As the Islamic holy month of Eid ends tomorrow, about 3,000 local Muslims are expected to gather in Schenley Park for prayer, games and food.

It's the first time that major local celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr, the feast of breaking-fast, have been held outdoors. It's partly because the festivities outgrew rented halls but also because "we like to go outside so people can see us and learn about Muslim holidays," said Nahed Abdelgawad, general secretary of the Islamic Center of Pittsburgh.

During Ramadan, Muslims fast during daylight hours, so this is the first big, daytime meal in a month. The celebration, which is co-sponsored by several mosques, will include outdoor activities such as a rock-climbing wall.

Prayers begin at 10 a.m. in the Flagstaff Hill area of the park.