5 September events you won’t want to miss

September? More like Free-tember! This month, there’s no-cost fun to be had indoors, in the woods or on the streets of downtown Pittsburgh.

For a complete list of University events, check out Pitt’s events calendar.

Game on

Tuesday, Sept. 2, 7-8:30 p.m.

Each week the Tabletop Tuesdays Gaming Happy Hour welcomes card game, board game and role-playing game enthusiasts, noobs and seasoned players alike. Bring your own game or borrow one from the sponsor, the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy.

Where: Schenley Park Cafe and Visitor Center, 101 Panther Hollow Road, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

A taste of history

Saturday, Sept. 6, 1-4 p.m.

The Freedom Harvest Celebration is a community gathering promoting unity and freedom as part of International Underground Railroad Month. The afternoon includes live soul music, history hikes and tours of the Frick Environmental Center’s From Slavery to Freedom Garden, which showcases crops like peanuts and raspberries that were crucial to people on the path to emancipation.

Where: Frick Environmental Center, 2005 Beechwood Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA, 15217

All that jazz

Sept. 20-21, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Pittsburgh has launched more than a few jazz greats: Billy Strayhorn, Mary Lou Williams and Kenny Clarke, to name a few. Catch their contemporaries, including Grammy winner Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, at the 15th Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival. The free two-day event features multiple outdoor stages, food trucks and sizzling jams.

Where: August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15222

Inspired tracts

Sept. 20-21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Dive into all things print at the Pittsburgh Art Book Fair. Now in its third year, the gathering of booklovers and bookmakers features 60 national and international vendors, featured artist talks and book launches, making it the perfect place to meet-cute your new favorite publication.

Where: Carnegie Museum of Art, 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15213

Find your way

Sunday, Sept. 21; beginner sessions begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and an intermediate session begins at noon

Join Western PA Orienteering Club for an afternoon of fun at Hartwood Acres Park. The sport of orienteering is a challenge for the mind and body. Using a topographical map and a compass, participants navigate a pre-set course, usually through unfamiliar, wooded terrain. This event provides instruction as well as maps and compasses to borrow. Beginner sessions begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and an intermediate session begins at noon. Pre-registration is suggested for this free event.

Where: Hartwood Acres Park, 200 Hartwood Acres, Pittsburgh, PA, 15238

Photography by Tom Altany