Friday, September 26, 2025
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My office will be closed on Thursday, October 2, in observance of Yom Kippur. We will reopen on Friday, October 3 at 9 AM.
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Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act
This coming Tuesday, September 30, the House Health Committee will consider my legislation, House Bill 880, the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act. This bill closes loopholes in our 2008 Clean Indoor Air Act that expose workers in casinos, hotels, and certain bars to secondhand smoke. HB 880 would also expand the definition of smoking to include e-cigarettes and allow local governments to enact stronger protections. I am grateful to all who have shared their stories and voiced their support for this legislation—thank you for standing with me in this fight.
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Low-Interest Loans and Grants Available for Jefferson Apartment Fire Victims
Federal disaster assistance is now available for individuals, families, and businesses affected by the Jefferson Apartment fire. The U.S. Small Business Administration will provide low-interest loans of up to $500,000 for homeowners and $2 million for businesses, along with long-term repayment options. In addition, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency is offering Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program grants of up to $15,000 for eligible renters and homeowners. Applications for loans and grants are now open, with deadlines in November 2025 (loans) and June 2026 (economic injury loans).
The Small Business Administration will open a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at The Frick Environmental Center to provide in-person assistance for those who would like to apply. It will be open from 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday, through Friday, Oct. 10.
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Community Events and Resources
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Free Street Trees for Squirrel Hill Residents
Through the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ TreeVitalize grant program, residents in Squirrel Hill can apply for a tree to be planted on the sidewalk along their property at no cost.
To request a tree, complete a Tree Planting Request Form and mail it to:
Squirrel Hill Urban Coalition
5604 Solway Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Learn more here.
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SCREENSHOT: ASIA – Film and Media Series
Now-Sunday, Sept. 28 | Various Theaters
SCREENSHOT: ASIA, a collaboration between the Film and Media Studies Program and the Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh, highlights Asian and Asian American experiences through contemporary film and media. The series features classic and emerging works, documentaries, and other on-screen arts. Open to the public.
Learn more here.
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Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, September 27 & 28 | Event Center and Finish Line at Point State Park
The annual Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race hosts a variety of foot races for all ages to enjoy. On Saturday, the family fun run, tot trot, and diaper dash are open for younger racers to compete in. On Sunday, runners will race from Squirrel Hill to The Point in either a 5K or 10K race. Registration is still open!
Learn more here.
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??????Road Closures for The Great Race Weekend??????:
Friday, Sept. 26
- Liberty Avenue between Commonwealth Place and Stanwix Street closes at 7 PM.
- This closure will remain in place through the conclusion of The Great Race on Sunday.
Saturday, Sept. 27
- Downtown road closures: 9 AM – 11:30 AM
- Impacted streets:
- 6th Street Bridge (Roberto Clemente Bridge)
- Fort Duquesne Blvd. (Point State Park → 6th Street)
- Commonwealth Place
- Liberty Ave. (Commonwealth Pl. → Penn Ave.)
- Penn Ave. (Liberty Ave. → Stanwix St.)
- Stanwix St. (Penn Ave. → Fort Duquesne Blvd.)
- View the race map
Sunday, Sept. 28
- Squirrel Hill
- Beechwood Blvd. → Forbes Ave. & Morewood Ave. | 8:30 – 10 AM
- Oakland
- Forbes & Morewood Ave. → Fifth Ave. & Bigelow Blvd. | 8:30 – 10:30 AM
- Fifth Ave. at Bigelow Blvd. → Fifth Ave. at Robinson St. Ramp to Blvd. | 6:30 – 10:45 AM
- Uptown/Downtown
- Fifth Ave. at Robinson St. Ramp → Blvd. of the Allies → Commonwealth Pl. & Liberty Ave. | 6:30 – 11 AM
- View the race map
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Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, September 27, 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM | North Park Lake
Join the Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Festival for a day of dragon boat races, cultural performances, family activities, vendor booths, and food trucks. Teams of 20–24 paddlers can register in advance to participate; all equipment is provided. The event supports the Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat Team.
Free to attend; registration required for paddlers.
Learn more here.
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Children’s Literacy Summit
Saturday, September 27, 10 AM–3 PM | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland)
The Children’s Literacy Summit brings together literacy organizations, educators, caregivers, and community members to promote early literacy and inspire a love of reading in children from birth to age 8. The event includes discussions on strategies and best practices, as well as a Children’s Literacy Resource Fair starting at noon, where families can connect with local organizations and discover resources to support early literacy.
This event is free and open to the public; registration is recommended but walk-ins are welcome.
Learn more here.
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Prime Stage Theatre Cemetery Walk
Saturday, September 27, starting at 12:00 PM | Homewood Cemetery
Explore Pittsburgh history through the stories of notable local figures brought to life by Prime Stage Theatre actors. Tours last approximately one hour and include portrayals of Henry Milo Curry, Eleanor Bradley Flinn, Robert Pitcairn, Edward Manning Bigelow, and others.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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Music @ Main: Album Listening Club – Nevermind by Nirvana
Saturday, September 27, 1 – 2 PM | CLP – Main (Oakland), North Wing Music Room
Join fellow music lovers for a listening club devoted to Nirvana’s Nevermind. Attendees will hear selected tracks, discuss the album’s history and impact, and share personal reflections in a relaxed group setting.
Free.
Learn more here.
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Squirrel Hill Night Market
Saturday, September 27, 6-10 PM | Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill from Forbes Avenue to Beacon Street
Murray Avenue will be turned into an open-air market full of vendors and entertainment. Sen. Jay Costa and I will be sharing a booth with information on state issues and will be available to assist with senior bus passes and other constituent services. Stop by and say hello!
