RAD Days to Offer 30 Days of Free Events, Activities

Even with back-to-school season in full swing, family fun is still on the schedule in Allegheny County.

The Allegheny Regional Asset District – RAD – released the schedule of events for RAD Days 2024 on Wednesday, promoting more than 60 free events and experiences open for all to attend. The annual celebration, taking place from Sept. 7 through Oct. 6, serves 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.

“There is something for everyone during RAD Days,” said RAD Board Chair Dusty Elias Kirk. “We invite families to explore these opportunities and enjoy a day or an evening out, at a venue where they might not have been before and where they don’t have to worry about the ticket price.”

From the seats of Heinz Hall to the newly-updated spaces of Pittsburgh Glass Center, the branches of the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh to the galleries of August Wilson African American Cultural Center, RAD Days will open up dozens of Allegheny County’s regional assets for all to appreciate.

"RAD Days are the best time to visit some amazing places, especially our Allegheny County Parks," said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. "I can't wait to see people bring their lawn chairs to our Fall Concert Series and enjoy family fun at the Hay Day festivals."

The full RAD Days schedule is available now at RADworkshere.org/events. Some events, including popular nature walks and some theatrical presentations, require advance registration to participate.

Sports fans in particular won’t want to miss the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their sports heroes, including free tours of PNC Park on Sept. 17, free tours of Acrisure Stadium on Sept. 18 (pre-registration required) and free skating at PPG Paints Arena on Sept. 21 (no skates provided).

While RAD Days events are open to all, a popular new summertime program will continue into the month of September with additional chances for family fun.

Several RAD-funded attractions will extend their RAD Summer Staycation offers for 4 additional weeks, including The Andy Warhol Museum, Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History, Carnegie Science Center, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Heinz History Center, The Frick Pittsburgh, Mattress Factory Contemporary Art Museum and Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. These organizations will provide free tickets into September – available for Allegheny County library card holders to reserve at RADPass.org – instead of merely offering one single ‘RAD Day.’

“We’ve heard from visitors and workers at these attractions: RAD Pass has been the ticket to a better experience with free admission,” said Rich Hudic, RAD Executive Director. “Instead of being packed into a busy single day, tens of thousands of visitors have been able to explore their regional assets in a much calmer environment spread out over the summer – and now into September.”

Guests interested in free tickets to the eight attractions above must make a reservation in advance at RADPass.org (a library card alone is not valid for admission) and bring proof of reservation to the venue.

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Journalists with RAD questions should contact Communications Manager James Santelli at js@radworkshere.org