, and teens.
4400 Forbes Ave. (Oakland)
Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures and Pittsburgh Youth Chorus
Free admission: 2:30 PM Pittsburgh Youth Chorus Concert, followed by (at approximately 3PM) Words & Pictures Series author lecture – Meg Medina
Admissions is free, but reservations requested: pittsburghlectures.org/lectures/meg-medina.
Carnegie Lecture Hall, 4400 Forbes Ave. (Oakland)
Pittsburgh Savoyards
Free admission: 7-9PM
Enjoy a concert with the Pittsburgh Savoyards as they perform . Come hear the complete musical cycle of this lovely operetta with our Yeoman cast and full orchestra!
PYCO School of Music, Recital Hall 150 Lake Dr. (Wexford)
Wednesday, October 3rd
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
Free admission: 10M–5PM
Come explore the region’s first outdoor botanic garden. Visit newly installed Hillside Pollinator Garden along with Japanese Garden, featuring the Lotus Pond; meadow, featuring the Garden’s Apiary; and Heritage Homestead, featuring a 1700s log house and apple orchard. The Garden is dog friendly. All ages.
799 Pinkerton Run Road (Oakdale)
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library
Free admission: 11AM-noon; 1-2PM
Take an hour-long tour of the library and see the art and architecture of this historic landmark. Meet in the front lobby. Limited capacity – reservation requested at carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours. See additional dates on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout RADical Days. Kids, tweens, and teens.
4400 Forbes Ave. (Oakland)
Northland Public Library 50th Anniversary Celebration
Free admission: 3-7:30PM
Create a community mural (3-6PM). From 6:30-7:30PM see a presentation by the Soldiers & Sailors Museum which focuses on the life of soldiers, their experiences and equipment. All ages.
300 Cumberland Rd. (McCandless)
Film Pittsburgh: ReelAbilities Art Exhibit
Free admission: 5:30-8PM
View printmaking works from Creative Citizen Studios, which seeks to build bridges between the arts and disabilities communities. The exhibit continues through October 9th with varying hours.
441 Cinema Drive; two doors down from Cinema (South Side Works)
Western Pennsylvania Conservancy: Everyone Should Garden Workshop
Free admission: 6-7PM
Join the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for an in-depth look at gardening and how all community residents can participate. You’ll gain insights on how to help make your community more attractive and vibrant with flower gardens and other greening approaches. Space is limited, so please register in advance by calling 412-586-2324. Kids, tweens, teens.
CLP – Homewood, 7101 Homewood Ave. (Homewood)
Thursday, October 4th
Audubon Society: Owl Prowl
Free admission: 7pm
Learn about our local owls and search for them on our trails with an environmental educator. Please call in advance to let us know about wheelchair accessibility needs; there is an ADA trail on site. Space is limited; register at aswp.org or (412) 963-6100. Kids, tweens, teens.
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd. (Fox Chapel)
Friday, October 5th
Pittsburgh Glass Center
Free admission: 10AM-9PM
See the amazing artists of the Pittsburgh Glass Center as they make glass sculptures. Browse their new exhibit All of the Suddens. Preschool, kids, tweens, teens.
5472 Penn Ave. (Friendship)
Saturday, October 6th
The Frick Pittsburgh
Free admission: 10AM-5PM
Explore the Clayton, the restored Frick family mansion, discover amazing vehicles at the Car and Carriage Museum, and experience the art at The Frick Art Museum. All ages.
7227 Reynolds St. (Point Breeze)
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main: Data Day
Free admission: 11AM-2PM
Explore the many ways data exists in our daily lives at this family-friendly community fair. All ages.
4400 Forbes Avenue (Oakland) carnegielibrary.org
Allegheny County Parks: South Park Hay Day & Public Safety Day
Free admission: noon-4PM
Free hay rides, petting zoo, magician, face painting, arts & crafts, pony rides, entertainment, and more! All ages
South Park Fairgrounds, Brownsville Rd. (South Park 15129)
Calliope Presents Songwriters Circle
Free admission: 2-4PM
Come and hear featured artists from the Calliope Songwriters Circle. All ages.
CLP-Squirrel Hill, 5801 Forbes Ave.
Sunday, October 7th
Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
Free admission: 9AM-5PM (gates close 4PM)
From the mountains of Asia to the jungles of Africa, travel the world at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. Sponsored by PPG. Please expect traffic congestion and large crowds. All ages.
10AM-noon: Kids activities and raffles with Chamber Music Pittsburgh.
Noon-1PM: Performance by River City Brass, an all-brass ensemble playing an eclectic mix of jazz, rock, classical and Broadway tunes.
7370 Baker St. (Highland Park)
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library
Free admission: 11AM and 1PM
Take an hour-long tour of the library and see the art and architecture of this historic landmark. Meet in the front lobby. Limited capacity – reservation requested at carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours. See additional dates on Sundays and Wednesdays throughout RADical Days. Kids, tweens, and teens.