Learn more here.
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The 2025 Pittsburgh Silent Film Festival
September 28- October 5 | Various Locations
Enjoy nine films from the silent film era screened at venues throughout Pittsburgh.
Learn more and buy tickets here.
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Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Family Day Fall Festival
Sunday, September 28, 11 AM–4 PM | Schenley Plaza
Enjoy a day of free carousel rides, live music, a bird of prey meet-and-greet, and family-friendly activities. Special appearance by Rapunzel and friends from 12 – 2 PM.
This event is free and open to all—no registration required.
Learn more here.
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NO KINGS In Our Neighborhood: Oakland
Sunday, September 28, 12 PM – 2 PM | Fifth Avenue & Bigelow Boulevard, Pittsburgh
Indivisible Pittsburgh and Stand Up For Science are hosting a peaceful rally in Oakland as part of the national “No Kings in Our Neighborhoods” campaign. Participants will gather to stand for democracy, the rule of law, science, and justice. The event will feature speakers, opportunities to write to elected officials, and a collective show of support for neighbors and communities across Pittsburgh.
Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and letters for delivery to elected leaders. The event will take place on accessible, flat ground, and accessible restrooms will be available.
Free to attend.
Learn more here.
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Paw Paw Party
Tuesday, September 30, 4 PM | Garden Dreams, 806 Holland Ave, Wilkinsburg
Grow Pittsburgh invites the community to sample pawpaws, North America’s largest native fruit. Attendees will also hear from Gabrielle Marsden about the pawpaw’s role in supporting the zebra swallowtail butterfly, including efforts to restore its population in Pittsburgh. The event is free, with donations welcomed to support butterfly restoration.
Free and open to the public.
Learn more here.
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GCA Community Meet & Greet
Tuesday, September 30, 6 – 8 PM | J. Gough’s Tavern
Join the Greenfield Community Association for an evening of conversation and connection with neighbors. Learn about GCA initiatives, share your ideas, and meet fellow residents in a casual, welcoming setting.
Free.
Learn more here.
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City of Pittsburgh’s Annual Gingerbread Display and Competition
Registration Opens Wednesday, October 1
The people of Pittsburgh, the surrounding Allegheny County communities, and beyond are invited to build their own edible house as the competition display returns this holiday season! All eligible houses will be displayed on Light Up Night through early January.
Learn more and register here.
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Oktoberfest Pittsburgh
Thursday, October 2 – Sunday, October 12 | Ft. Duquesne Boulevard (Between Stanwix Street and 7th Street) & Sixth Street Bridge
Celebrate Bavarian tradition in Downtown Pittsburgh with live music, authentic German food, a biergarten, and family-friendly activities. Enjoy polka and Oompah tunes, Karneval-style games, and cheer on competitors in the Stein Holding contest. Food, drinks, and alcoholic beverages (21+) are available for purchase.
Festival Hours:
- Sunday–Thursday: 12 – 8 PM
- Friday–Saturday: 12 – 10 PM
Admission is free; tickets are required for select activities.
Learn more here.
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AI and Misinformation
Thursday, October 2 | 12:00 – 1:00 PM | CLP-Main & Virtual
The League of Women Voters of Greater Pittsburgh will host a program exploring the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on elections and the media landscape. The presentation will cover how AI can be used to create disinformation, how it can be leveraged to combat it, and strategies for minimizing its negative effects on our information environment.
Registration is recommended for in-person attendees (walk-ins welcome) and required for virtual access.
Free.
Learn more and register here.
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Celebrating 35 Years of the Italian American Program
Thursday, October 2, 6:30 – 8 PM | Heinz History Center
Join the Heinz History Center in honoring the 35th anniversary of the Italian American Program, which has preserved and shared the stories of Western Pennsylvania’s Italian American community since 1990.
Free with advance registration.
Learn more here.
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Reel Q—Pittsburgh LGBTQ Film Festival
Friday, October 3-Saturday, October 11 | Various Locations
Reel Q celebrates LGBTQ films from across the world. Programing includes full-length films and short films ranging from comedies, dramas, and documentaries.
Learn more and get tickets here.
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7th Annual 5Point Adventure Film Festival
Friday, October 3, 2025, 6:00 PM | 3 Rivers Outdoor Co., 1130 S. Braddock Ave.
ASCEND, 3 Rivers Outdoor Company, and The Watersmith Guild are hosting the 7th Annual 5Point Adventure Film Festival. The evening begins at 6 PM with food, drinks, live music, and activities, followed by a film screening at 8 PM. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets.
Learn more here.
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Shadyside Fall Spritz and Stroll
Saturday, October 4, 12 – 4 PM | Walnut Street, Shadyside
ThinkShadyside! invites neighbors to sip and shop on Walnut Street during the Fall Spritz and Stroll. Participants will receive a cup and wristband at check-in, then enjoy 10 spritz beverages across participating businesses, along with shopping, food trucks, and fall vendors. The event also features a corn hole tournament and Cousins Maine Lobster on-site.
Ages 21+ only.
Get tickets here.
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Learn about Changes to Health Insurance Rates
Thursday, October 9, 2025, 1 PM | CLP- Main (Oakland) or Virtual
The Pennsylvania Insurance Department will host an informational session on upcoming changes to health insurance premiums. Attendees will learn why rates are rising, how the department regulates the market, tips for shopping smart during Open Enrollment, and what resources are available to help save money. I’ll be there with my staff; we hope to see you there.
Free admission.
Learn more and register here.
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
152 Main Capitol Building
PO Box 202023
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875
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District Office
2345 Murray Avenue
Suite 205
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
(412) 422-1774
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