Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel July 18, 2025 | 12:06 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, July 18, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

The Budget: Waiting on the Senate Republicans to Take Action

It’s July 18, and Pennsylvania’s budget was due on June 30.

This week, House Democrats passed a $49.97 billion spending plan that reflects real compromise. We cut $1 billion from the Governor’s proposal, but we still prioritized public schools, health care, and basic services. We are doing our job, and the Senate Republicans needs to do theirs.

Without action, school districts and nonprofits will face real hardship by the end of the month. We can’t afford that.

The House is governing. We’re compromising. We’re moving legislation forward. It’s time for the Senate to come back to the table, finish the job, and deliver a responsible budget for Pennsylvania.

Counseling for those in need

Tragedy struck our community this week, when a car accident took the life one recent Allderdice graduate and injured three other young students. As our neighbors grieve and work to support one another, please remember that counseling services are available for youth and adults. See the graphic above more information or go to upstreetpgh.org.

Community Events and Resources

Pittsburgh Water: Squirrel Hill Water Main Replacements

Pittsburgh Water has launched Phase II of its Squirrel Hill North Water Main Replacement Project, now underway through late summer 2026. Work includes replacing aging main water lines and identifying lead service lines, which will be replaced free of charge with homeowner consent.

Streets affected include Northumberland, Bennington, Iverness, Beeler, Wilkins, Aylesboro, and others. Construction runs Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM, with temporary street closures and sidewalk removal as needed. Most yard work will use trenchless methods.

Contacts:

Lead Help Desk: 412-255-8987 | LeadHelp@pgh2o.com

Construction Inquiries: Mora McLaughlin | mmclaughlin@pgh2o.com

Learn more about the project here.

Become a Social Justice Ambassador with the PHRC

The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) is seeking Social Justice Ambassadors to represent each county and support the PHRC’s mission in local communities. Ambassadors help raise awareness of civil rights laws, report incidents of hate or bias, refer discrimination complaints, and assist with outreach efforts.

Applicants should be engaged in their communities and committed to advancing social justice. Those selected will be interviewed and trained by PHRC staff before beginning their service.

Learn more and apply here, or stop by our office for an application.

BBQ Bash Fridays

Today, July 18, 2:00–6:00 PM | Community Kitchen Pittsburgh, 107 Flowers Ave.

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh is hosting BBQ fundraisers throughout the summer. This week, food is only available for pickup. Proceeds support Culinary Jobs Training and Community Meals programs.

Order online here.

Northside Music Festival

Today–Sunday, July 18–20 | Historic Deutschtown, Northside

The Northside Music Festival is three days of live music, food trucks, art vendors, and family-friendly activities. The festival features a wide range of musical genres, local and national performers while celebrating Pittsburgh’s Northside neighborhoods.

Free and open to all.

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

Saturday–Sunday, July 19–20 | Bob O’Connor Golf Course, Schenley Park

The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix returns with two days of vintage racing and thousands of classic cars. Watch as sports cars race a new course through the park and explore over 3,000 antique, exotic, and collector vehicles at the International Car Show.

Tickets are $10 for ages 13+ and include access to the races and car shows. Children 12 and under are free.

Learn more here.

??Road Closures for Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix??

Roads in and around Schenley Park will be closed for the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix now through Sunday, July 20:

Schenley Drive (Frew to Visitor Center): Closed through Monday 10 AM
West Circuit Road: Closed to Sunday 7 PM
Serpentine, Bartlett, Hobart, Prospect, Beacon, Greenfield, Blvd. of the Allies: Mostly closed until Sunday 7 PM
Tech Street, Frew Street, and Schenley at Forbes: Closed Saturday & Sunday 6 AM–6 PM

Learn more here.

Jam on Walnut—Dancing Queen

Saturday, July 19, 6-11 PM | Shadyside, Walnut Street

Jam on Walnut is a free outdoor concert held on Walnut Street in the Shadyside Business District.

Learn more here.

Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch

Sunday, July 20, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Mellon Park

Enjoy a free concert by Chamber Music Pittsburgh. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic and a blanket or a chair but should note that alcohol is prohibited in the park. This series will run every Sunday until July 27, each concert featuring a different musical group.

Free and open to all.

Learn more here.

Cinema in the Park

Sunday & Wednesday, July 20 & 23, dusk (roughly 8:50 PM)

The city of Pittsburgh hosts free movie nights. Participants are asked to bring lawn chairs or blankets to make themselves comfortable on the lawn. The movies will begin at dusk throughout the summer, so start times will vary slightly from day to day.

Sunday, July 20—Schenley Plaza—Inside Out 2 (PG)

Wednesday, July 23 —Flagstaff Hill —Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (PG-13)

Learn more here.

Curtain Call

Tuesday, July 22, 3:00–4:00 PM | Carnegie Library – Main (Oakland)

Teens are invited to explore the world of opera with the Pittsburgh Opera during this interactive workshop. Participates will learn what it takes to perform onstage, work behind the scenes, and bring a production to life.

Free.

Learn more here.

Flight Encounter with a Bird of Prey

Wednesday, July 23, 6:00–7:00 PM | Frick Environmental Center

Get an up-close look at a Harris Hawk in flight during this live demonstration with master class falconer Cryss Stacey of Edged Feather Experiences. Learn how these birds of prey hunt and interact in the wild.

Tickets are $15.

Learn more here.

Repairing Together: Collective Healing & Resilience

Wednesday, July 23, 6:15–8:30 PM | Anathan, 1620 Murray Ave.

Hosted by NCJW Pittsburgh, this free community gathering offers space for healing and connection through a shared meal, collective care practices, and a guest speaker from CONVERGE Pittsburgh. The event is designed to support resilience and strengthen movements for justice. Childcare will be available with limited capacity.

Free and open to the public.

Inside Out: Afro on the House

Thursday, July 24, 5:00–9:00 PM | Carnegie Museum of Art, Sculpture Court

DJ Femi and Wade Anthony blend Afrohaus, Afrobeats, and baile funk for an energetic evening of music and movement. Food and drinks will be available from The BoonSeek and Café Carnegie Treats.

Free to attend; museum admission not included.

Learn more here.

Teen Night: JurassiCon
Thursday, July 24, 5:00–8:00 PM | Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Teens are invited to dig into the world of paleontology at this free event featuring fossil excavation, soil sifting, and hands-on dino DNA experiments. Open to all teens ages 13–18.

Free.

Learn more here.

Parks on Tap Beer Garden – Final Fridays
Friday, July 25, 3:00–9:00 PM | Schenley Park Visitors Center

Enjoy cold local beer, food trucks, and scenic trails at this monthly pop-up beer garden from Eleventh Hour Brewing. Held under the tent at Schenley Park Visitors Center, this event features a limited-edition Summer in the Parks Lager and supports local parks. No registration required.

Free to attend; food and drink available for purchase.

Learn more here.

Summer Fridays at the Frick

Friday, July 25, 5:00–8:00 PM | The Frick Pittsburgh

Enjoy free live music, food trucks, artmaking, and family activities on the Frick’s lawns. Music begins at 6:30 PM. The Museum Store and Grable Visitor Center will remain open until 8:00 PM. Please note: the Frick Art Museum and Car and Carriage Museum will be closed during these events.