RAD Days 2023 to offer 70+ free events, experiences over 40 days

Whether you have a green thumb, an eye for art, or a song in your heart, the Pittsburgh area’s best cultural attractions will once again welcome you free of charge – this year offering 40 days of fun.

RAD Days will take place from Sept. 8 through Oct. 17, 2023, providing more than 70 free events and experiences open for all to attend. The annual celebration is provided through the Allegheny Regional Asset District – RAD – as a “thank you” to taxpayers for their ongoing support of Allegheny County’s libraries, parks and trails, arts and cultural organizations, regional attractions and more.

“We are always looking for ways to give back to the people who support our regional assets every day,” said RAD Board Chair Dan Griffin. “RAD Days provides everyone with the chance to appreciate the true gems that make Allegheny County a wonderful place to live.”

This year’s edition of RAD Days (formerly RADical Days) gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy world-class performances, explore magnificent museums, try out a free class, go behind the scenes of spectacular venues, or even follow in the footsteps of Pittsburgh’s greatest athletes – all presented by organizations that receive RAD funding.

The full RAD Days schedule is available now at radworkshere.org/events. All visitors are encouraged to register as soon as possible with organizations that require advance registration, as some events and experiences book quickly.

Some highlights of 2023 RAD Days festivities include the following:

• Classic RAD-supported assets will open their doors free of charge, beginning with Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens on Friday, Sept. 8.
• Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium is celebrating its 125th anniversary and will welcome all guests for free on Oct. 15.
• National Aviary will offer back-to-back free days on Oct. 1-2.
• The Allegheny County Fall Concert Series makes its return, staging Saturday concerts at Harrison Hills Park, Boyce Park, White Oak Park and Round Hill Park.
• Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s free concert on Oct. 10 will include the Pittsburgh premiere of “to make this mountain taller” by American composer Sarah Gibson, co-commissioned by the PSO.
• Bring your skates to PPG Paints Arena on Sunday, Oct. 8, and take to the ice before the Penguins’ regular season begins. Fans will also be able to take a tour of Acrisure Stadium on Sept. 27 and PNC Park on Oct. 17.

Three top Pittsburgh museums continue to offer free admission until the end of August. Thanks to a RAD 3 For Free grant, The Andy Warhol Museum, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and Heinz History Center are open for free throughout August to celebrate honors from USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. Each will also offer a day of complimentary admission during RAD Days (The Warhol – Sept. 25, Children’s Museum – Sept. 10, History Center – Oct. 1).

“If you want to see the best that Pittsburgh has to offer, RAD Days is your ticket,” said RAD Executive Director Rich Hudic. “We know there is something for everyone, and we hope you take the opportunity to explore the schedule with your family to plan a fantastic day out.”

About RAD

For nearly 30 years, the Allegheny Regional Asset District – RAD – has invested in Allegheny County's quality of life through financial support of libraries, parks and trails, arts and cultural organizations, regional attractions, sports and civic facilities, and public transit. With half of the proceeds from Allegheny County's additional one percent sales and use tax, RAD has invested more than $2 billion in our regional assets since its inception.

Media Contact: James Santelli - (412) 996-2190, js@radworkshere.org