Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel August 8, 2025 | 10:07 AM

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Friday, August 8, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

Magee Nurses Win the Right to Vote on Union

It’s official! The National Labor Relations Board has set the dates for nurses at Magee-Womens Hospital to hold elections to decide whether to form a union.

These nurses are the backbone of maternal and newborn care in our region. Like all workers, they deserve a voice in decisions that affect their working conditions, staffing levels, and ability to deliver the best care possible.

UPMC must respect this process and allow nurses to vote without coercion or intimidation. This taxpayer-subsidized nonprofit hospital system should be investing in patient care—not high-priced consultants and mandatory anti-union meetings that pull nurses off the floor.

Senate Republicans Holding Up the Budget

Pennsylvania’s budget is now more than a month overdue, and the consequences of inaction are growing more serious by the day. If Senate Republicans continue to refuse to come to the table, essential public services will suffer.

Because we don’t have a finalized budget, more than $2 billion in payments to school districts will be delayed this August. That means schools across the commonwealth may be forced to postpone hiring teachers, delay purchasing classroom materials, or take out loans to cover basic expenses—without any guarantee that the interest on those loans will be reimbursed.

The PA House and Governor Shapiro have each put forward responsible proposals and are negotiating in good faith. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans have stalled progress for weeks, failing to engage meaningfully despite looming fiscal deadlines for our educators and other essential services.

Every day of delay increases uncertainty for Pennsylvania families. It's time for Senate Republicans to stop playing politics and do their job.

Beware of Scam Messages Claiming to Be from PennDOT

Scammers are sending fake text messages and emails designed to look like they are coming from the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles. These messages may claim that your vehicle registration or driver’s license will be suspended and include a link asking for payment for a supposed violation or fine.

These are scams. Their goal is to steal your personal information or money. Do not click on any links or enter your information.

PennDOT does not send traffic violation notices by text message.

If you get a suspicious message:

Mark it as spam.
Do not reply or click any links.
Report it to the Pennsylvania Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling 1-800-441-2555 or emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov.

Community Events and Resources

Squirrel Hill Tunnel Closure this Weekend

Heads up for weekend traffic: Both directions of I-376 (Parkway East) will be fully closed between the Squirrel Hill Tunnel and the Edgewood/Swissvale interchange from 9 PM Saturday, August 9, through 5 AM Monday, August 11. PennDOT plans to replace an overhead sign structure and test detour routes in preparation for a 25-day closure planned for summer 2026. Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes, like Route 837 or Route 28. Key detours will route westbound traffic off at Wilkinsburg and eastbound traffic at Forbes Avenue in Oakland.

Voting As a College Students in Pennsylvania

For those heading off to college or know someone who is, the Pennsylvania Department of State made a helpful webpage to answer any questions about voting as a college student.

Music Festival Benefit for Immigrants & Refugees

Now-August 10 | Multiple Venues Across Pittsburgh

All Together Now is a four-day music festival featuring 15 shows at venues throughout Pittsburgh. The event supports the Collaborative for Immigrant Impact, which includes 18 local organizations assisting immigrants and refugees in Pittsburgh.

More than two dozen performers will take the stage, including local favorites Clinton Clegg (The Commonheart), Buffalo Rose, The Polkamaniacs, The Nied’s Hotel Band, and more.

Ticket prices range from suggested donations to $30.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Summer Fridays at the Frick

Today, August 8, 5:00–9:00 PM | The Frick Pittsburgh

The Frick will host an evening of live music, food trucks, artmaking, and family activities on their 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.

For safety, visitors are asked not to bring pets, ride bikes or scooters, or engage in rough play.

Free admission.

Learn more here.

Movie Night on the Lawn: The Wild Robot
Friday, August 8, 6:30 PM| Hazelwood Green, Mill 19, 4501 Lytle St.

Hazelwood Local and Row House Cinema present a free outdoor screening of The Wild Robot (PG), the 2024 animated film about a robot learning to survive on a remote island. The plaza opens at 6:30 PM with free face painting and complimentary popcorn while supplies last. The movie begins at 7:30 PM.

Free.

Learn more and RSVP here.

CLP Summer Reading Extravaganza

Saturday, August 9, 12:00–5:00 PM | 4400 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh

Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh is hosting a family-friendly outdoor festival with live performances, crafts, storytelling, food trucks, and educational activities. Highlights include an interactive reading by author Antwan Eady, mobile planetarium shows by the Moonshot Museum, a National Aviary demonstration, and a puppet theater. Free books will be available while supplies last, and the winner of the library’s summer reading challenge will be announced.

Free.

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Let's Go Fishing

Saturday, August 9, 9:00 AM- 1:00 PM | Highland Park—Lake Carnegie

Kids ages 5–15 and their families are invited to enjoy a free day of fishing at Lake Carnegie. Bait, fishing equipment, and instruction are provided. State-certified fishing instructors will be on hand to help. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Free.

Learn more and register here.

Outdoor Movie: Happy Gilmore 2
Sunday, August 10, 7:30 PM | Bakery Square Courtyard

Bakery Square will host a free outdoor screening of Happy Gilmore. Guests can grab complimentary popcorn and relax with blankets or lawn chairs for a movie under the stars. Seating is first-come, first-served.

Free.

Learn more here.

Little Italy Days

Thursday-Sunday, August 14-17 | Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield

The free four-day Italian culture festival will feature food, games, crafts, and live entertainment from over 30 acts on three stages.

Learn more here.

The Grass Gals at Schenley Plaza

Thursday, August 14, 7:00–9:00 PM | Schenley Plaza

Calliope House presents The Grass Gals, Pittsburgh’s all-female bluegrass band. Seating is available beneath the oval tent or bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the show from the lawn.

Free.

Learn more here.

Urban Trail Pop-Up Coffee Truck

Friday, August 15, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Frick Environmental Center

Urban Trail Coffee Co. will bring its mobile coffee truck to the Frick Environmental Center, offering fresh espresso drinks made with Commonplace Coffee. Visitors can grab a drink before or after enjoying the park.

Fifteen percent of all sales will benefit local parks.

Learn more here.

Reptile Rendezvous at Schenley Plaza
Friday, August 15, 2:00–4:00 PM | Schenley Park Visitor Center

Join Venture Outdoors and Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for an event featuring up-close encounters with reptiles and amphibians. Visitors can meet Blue the green iguana and Bucket the woodland box turtle, and they can learn about Pennsylvania’s native species and other herpetofauna.

This family-friendly event is open to all—no registration required.

Free.

Learn more here.

Kindergarten, Here I Come!

Saturday, August 16, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

The Children’s Museum is hosting a kindergarten readiness event for rising kindergarteners and their families. Activities include arts and crafts, a school bus ride, and resources from local organizations.