Cool Picks Sunday October 7, 2012

October 7, 2012/Rick Handler

Cool Picks brings you the best in Pittsburgh entertainment every day!

1) Lions and tigers and bears, and free admission to the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, oh my! Allegheny County RADical Days gets you and yours into the zoo today for FREE. There will be musical groups playing at Water’s Edge Pavilion. Performances start at 11 a.m with Tuesday Musical Club (11 a.m.), River City Percussion Duo (12:30 p.m.), Delta Blue’s Rhythmic Roots (1 p.m.), Aeolian Winds of Pittsburgh (including members of Pittsburgh Philharmonic, 2 p.m.); Three Rivers Young People’s Orchestra (3 p.m.). FREE admission from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., gates close at 4 p.m. One Wild Place, Highland Park.

2) The Confluence, PA “PumpkinFest” continues today with many events and activities including: The Great Pumpkin Race 5 K Run/Walk (10 a.m.); Girlz in Black Hats (noon); Antique, Rod and Classic Auto Show (noon-3:30 p.m.); Pie Eating Contest (12:30 p.m. registration, 1 p.m. contest); Wheeler and Dealers square dancing exhibition (2 p.m.), Roof Garden Tractor Buddies (2:30 p.m.); Prayzer, contemporary Christian music (3 p.m.); PumpkinFest Grand Feature Parade (5 p.m.). Also: art, craft and food vendors. 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. 708 Casselman St., Confluence.

3) 3) It’s “Veteran’s Weekend” at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO), featuring the orchestral world premiere of Scott Eyerly’s “Arlington Sons.” This production piece was commissioned by Broadway/Met star David Pittsinger, who sings the music with his son Richard. Based on a visit by a father and son to Arlington National Cemetery, it is thought to be the first vocal piece ever written for a father and son. Leonard Slatkin conducts the PSO with Olga Kern on piano. Veterans receive a $10 discount. 2:30 p.m.; Heinz Hall, 600 Penn Ave., Downtown Cultural District.

4) Blue October, a modern rock band touring in support of their latest album “Any Man in America” plays Mr. Small’s Funhouse with special guests Empire; Stars in Stereo. 8 p.m. All ages. 400 Lincoln Ave., Millvale.