Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel September 5, 2025 | 12:20 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, September 5, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

New Scheduling Tool Available

My office has launched a new online scheduling tool on my website to make it easier for you to set up meetings with me and my staff. You can find the tool under the “Contact” tab on my homepage.

To request a meeting to discuss a policy issue, click here.
For assistance with state services, schedule an appointment here.

Governor Shapiro Moves to Protect Access to the Covid-19 Vaccines

Despite the Trump administration’s continued attempts to undermine the nation’s public health, Pennsylvanians will still be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine without a prescription. Governor Shapiro and the Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy acted fast to let pharmacists follow guidance from trusted medical organizations—including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians—which continue to recommend broad access.

As a result, Pennsylvanians can get vaccinated without unnecessary hurdles. CVS is now taking COVID-19 vaccination appointments online and through the CVS Health app, and Giant Eagle pharmacies expect to have doses available soon. Note that CVS patients will need to attest that they are eligible for the vaccine in order to schedule it.

New Website on SNAP Work and Reporting Requirements

Because of new federal rules passed by Congress and the Trump administration, some SNAP recipients must report work, education, training, or volunteer hours to Pennsylvania DHS to keep benefits. Governor Shapiro’s administration has launched dhs.pa.gov/work to explain who is affected, how to comply, and possible exemptions.

We know that stepping up work requirements for food assistance doesn’t get more people into the workforce – instead, these policies simply increase food insecurity.

Learn more about who benefits from SNAP here, and how they will be affect in our commonwealth here.

Community Events and Resources

Confronting Hate: Responding to the Tree of Life Attack

A new documentary, Confronting Hate: Responding to the Tree of Life Attack, shares the stories of SWAT officers, police, and first responders who ran toward danger during the October 27, 2018, synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh. Survivors Dan Leger and Andrea Wedner, along with several first responders, offer powerful testimony about that day and their ongoing journeys of healing.

Produced by The Debrief with Jon Becker, the film highlights the courage, tactical decisions, and resilience of the responders, while ensuring the victims’ names are remembered.

Watch the documentary here.

History is Free for Kids!

Children ages 17 and under now receive free admission every day to the Heinz History Center, the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, and the Fort Pitt Museum.

Families, visitors, and students can explore the nation’s #1 history museum at no cost for young learners. Advance tickets are recommended to reserve admission, including free tickets.

Free for ages 17 and under.

Learn more here.

A Fair in the Park
Today, September 5 – Sunday, September 7 | Mellon Park, Pittsburgh

This annual fine art and fine craft festival features more than 85 regional and national artists working in clay, fiber, wood, jewelry, glass, leather, metal, mixed media, and two-dimensional art, along with food and live music.

The event is free and open to the public and will be held rain or shine.

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Irish Festival

Today, Sept. 5 – Sunday, Sept. 7 | Carrie Blast Furnace

The Pittsburgh Irish Festival returns this fall with three days of music, dance, food, and cultural programming. This annual celebration highlights the history and traditions of Ireland and Irish American culture.

Tickets range from $18 for a senior pass to Sunday’s events to $65 for a full weekend pass, and children attend for free.

Learn more and get tickets here.

The Britsburgh Festival
Now – September 7 | Various Locations Across Greater Pittsburgh

The annual Britsburgh Festival returns this September with a weeklong celebration of British culture throughout Pittsburgh. The festival features a wide variety of events, including historical talks, literary gatherings, concerts, pub nights, theater performances, and the annual cask tap of Britsburgh Ale.

The festival is open to the public and includes some free events, though registration is required.

Learn more and see the full schedule here.

Hazelwood First Friday
Friday, September 5, 4:00–9:00 PM | Hazelwood

Hazelwood will host its monthly First Friday celebration—a free, all-ages event showcasing the neighborhood’s art, culture, and community. Visitors can enjoy local music, food, and activities at venues including Arts Excursions Unlimited, Hazel Grove Brewing, and Hazelwood Brewhouse.

Open to neighbors and visitors alike, First Fridays offer an opportunity to explore Hazelwood’s creative spaces and connect with the community.

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks: MacBeth

Fridays–Sundays, September 5–October 12 | Various Locations

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks will present free outdoor performances of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth.

