By Sean P. Ray | Managing Editor
East Allegheny Community Council (EACC) is putting on a smaller free kids Halloween party this year following their decision to cancel the 2026 Northside Pumpkinfest.
The party will take place on Oct. 31, from 10 a.m. to noon on the section of James Street between East Ohio and Foreland streets. Activities planned for the party include a pumpkin patch with free pumpkins for kids, arts and crafts stations and trick-or-treating at local businesses.
EACC cancelled the 2026 Pumpkinfest after the council was unable to rehire Ryan Dawson, the event coordinator brought on to put together the festival last year.
Pumpkinfest co-founder Barbara Burns had guided Dawson on how the annual festival was put together last year, as she had intended to step back from her lead organizer position. However, Burns passed away on Nov. 5, 2025, and without either her or Dawson’s guidance, EACC was unable to organize the festival.
EACC President Sarah Bailey said the council began looking at alternatives they could do during Pumpkinfest’s hiatus.
“Knowing Pumpkinfest couldn’t happen this year, we kept coming back to the kids and what we can do for them,” Bailey said.
EACC was able to garner support from several businesses and organizations such as The Buhl Foundation, Giant Eagle (which donated the pumpkins as they have traditionally done for Pumpkinfest), Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Allegheny Health Network and Northside Rotary to put on the event. In addition, EACC received donations and volunteer help from neighbors and local businesses including Bistro-to-Go (which is offering a hot chocolate bar at the event) and Allegheny City Brewing.
While glad to have the ability to put on the event, Bailey stressed that the party is not a replacement for Pumpkinfest, and EACC intends to bring back the festival next year.
“While we can’t compete with Pumpkinfest, it was important for us to do something to honor Barbara,” she said.
