Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel September 12, 2025 | 10:12 AM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, September 12, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

With little choice after a court ruling, Governor Josh Shapiro approved a temporary measure allowing Philadelphia’s SEPTA to use future capital dollars to cover operating expenses. Pittsburgh Regional Transit may be able to seek the same waiver, which could avert a devastating 35% service cut and fare hikes. While this option would keep buses and trains running in the short term, it does not address PRT’s $100 million annual deficit and would delay critical upgrades.

I remain committed to working with my colleagues in the House, Senate, and the Governor’s office to secure to secure long-term, reliable funding so Pittsburghers can continue to count on safe, affordable transit.

Jefferson Apartment Fire

Our community was shaken by the devastating fire at the Jefferson Apartments. While I am deeply relieved that no lives were lost, my thoughts are with the residents who have lost their homes, pets, and cherished belongings.

I want to extend my gratitude to Pittsburgh’s firefighters, first responders, and community partners for their swift and courageous response.

At this time, the lane closest to Jefferson Apartments on Forward Avenue between Beechwood Boulevard and Murray Avenue will likely remain closed until next week.

My office has put together a list of resources for those recovering from the fire and for anyone interested in supporting their neighbors in this time of need.

Community Events and Resources

Pittsburgh Shakespeare in the Parks: MacBeth

Fridays–Sundays, Now–October 12 | Various Locations

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

Schedule of Performances

Sept. 12–14 (This Weekend)— 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 PM, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 PM
All performances are free and open to the public.

Learn more 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.

The day will include demonstrations, hands-on learning for all ages, and complimentary lunch for attendees.

Free.

Learn more here.

Alphabet Trail & Tales
Saturday, September 13, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Frick Park Blue Slide Playground, Beechwood Blvd. at Nicholson Street

Citiparks will host the 24th Annual Alphabet Trail and Tales, a family-friendly celebration featuring children’s books, interactive story sets, art, music, games, and activities for all ages.

Free and open to the public.

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.

10th Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival

Saturday, September 13, 11 AM-6 PM| Mellon Park

The 10th Annual Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Festival is a celebration of Pittsburgh Chinese Community with Asian cuisine, traditional dance performances, and exhibits.

Admission is free and open to all.

Learn more here.

Sustainability + Building Tour Series: Health and Wellness
Saturday, September 13, 1:30-3 PM | Frick Environmental Center

The Frick Environmental Center will host the first program in its Sustainability + Building Tour series. Recognized as one of the world’s greenest buildings, the Frick Environmental Center holds both LEED Platinum and Living Building certifications. This tour will highlight how the building’s design, materials, and programs foster human health, a central focus of the Living Building Challenge. Participants will also engage in a guided forest bathing exercise with PPC educators before visiting the new Sensory Nature Trail and Outdoor Discovery Space.

Free event. Registration required.

Learn more here.

End of Summer Roll Up 2025
Saturday, September 13, 3–7 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 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.

Paint in the Park Pop-Up with Pittsburgh Plein Air Collective
Sunday, September 14, 10 AM–4 PM | Frick Environmental Center

The Pittsburgh Plein Air Collective invites artists of all ages and skill levels to paint on-site, bring their own materials, or simply enjoy viewing nature-inspired works in progress. Guests can drop in at any time during the day to watch, participate, or walk the grounds. The event will take place light rain or shine.

The event is free, but there is $10 watercolor workshop at 10:30 AM.

Learn more here.

Frick Park Family Bike Ride & Trail Walk

Sunday, September 14, 10:30 AM–1:30 PM | Frick Environmental Center

SHUC’s Family Walk & Bike Ride will have options for a 5-mile ride or shorter trail walk. A local Park Ranger will be there to share park and trail features. Pizza and light refreshments will be served at the ride & walk.

Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic

Sunday, September 14, 7:30-9:30 PM | Carnegie Music Hall

Carnegie Mellon Philharmonic will hold its first concert of the 2025-2026 season with George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue.

Tickets are $5-$10.

Learn more and purchase tickets here.

Eradicate Hate Global Summit

September 15-17, 2025 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center

The Eradicate Hate Global Summit was formed as a response to October 27, 2018, mass shooting at the Tree of Life Building. Today, the Summit’s annual conference serves as the world’s most comprehensive anti-hate conference. The conference brings together the world’s leading experts in anti-hate, representatives from public policy organizations, journalists, and more.

Registration required.

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.

Next Block Parties are:

Tuesday, Sept. 16, 5 -7 PM | Oakcliffe: Oakcliffe Playground, Craft Avenue and Niagara Street
Saturday, Sept. 20, 12 to 2 PM | South Oakland: Dan Marino Field, 3716 Frazier St.
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 5 -7 PM | West Oakland: Dunseith St. and Allequippa St. (outside of Trees Hall)

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures: Angie Thomas

Thursday, September 18, 6 PM | Carnegie Library Lecture Hall or Virtual

Author Angie Thomas will discuss her highly anticipated sequel to the No. 1 New York Times bestseller, Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy. Registration is free for in-person and online attendance.

Learn more here.

Fall 2025 Greenfield Community Meeting
Thursday, September 18, 7 PM | Magee Healthy Living Center

The Greenfield Community Association (GCA) will host its second community meeting of 2025. Residents are invited to learn more about the GCA, share ideas, and find out how to get involved.