Summer's heat will soon give way to the crisp air of fall, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures. These eight unique fall festivals in Pittsburgh promise adventure and the opportunity to embrace the outdoors in the autumn.

1. Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival

Channel your inner pirate or raise your glass in a toast to Oktoberfest during the final two weekends of the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival in West Newton. Go on a treasure hunt during the Pirate Invasion Weekend on September 17 and 18 or indulge in German food during Oktoberfest weekend, September 24 and 25. The popular festival also features plenty of entertainment, food, activities, and a marketplace.

2. Washington & Greene Counties Covered Bridge Festival

Explore the beauty of Pennsylvania's covered bridges at the 46th annual Covered Bridge Festival on September 17 and 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ten covered bridges - including the Henry Bridge and the Hughes Bridge - participate in the event and each features a variety of activities, such as live entertainment, a petting zoo, face painting, and crafts.

3. Penn's Colony Festival

Experience the Pennsylvania of yesteryear at Penn's Colony Festival in Saxonburg from September 17 to the 25. The annual festival features a full menu of activities, including living history, battlefield reenactments, and activities for the whole family.

4. Tropical Forest Congo Festival

Step inside a tropical world at the Tropical Forest Congo Festival at Phipps Conservatory on September 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fall festival promises a full afternoon of activities, including live entertainment, African-inspired dishes, and pot your own plants. Festival activities are free with admission to Phipps Conservatory.

5. Delmont Apple 'N Arts Festival

Fall and delicious apple cider, pie, and other apple goodies go hand-in-hand at the annual Delmont Apple 'N Arts Festival on Saturday October 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday October 2 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment. Watch apples as they are pressed into cider. Or feast on your favorite apple treats.

6. Schramm Farms Fall Fest

Embrace autumn with a hay ride, pumpkin picking, and pony rides at the annual Schramm Farms & Orchards Fall Festival. Stop by the Jeannette farm's market for fresh produce and the bakery for homemade goods. The 2016 Farm Festival runs from September 26 through the end of October. Hours vary by activities and by day.

7. Re:New Festival

Pay homage to art and creativity at the month long Re:New Festival through October 9. The festival takes place at numerous locations throughout the city and includes such events as Drap-Art, which was first featured at an international festival in Barcelona, juried exhibitions, and workshops for creating public art.

8. Fall for Animals Festival

Bring your pooch or other beloved pet to the Fall for Animals Festival, a unique festival slated for October 8 and 9. The festival, which will take place at Crooked Creek Horse Park in Ford City, benefits area animal shelters and rescues. Planned activities include pumpkin painting, hay rides, a pet parade, a chili cook off, an apple pie baking contest, and plenty of good food.

Celebrate autumn with a trip to one or more of these fall festivals in Pittsburgh then, if you really want to reconnect with your inner child, stop by this neighborhood candy store that will make you feel like a kid again.