Allegheny County's RADical Days back, bigger than ever

People looking to expand their civic, cultural and educational horizons by trying something new have the perfect opportunity during upcoming RADical Days.

RADical Days began in 2002 as a “thank you” to Allegheny County taxpayers with a weekend of free events from organizations that received support from the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD). It has grown ever since, this year offering nearly 60 free events, programs and activities at various locations from Sept. 9 to Oct. 11.

“Because there is so much to choose from — and it’s all free — it’s a great opportunity for people to expand their horizons and try something they may not have otherwise,” said Shannon Musgrave, RAD communications director. “We hope that RADical Days is a way in for folks.

“If you’ve never been to one of the Carnegie Museums, now is a perfect time to visit. If you’ve never had the opportunity to see the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra play at Heinz Hall, now you do,” she said. “There really is something for everyone.”

With free events and activities for people of all ages across Allegheny County, this year’s celebration is not just a “thank you,” it’s also a “welcome back” for many organizations reopening their doors after 18 months of pandemic shutdown.

As a proud @radworkshere asset, the National Aviary is excited to be taking part in RADical Days 2021! We will be offering a mix of in-person and virtual educational programs, as well as free general admission Sunday, October 10 between 10 am - 5 pm.

— National Aviary (@National_Aviary) August 24, 2021

The schedule includes free admission days at popular attractions including the Carnegie Museums, National Aviary, Heinz History Center, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Mattress Factory, The Frick Pittsburgh, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden and others.

Music, dance, opera and theater groups will offer in-person performances, and art centers will host open houses and special exhibitions. There will be owl prowls, gardening programs, STEM-related events, literary lectures and more.

Several groups also will have virtual programming.

Meaningful work

“We have so many terrific organizations doing really cool and meaningful work, and RADical Days is a great time to highlight that,” Musgrave said. “We have glassblowing demonstrations at Pittsburgh Glass Center, a jazz and art open house at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, an entire day of free admission and activities at all of our assets on the Northside, a new City Theatre play that features the stories of Pittsburgh’s immigrant and refugee communities, and lots of outdoor options with organizations like the Allegheny Land Trust, Pittsburgh Botanic Gardens and our many parks.”

RADical Days 2021 kicks off downtown with “Lights On! A Three-Day Celebration of Pittsburgh’s Cultural District,” taking place Sept. 9-11 with offerings from these downtown cultural partners: August Wilson African American Cultural Center, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh CLO, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Pittsburgh Opera, Pittsburgh Public Theater and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra.

“Each organization has its own safety policies and procedures in place, and it is very important that people participating in RADical Days understand those policies before attending,” Musgrave noted. “Many are requiring advanced ticket reservations, and some also have mask and vaccine requirements.

“We encourage folks to check the websites of each organization and make decisions to participate based on their own levels of comfort.”

The full schedule can be found at RADworkshere.org.

RADical Days Schedule Announcement! Over 60 free events and activities Sept. 9-Oct. 10. https://t.co/tmHHX8UJPR has all the details.#RADicalDays2021 #RADworkshere pic.twitter.com/Xfz8k2W537

— RAD | Allegheny Regional Asset District (@radworkshere) August 24, 2021