4400 Forbes Ave. (Oakland)
Prime Stage Theatre
Free admission: 2PM
Courage is the theme for Prime Stage Theatre as we present a “sneak preview” of our 22nd season with Of Mice and Men, In the Time of Butterflies, and Twelfth Night. Kids, tweens, teens.
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main, 4400 Forbes Ave. (Oakland)
Monday, October 8th
Sen. John Heinz History Center & Western PA Sports Museum
Free admission: 10AM-5PM
See the epic Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission exhibition! Plus all of the history and the sports museum. All ages.
1212 Smallman St. (Strip District)
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
Free admission: 10AM-4PM
Free entry and tours of the nation’s only military memorial dedicated to honoring the men and women of all branches of service from all generations and conflicts. All ages.
4141 Fifth Ave. (Oakland)
The Tull Family Theater
Free admission: 1:30PM and 3PM
Free screenings of Akeelah and the Bee (PG). Seats are first come, first served. All ages.
418 Walnut St. (Sewickley)
Tuesday, October 9th
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Free admission: 7:30-9PM
Celebrate RADical Days with a free concert at Heinz Hall! Associate conductor Andrés Franco leads the orchestra in a program of light classics. Advance reservations are recommended for this free performance. Reserve your tickets at the Heinz Hall box office in person, or at (412) 392-4900. Kids, tweens, teens.
Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave. (Downtown)
Wednesday, October 10th
PNC Park
Free admission: 10AM-3PM (TOURS ONLY)
Take a behind the scenes tour of The Best Ballpark in America. Places you may visit are the Legacy Theatre, Batting Cages, Dugout and Press Box. Tours take place on the hour from 10AM-3PM with the last tour starting at 2PM. 80 guest maximum per tour, on a first-served basis. NO RESERVATIONS will be taken. Please enter the gate next to the Willie Stargell Statue on Federal Street. This event is subject to cancellation based on ballpark events. Check this listing or RAD’s social media sites on October 9th for any cancellation notice. All ages.
North Shore
Heinz Field
Free admission: 10AM-3PM (TOURS ONLY)
Get a behind-the-scenes look into the FedEx Great Hall-including the new Hall of Honor-Clubs, Luxury Suites, Press Box, Field and much more. Tours on the hour; limit 50 guests per tour. Tours are first come, first served. No advance reservations. Enter at the FedEx Great Hall Tours Gate. All ages.
900 Art Rooney Ave. (North Shore)
Thursday, October 11th
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum
Free admission: noon-8PM
Free entry and tours of the nation’s only military memorial dedicated to honoring the men and women of all branches of service from all generations and conflicts. All ages.
4141 Fifth Ave. (Oakland)
Saturday, October 13th
Fort Pitt Museum
Free admission: 10AM-5PM
Step back in time to Pittsburgh’s birthplace. Discover the world-shaping events that occurred right here in Western Pennsylvania. All ages.
601 Commonwealth Pl. (Point State Park)
Dancing in the Streets at Pittsburgh Musical Theater
Free admission: 10:30AM-noon (XTB performs at 11AM)
Experience a performance from PMT’s Xtreme Teen Broadway as we bring the West End alive with dance, music, and celebration. We will be joined by other West End companies/supporters. All ages.
327 South Main St. (West End)
Pittsburgh Opera: Brown Bag Concert
Free admission: noon-1PM
Bring a friend, bring your lunch! The 2018-19 Resident Artists will entertain you with a variety of opera favorites. Doors open at 11:30. Pittsburgh Opera’s garage is available for handicapped parking only and by reservation; check the Opera’s web site for reservation details. Kids, tweens, teens.
George R. White Studio at Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Ave. (Strip District)
Sunday, October 14th
Carnegie Science Center*
Free admission: 10AM-5PM
Interact with robots, visit river animals, test your bravery on a ropes course, make your skeleton dance, and see an explosive demonstration! *The Art of the Brick is not included. All Ages.
One Allegheny Ave. (North Shore)
Union Project
Free admission: 2-5PM
Learn ceramic hand-building skills to contribute to a collaborative clay installation. Browse locally-created zines, comics, and chapbooks at the Pittsburgh Zine Fair. Tweens, teens.
801 N. Negley Ave. (Highland Park)
Arcade Comedy Theater
Free Admission: 7-8:30PM
Get ready to laugh at the show dubbed “Best Comedic Tasting Menu” (Pittsburgh Magazine)! See a variety of comedy teams and improv styles with a night showcasing hilarious, Arcade-trained performers. For ages 16 and up. Free tickets available at arcadecomedytheater.com . Teens
943 Liberty Ave. (Cultural District)
