October 2020 Events: Fun at Meadowcroft Rock Shelter, ZooBoo Drive-Thru, Haunted Pittsburgh Tours, Twin Hills Work Day, Swing for the Cure, Salem Witch Trials Program, The Poetry of Nature, Drive-In Movie Series and The Quarantine Cat Film Festival.

Editors’ Pick: Fun at Meadowcroft
The oldest site of human habitation in North America, the Meadowcroft Rockshelter and Historic Village, is just right down the road in Washington County. As long as COVID-19 restrictions allow, the shelter will be open in October and special events include a tour with lead archaeologist James M. Adovasio, Ph.D., on October 11 and a day of fall programming, “Meadowcroft’s Fall Finale,” on October 24. Bring a mask and prepare to follow social distancing guidelines.

ZooBoo Drive-Thru
Saturdays and Sundays, October 17, 18, 24 & 25
Drive through the Trick-or-Treat Trail in a car or van, rain or shine, and watch the animals as they get to enjoy their own Halloween-themed treats. Timed tickets are available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tours
Fridays and Saturdays
This year, Haunted Pittsburgh LLC waited until September to open for the year, to ensure they can properly follow CDC guidelines. The 2020 tour is a new all-outdoors route, focusing on the Golden Age of ragtime and robbers, haunted mansions and tales of the macabre. Tours start at 7 p.m., and face masks are required.

Twin Hills Work Day
Saturday, October 17
Join Mt. Lebanon Nature Conservancy in removing invasive plants from Twin Hills Park. The event is 9 a.m. to noon. Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty, and bring work gloves and a mask.

Swing for the Cure
Tuesday, October 20
Susan G. Komen Greater Pennsylvania is hosting a golf outing at 10:30 a.m. on the championship golf course at Longue Vue Club’s 18-hole course in Verona. The course features replicas of renowned Scottish holes, with multiple tee sets to provide challenges for all skill levels. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s breast health screening, treatment and education initiatives.

Witch Hunt
Wednesday, October 14
Author and history professor Todd DePastino will present a virtual talk through Mt. Lebanon Public Library about one of the most infamous events in American history: the Salem Witch Trials. It began on a cold January day in 1692 with two young girls telling fortunes, and by the time it was all over, 19 had been hanged, five had died in prison, and 200 others had been accused. The event begins at 7 p.m.

The Poetry of Nature
Opens Saturday, October 10
Did you know that Phipps Conservatory’s Fall Flower Show is the longest running in the nation? The chrysanthemum-themed show has been going on since 1894, and this year’s will feature gorgeous displays using all 13 classifications of mum. All tickets are timed and must be purchased in advance.

Extra, Extra!

Drive-In Movie Series
Thursday, October 1
Allegheny County Parks’ family drive-in movie series is coming to the South Park Ice Rink Parking Lot with Secret Life of Pets 2. Attendance is limited to the first 125 vehicles, and Ekernally Yours Popcorn will be available for purchase. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Quarantine Cats
Through October 20
Rent Row House Cinema’s popular Quarantine Cat Film Festival online, and 50 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Denis Theatre Foundation. You can either rent it yourself or gift it to a cat-loving friend. After you buy your ticket, you have three days to watch a compilation of some of the cutest, funniest and most loving cat videos gleaned from more than 1,200 submissions filmed in quarantine. www.DenisTheatre.org