🎃 10 things to do this October

Penn Avenue Bike Lane Project Paused

A judge paused the city’s plans to remove a lane of traffic along Penn Avenue between 22nd and 31st streets and add a protected bike lane. The judge granted an injunction for the Strip District Business Association, who sued to stop the project earlier this month.

• A hearing is scheduled for Oct. 16 to determine what should happen next. [TribLive]
• Get an inside scoop on all the drama. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Fewer Regional Children Are Being Vaccinated

Immunization rates among school-age children in several Southwestern PA counties, including Allegheny, are below herd immunity — the minimum percentage required to prevent an outbreak. Vaccine exemptions for medical, religious, or philosophical reasons are on the rise. [Public Source]

Could PA Get Landslide & Sinkhole Protections?

A proposal to create a $10 million landslide and sinkhole insurance program passed the PA House and is headed for the Senate. The bill was introduced by two Allegheny County lawmakers. Similar bills were proposed in the past. [WESA]

• Here’s why Pittsburgh floods so much, making our area more prone to sinkholes and landslides. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Herron Avenue Bridge Reopens

The bridge between Polish Hill and Lawrenceville is open to traffic again after being closed for four months for structural repairs. [Union Progress]

• More infrastructure news: The Monongahela Incline is closed this week for repairs; PRT is working on the next phase of construction for its bus rapid transit project; steel beams arrived for the Commercial Street Bridge in Squirrel Hill; and the Hill District is getting $14 million for sidewalk and street upgrades. [PRT / WESA / TribLive]

When fall arrives in Pittsburgh, the city rises to the occasion with autumn markets, pumpkin patches, festive workshops, food and drink specials, and more.

Make the most of the month ahead with these top 10 things to do in October.

1. Go Leaf Peeping Around Pittsburgh

Take the scenic route to enjoy red, orange, and golden hues at local parks and weekend getaway destinations. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources puts out a weekly fall foliage report so you can track when trees are at peak color. Design your own adventure, or sign up for an excursion — like a fall foliage paddle at Moraine State Park or guided hikes with Pittsburgh Park Rangers.

2. Flip Through Pages at the Pittsburgh Zine Fair

Get inspired by creative works from artists, writers, and community collectives at the Pittsburgh Zine Fair Oct. 19. The Kingsley Association in East Liberty will be full of colorful tables stacked with self-published zines — comic books, fiction, poetry booklets, and other mixed media.

Want more book fun? Check out City of Asylum’s LitFestival programming and Books & Bistros Indie Book Fair Oct. 12.

3. Have Fun & Support A Good Cause

Pittsburgh makes giving back fun. On Oct. 4, party at the Pittsburgh Prison Book Project’s 25th anniversary fundraiser at Mr. Roboto Project or grab a bowl of comfort at 5801’s annual Chili Cookoff for local LGBTQ+ orgs.

Stop by Velum Fermentation on Oct. 5 and get a tattoo at Ink for Impact, an annual event benefiting Pittsburgh Action Against Rape.

On Oct. 10, celebrate community and culture with a night of fun at Neighborhood Nosh benefiting Hello Neighbor at This is Red, or enjoy fashion and fine dining to support local queer organizations at O’Noir: The Experience at The Priory.

4. Shop at Spooky Pop-Up Markets

Looking for witchy wares, oddities, and ghoulish crafts? Every Saturday in October, the Steel City Spooky Market sets up at Frankie Pace Park between Downtown and the Hill District. Stop by for creepy art, tarot readings, crystals, and more.

Then on Oct. 11, the most curious market of all returns! Allentown Night Market will have more than 150 unusual and offbeat artisans, crafters, and food and beverage vendors — all within five indoor/outdoor spaces that sprawl along East Warrington Avenue.