Schedule of Performances

Sept. 5–7 (This Weekend)— Frick Park
Sept. 12–14 — Riverview Park (Observatory Hill)
Sept. 19–21 — Hazelwood Green
Sept. 26–28 & Oct. 3–5 — Highland Park
Oct. 10–12 — Westinghouse Park

Showtimes: Fridays at 6 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

All performances are free and open to the public.

Learn more here.

Freedom Harvest Fest 2025

Saturday, September 6, 2025, | 1:00–4:00 PM | Frick Environmental Center

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy will host its annual Freedom Harvest Fest, a community celebration honoring the crops that freedom seekers relied on during their journeys to liberation. Inspired by the From Slavery to Freedom Garden at the Frick Environmental Center, the event highlights plants such as peanuts, green onions, raspberries, and dandelions—foods and medicines that provided nourishment, healing, and symbolic meaning to those seeking freedom.

This free, family-friendly event will feature live music, food and beverage vendors, garden tours, history hikes, interactive activities, and tables hosted by community organizations.

Free. No registration required.

Learn more here.

Behind the Ballot Fireside Chat Watch Party
Monday, September 8 | 5:00 – 6:30 PM | CLP – Main (Oakland)

Pennsylvanians for Modern Courts and the Committee of Seventy present Behind the Ballot, a fireside chat with the three PA Supreme Court justices up for retention. Learn how judicial elections work and why retention matters.

The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh will host a community watch party in the South Wing Reading Room on the second floor of the main branch. Snacks will be available while supplies last.

This event is free and open to the public.

Learn more here.

2025 Be A Good Neighbor Block Parties

The University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs will host the annual Be a Good Neighbor Block Parties throughout Oakland. Residents and members of the Pitt community are invited to enjoy food, music, prizes, and the opportunity to connect with neighbors and community partners.

All events are free and open to the public, and no registration is required.

Schedule of Events

Tuesday, Sept. 9 | 5–7 PM — Oakland Square: Oakland Square Greenspace, Dawson Street at Oakland Square
Tuesday, Sept. 16 | 5–7 PM — Oakcliffe: Oakcliffe Playground, Craft Avenue and Niagara Street
Saturday, Sept. 20 | 12–2 PM — South Oakland: Dan Marino Field, 3716 Frazier Street
Tuesday, Sept. 23 | 5–7 PM — West Oakland: Dunseith Street and Allequippa Street (outside of Trees Hall)

Learn more here.

Frick Park Stewardship Day
Wednesday, September 10, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Frick Environmental Center

Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for a morning of stewardship in Frick Park. Volunteers will help with ecological restoration and invasive species management on Clayton Hill, an important habitat for native plants and wildlife.

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

Reptile Rendezvous at Schenley Park Visitor Center
Friday, September 12, 2:00 – 4:00 PM | Schenley Park Café and Visitor Center

Venture Outdoors invites the community to Reptile Rendezvous, an up-close encounter with fascinating reptiles and amphibians.

No registration required.

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics

Saturday, September 13, 10 AM –12 PM

The Garbage Olympics is Pittsburgh’s annual neighborhood-versus-neighborhood competition to see who can pick up the most trash. Teams of volunteers from across the city will take to the streets to clean up their communities, followed by a closing ceremony at Velum Fermentation. Anyone interested can register a new neighborhood team or join an existing one.

Free.

Learn more here.

Kamin Science Center (Re)Launch Day
Saturday, September 13, 10 AM – 5 PM | Kamin Science Center

The Carnegie Science Center is reopening with a new name and a fresh look as the Kamin Science Center. To celebrate, the museum will host a free (Re)Launch Day, featuring hands-on activities, science demonstrations, giveaways, planetarium shows, and interactive exhibits for all ages.

Free.

Learn more here.

End of Summer Roll Up 2025
Saturday, September 13, 3:00 – 7:00 PM | Bennett Street & North Homewood Avenue

POGOH will host its annual End of Summer Roll Up with a community bike ride and celebration in Homewood. The event begins with POGOH’s biggest ride of the year at 4:00 PM, open to all ages and abilities. Following the ride, Kelly Street will transform into a block party featuring live music, food vendors, bounce houses, free bike maintenance, and demonstrations by Chef Chris Galarza.

Free.

Learn more and RSVP here.

ALCOSAN’s 2025 Open House
Saturday, September 13, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | ALCOSAN, 3300 Preble Avenue, 15233

ALCOSAN will host its annual Open House, a family-friendly event featuring interactive exhibits, plant tours, and educational activities about wastewater treatment and clean water initiatives.