RADical Days returns Sept. 21 with a handful of new events boosting a record tally of 71 free performances and activities throughout Allegheny County.

The Allegheny Regional Asset District supports and finances regional assets -- including libraries, parks and recreation, sports and civic facilities, and arts and culture programs -- using one-half of the proceeds of the 1 percent Allegheny County Sales and Use Tax.

RADical Days is an annual event that began in 2002 to celebrate the county assets with mostly free admission musical and dance performances and family activities offered by the organizations and attractions funded by RAD.

New this year: Arcade Comedy Theater showcase; Pop Up concerts with Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras and Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra at regional libraries; Calliope Songwriters Circle concerts; a Stroll Under the Stars at the Wingfield Pines Conservation Area; Western PA Conservancy volunteer garden day; behind the scenes at a Quantum Theatre production; architectural tours at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh-Main; gallery and art exhibits with Associated Artists and Film Pittsburgh; and an interactive art mural at Northland Public Library.

Check listings for each asset’s free day or performances, times and limitations. Admissions are first-come, first-served; no rain checks. Some events may require advance reservations, or have space or age limitations. Parking fees might be charged at venue lots. RADical Days are open to all and accessible (with space and age limitations as noted).

Assets are not offering free admission every day. Check listings for the free day or performances, times and limitations. No rain checks. 

Throughout RADical Days, county libraries will offer special activities. Go to aclalibraries.org for more information. More at radworkshere.org, @radworkshere or #RADicalDays2018.

RADical Days EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES (FA = Free Admission)

FRIDAY, SEPT. 21

David L. Lawrence Convention Center: Free tours: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. Reservations: 412-565-6000.

Associated Artists: 106th annual exhibition at SouthSide Works. FA 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust:

• Gallery Crawl at Cultural District galleries and art spaces, Downtown. FA 5:30-10 p.m.
• “Manifold,” Filip Roca’s 3D video-mapping projection on the façade of the Benedum Center. FA 8:15 and 10:15 p.m. (run time: 8 min.)
• “Beyond | Playmodes”: an immersive audiovisual installation at Penn Avenue and Eighth Street. Includes strobe effects. Recommended ages: 10 and over. Tickets required at rustarts.org/firsts. FA 7:30-10 p.m.; every 30 minutes.

Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild: “Inspiring Makers” interactive exhibit, with art and live music. FA 6-8:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 22

Society for Contemporary Craft, Strip District: Hands-on art activities, including free papermaking with local artist Katy DeMent from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. FA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Allegheny County Parks: Hartwood Acres Hay Day & Family Green Fest. FA noon-4 p.m.

Three Rivers Young People Orchestras presents Pop Up Concerts with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (Lawrenceville, East Liberty, Homewood and West End). Check radworkshere.org starting Sept. 16 for times and locations.

Calliope presents Songwriters Circle at CLP-Lawrenceville. Performers include Dennis McCurdy, Bruce Hoffman, Fire & Ice, tenderbastard and Jon Porobil. FA 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Quantum Theatre: A behind the scenes look at “Chatterton,” a world premiere at Trinity Cathedral, Downtown. FA 45-minute tours at 3:30 and 5 p.m. Reservations: sknapp@quantumtheatre.com

KST Alloy Studios: A morning of movement for all ages, starting with pre-ballet and hip hop demonstrations. FA 10 a.m.-noon.

Allegheny Land Trust: Stroll Under the Stars at Wingfield Pines Conservation Area: A rain or shine hike, with environmental educators. FA 7-8 p.m. Reservations: http://bit.ly/altoutside

SUNDAY, SEPT. 23

Pittsburgh Festival Opera at Andrew Carnegie Free Library & Music Hall:

• Children and family activities (Library/Espy Post). 11 a.m.
• Garden grooming with Western PA Conservancy (Library Park) 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Pittsburgh Festival Opera family concert (Music Hall) 1:30 p.m.
• Children and family Activities (Library) 2 p.m.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library. FA 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. Reservations: carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours.

Attack Theatre: “Some Assembly Required” performance at Braddock Carnegie Library. FA 2 p.m.

MONDAY, SEPT. 24

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. FA 9:30 a.m.–8 p.m.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum. FA 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Pittsburgh Public Theater and Scott Township Library: An interactive experience for students ages 7-13 to learn about the theater and try improv techniques. FA 6:30 p.m. Space limited; rsvp at scottlibrary.org

TUESDAY, SEPT. 25

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy: Volunteer Day at First United Methodist Church of Pittsburgh (Shadyside). Help plant the ADA-accessible, raised flower beds. Volunteers 18 or younger must be accompanied by an adult. 10 a.m.-noon. Space limited; register at 412-586-2324.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 26

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library FA 11 a.m.-noon, 1-2 p.m. Reservations: carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours

Pittsburgh Public Theater and Wilkinsburg Public Library. An interactive experience for students ages 7-13 to learn about the theater and try improv techniques. FA 4 p.m. Space limited; rsvp at leet2@einetwork.net 

Associated Artists BFA Exhibit at Point Park University’s Tomayko Gallery. FA reception, 6-8 p.m.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 27

Audubon Society: Owl Prowl at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve. FA 7 p.m. Call in advance about accessibility needs; there is an ADA trail. Space limited; register at aswp.org or 412-963-6100.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 29

North Hills Art Center: Let’s Make Some Art! FA 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Andy Warhol Museum. FA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. FA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

African American Cultural Center: Blues & Heritage Festival at the August Wilson Center. FA noon-6 p.m.

