RAD announces expansion of free days with new RAD Summer Staycation
Starting in May, Allegheny County library card holders eligible to book 100,000+ free admissions through RADPass.org
(5/2/24): Due to the extraordinary response, no passes are available at this time. Please check back regularly, as attractions have different schedules for adding new passes.
Interested in booking a RAD Summer Staycation ticket? Visit RADpass.org to get your reservation today!
Some of Pittsburgh’s favorite attractions will offer more than 100,000 free admissions this summer. All you need is an Allegheny County library card and a reservation to take advantage.
The Allegheny Regional Asset District – RAD –unveiled a new RAD Summer Staycation program that will provide Allegheny County library card holders access to RAD-funded attractions that typically charge for daily admission. RAD Summer Staycation will also highlight additional free summertime events taking place at RAD assets.
“RAD always wants to make sure our regional assets give something back to taxpayers who fund these projects. After all – it’s your money,” said RAD Board Chair Dan Griffin. “We want Allegheny County residents to grab their library card – or apply for one – in order to be ready when the ticket offers begin in May.”
Ticket offers from many of Pittsburgh’s favorite attractions will begin to appear on RADPass.org starting May 1 for admission days that start May 15. During the run of RAD Summer Staycation through the end of August, these attractions will provide more than 100,000 free tickets:
- The Andy Warhol Museum
- Carnegie Museum of Art
- Carnegie Museum of Natural History
- Carnegie Science Center
- Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
- The Frick Pittsburgh
- Heinz History Center
- Mattress Factory
- National Aviary
- Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Pittsburgh Botanic Garden
- Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium
- Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum
“These attractions have generously offered to put out a calendar of free days throughout the summer, allowing people to choose the day that works with their schedule and spreading out those crowds so it is more enjoyable for everyone,” said Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato. “Thank you to RAD and these regional assets for opening their doors to the people of Allegheny County in a new and exciting way that celebrates summer in the 412.”
Whether you’re interested in visiting old friends at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium or National Aviary, seeing the works of Vermeer, Monet and Rembrandt at The Frick Pittsburgh, or exploring the new Summer Flower Show: Under the Sea at Phipps, RAD’s new program will offer Allegheny County residents the opportunity to enjoy beloved regional assets on a day that works for them.
Free “family four-packs” of tickets through the RAD Summer Staycation will be replenished with new dates throughout the summer. They can be booked and redeemed by following a four-step process at RADPass.org:
- Log in with your Allegheny County library card number and PIN.
- Browse for passes by date or by venue.
- Reserve your pass.
- Print your RAD Pass or download it to your mobile device.
When offers begin to appear at RADPass.org on May 1, guests are encouraged to be courteous to other RAD Pass users: only book a reservation that you plan to use on the selected date. If you find you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation to open up spots for others.
In addition to reservable free tickets at these attractions, the RAD Summer Staycation will serve as a “one-stop shop” for people to explore free experiences at regional assets throughout the summer. RADworkshere.org will feature a calendar of fun opportunities ranging from free concerts and movies at regional parks to summertime festivals and events throughout Allegheny County.
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KEY DATES FOR RAD SUMMER STAYCATION |
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May 1 – RAD Summer Staycation ticket offers begin to appear on RADPass.org |
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May 15 – First day of free admissions reserved through RAD Pass system |
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Throughout summer – Free admission offers replenished and added to RAD Pass |
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August 31 – Final day of RAD Summer Staycation offer availability |
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Early September – RAD Days 2024 begins with focus on free events, experiences |
The new program takes inspiration from RAD’s 3 For Free initiative that led to record-setting admissions totals at The Warhol, Children’s Museum and Heinz History Center in August 2023 – a month that celebrated those museums’ placement among USA Today’s 10best.
“We heard from so many people that would not have been able to afford the admission cost without 3 For Free, and we took that to heart” said RAD Executive Director Rich Hudic. “This time we have more than a dozen attractions and a whole summer to work with – there will truly be something for everyone in our Staycation suitcase.”
RAD Summer Staycation represents an expansion of the annual RAD Days at regional assets that receive funding from the Allegheny Regional Asset District. While attractions participating in Staycation will not host a traditional “RAD Day” this year – instead shifting those free admissions from the fall to the summer – RAD Days will remain focused on fan-favorite free events and experiences, including music and theater performances, behind-the-scenes stadium tours, arts classes, family open houses and more.
Answers to frequently asked questions about RAD Pass can be found at radpass.org/faq/
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Journalists with questions can contact RAD Communications Manager James Santelli at js@radworkshere.org