Texture Contemporary Ballet at the New Hazlett Theater, North Side: A special children’s performance of “The Speed of Sound.” FA 4 p.m. Reservations: textureballet.org

Chatham Baroque Family Concert with Classical WQED-FM 89.3: Chamber music classics for all ages. At Calvary Episcopal Church (Shadyside). FA 2 p.m.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 30

National Aviary. FA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Children’s Museum, including Saturday Light Brigade. FA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra presents Pop Up Concerts with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh (South Side, Oakland and Allegheny). Check radworkshere.org starting in mid-September.

Mattress Factory. FA 1-5 p.m.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library. FA 1-2 p.m., 3-4 p.m. Reservations: carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours.

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures/ Words & Pictures Series: Meg Medina plus Pittsburgh Youth Chorus: Concert; then, 2:30 p.m. Meg Medina author talk. At Carnegie Lecture Hall. FA 2 p.m. Reservations: pittsburghlectures.org/lectures/meg-medina

Pittsburgh Savoyards: “Yeoman of the Guard Sitzprobe” (first meeting of singers and orchestra). At

PYCO School of Music, Recital Hall (Wexford). FA 7-9 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden. FA 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library. FA 11 a.m.-noon; 1-2 p.m. Reservations: carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours

Northland Public Library 50th Anniversary Celebration: Help create a 50th anniversary mural (3-6 p.m.). Soldiers & Sailors Museum’s Footlocker Outreach program. Free admission: 3-7:30 p.m.

Film Pittsburgh: ReelAbilities Art Exhibit: Exhibit continues Oct. 3 (5:30-8 p.m.), Oct. 4 (4-10:30 p.m.), Oct. 5 (6-11 p.m.), Oct. 6 (11:30-4 p.m.), Oct. 8 (5-9:30 p.m.) and Oct. 9 (4-10 p.m.). At 441 Cinema Dr., South Side Works. FA 5:30-8 p.m.

Western Pennsylvania Conservancy at CLP-Homewood: Everyone Should Garden Workshop. FA 6-7 p.m. Space is limited, register: 412-586-2324.

THURSDAY, OCT. 4

Audubon Society: Owl Prowl: FA 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, OCT. 5

Pittsburgh Glass Center: Glass-blowing demonstrations all day, in addition to the opening of the exhibit “All of the Suddens.” FA 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

SATURDAY, OCT. 6

The Frick Art & Historical Center. FA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main: Data Day. Explore the data in your life at this family-friendly community fair. FA 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Allegheny County Parks: South Park Hay Day & Public Safety Day. FA noon-4 p.m.

Calliope Presents Songwriters Circle at CLP-Squirrel Hill: Performers include Gerard Rohlf, Cathasaigh, David Hawkins and Anthony Roberts. FA 2-4 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCT. 7

Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium: Kids activities and raffles, with Chamber Music Pittsburgh (10 a.m.-noon). And River City Brass (noon-1 p.m.). FA 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; gates close 4 p.m. (As a result of the popularity of this day, delays are to be expected in areas surrounding the zoo. )

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh: Historical Tours of Main Library. FA 1-2 p.m. and 3-4 p.m. Reservations: carnegielibrary.org/historicaltours

Prime Stage Theatre at CLP-Main: Preview of 22nd season. with “Of Mice and Men,” “In the Time of the Butterflies” and “Twelfth Night.” FA 2 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 8

Sen. John Heinz History Center & Western PA Sports Museum. FA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum. FA 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Tull Family Theater, Sewickley: Free screenings of “Akeelah and the Bee” (PG). No reservations; seats are first come, first served. FA 1:30 and 3 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCT. 9

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Concert at Heinz Hall. FA 7:30-9 p.m. Reservations: Heinz Hall box office or 412-392-4900.

WEDNESDAY OCT. 10

PNC Park Tours: On the hour from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; last tour starting at 2 p.m. 80 guests maximum per tour, on a first come, first served (no reservations). Enter the gate next to the Willie Stargell statue on Federal Street. This event is subject to cancellation based on ballpark events. Check the RADical Days web and social media sites on Oct. 9 for any cancellation notice.

Heinz Field Tours: Tours on the hour from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; limit 50 guests per tour. Tours are first come, first served (no reservations). Enter at the FedEx Great Hall Tours Gate.

SATURDAY, OCT. 13

Fort Pitt Museum. FA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pittsburgh Musical Theater: Dancing in the Streets at PMT’s West End headquarters. A dance and music celebration, including a performance from PMT’s Xtreme Teen Broadway at 11 a.m. FA 10:30 a.m.-noon

Pittsburgh Opera: Brown bag concert with resident artists at George R. White Studio, Pittsburgh Opera Headquarters, 2425 Liberty Ave., Strip Distirct. FA noon-1 p.m. (doors open at 11:30).

SUNDAY, OCT. 14

Carnegie Science Center. FA 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Union Project, Highland Park: Collaborative clay installation project and photo booth plus Pittsburgh Zine Fair. FA 2-5 p.m.

Arcade Comedy Theater Comedy Showcase: For ages 16 and up. FA 7-8:30 p.m. Reservations: arcadecomedytheater.com

Sharon Eberson: seberson@post-gazette.com

First Published: September 5, 2018, 4:12 p.m.