Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel October 3, 2025 | 12:09 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, October 3, 2025

Harrisburg Happenings

Contraception is Health Care

This week, I joined members of the Women’s Health Caucus and advocates from Americans for Contraception at the Capitol to celebrate World Contraception Day and call on the Senate to take action on reproductive health.

Our coalition is working to advance legislation introduced by Rep. Leanne Krueger to guarantee access to all forms of contraception in Pennsylvania. The legislation has broad public support and reflects commonsense protections that should already be law. Unfortunately, despite bipartisan passage in the House, the Senate has refused to move the bill forward. We will continue to push until every Pennsylvanian has the freedom to make intimate health care decisions without barriers or political interference.

Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act Advances

On Tuesday, the Health Committee voted 22-4 to approve my legislation, the Protecting Workers from Secondhand Smoke Act. The bill would close loopholes in our Clean Indoor Air Act so that casino dealers, bartenders, and workers in private clubs no longer must risk their health to earn a paycheck. I believe the strong bipartisan vote will give the bill new momentum, and I will keep pushing to get it to the governor’s desk.

House Approves Background Check Bill for Rifles and Shotguns

This week, the House passed legislation requiring background checks for the sale and transfer of rifles and shotguns, with bipartisan support. The bill was part of a broader slate of commonsense gun safety measures--including a red flag law and a ghost gun ban--that narrowly failed to secure a majority vote. While these setbacks are frustrating, I remain determined to fight for meaningful reforms to reduce gun deaths and protect our communities from preventable tragedies.

State Government Committee Advances Religious Holiday Recognition

The State Government Committee has passed legislation to officially recognize the Jewish and Muslim holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha as holidays of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The bill designates these observances without requiring schools or workplaces to close, celebrating community, family, and faith. I am proud to have worked alongside Rep. Tarik Khan on this bill and look forward to its passage in the House when it comes up for a floor vote. You can watch my full remarks here.

A Conversation on Forgiveness and Democracy

I was honored to participate in the Center for Loving Kindness’ annual Yom Kippur program, From Division to Renewal: A Conversation on Forgiveness and Democracy.

I joined Jon Delano and former State Representative Carrie Lewis DelRosso for a thoughtful conversation about the role forgiveness, accountability, and shared responsibility play in a healthy democracy. At a time when political discourse is often marked by anger and polarization, it was meaningful to pause for Yom Kippur and consider how these values can help us create a more constructive civic culture.

My thanks to the Center for Loving Kindness and Rabbi Hindy Finman for convening this important dialogue and for their ongoing work to bring people together in pursuit of common ground. Additional thanks to Jon Delano and Carrie Lewis DelRosso for such a thoughtful discussion.

I hope this Yom Kippur brought reflection and renewal to those who observed.

Community Events and Resources

PennDOT’s Ninth Annual Innovations Challenge

Submissions are due by 11:59 PM on January 30, 2026.

PennDOT is inviting high school students in grades 9–12 across Pennsylvania to participate in its ninth annual Innovations Challenge. This statewide competition encourages teams to develop creative solutions to real-world transportation challenges.

Challenge Topic:
Students are asked to design a concept using artificial intelligence (AI) in work zones to improve safety for road crews and drivers. Entries should consider cost-effectiveness, statewide deployment, and public outreach.

Learn more and access resources here.

The Greenfield Climate Committee

The Greenfield Climate Committee is a new neighborhood initiative focused on practical, local actions to address climate change and environmental challenges.

The committee will concentrate on:

Energy: solar, efficiency, and sustainable sources
Air Quality: indoor and outdoor health
Toxins: household and emerging environmental hazards
Land: gardens, greenways, urban agriculture, composting, recycling, vacant lots, soil health, and naturalized yards
Water: drinking water, stormwater, sewage, infrastructure, and flooding concerns—especially in The Run and Four Mile Run

If you are interested in joining the Greenfield Climate Committee, please email Annie Quinn at annie@monwaterproject.org.

Oktoberfest Pittsburgh
Now – Sunday, October 12 | Ft. Duquesne Boulevard (Between Stanwix St and 7th St) & 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: 12:00–8:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 12:00–10:00 PM

Admission is free; tickets are required for select activities.

Learn more here.

7th Annual 5Point Adventure Film Festival
Today, October 3, 6:00 PM | 3 Rivers Outdoor Co., 1130 S. Braddock Ave., 15218

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 chair or blanket.

$10 admission.

Learn more here.

Fall in Love with Mellon Park

Saturday, October 4, 11:00 AM | Mellon Park

CitiParks and Friends of Mellon Park invite the community to celebrate the beauty and history of Mellon Park, Pittsburgh’s first public arboretum. Families can enjoy activities, tours, live performances, and recreation on the park’s north and south sides.

Free.

Learn more here.

Shadyside Fall Spritz and Stroll
Saturday, October 4, 12:00 – 4:00 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.

$28.52 per ticket. Ages 21+ only.

Get tickets here.

Electric Playground

Saturday, October 4, 2:00–6:00 PM | Hazelwood Green

Experience an afternoon of games, music, and technology for the whole family. Enjoy virtual reality adventures, video games, hands-on tech activities, and live performances.

Free and open to all.

Learn more here.

Festival of Combustion

Saturday, October 4, 3:00-9:00 PM | Carrie Blast Furnaces

Rivers of Steel invites the community to celebrate industrial arts and American craft. The festival features hands-on activities, trade demonstrations, self-guided tours, live music, craft beer, food trucks, and a marketplace. Highlights include an all-day iron pour, blacksmith and glassblowing demos, a glowing ceramic reveal, and fireworks over the furnaces. Performances by The Polkamaniacs and Erika June & the Tunes.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the gate.

Learn more and get tickets here.

International Poetry Forum Presents: Sir Andrew Motion x John Keats
Sunday, October 5, 2:00 – 3:30 PM | CLP – Main (Oakland) Lecture Hall

Former UK Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion will visit Pittsburgh’s International Poetry Forum for a reading of his acclaimed work alongside selections by John Keats, one of his primary influences. An author signing will follow, with books available for purchase from City of Asylum Bookstore. Presented by the International Poetry Forum in partnership with Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh.

Free admission, registration required.

Learn more here.

American Experience Distinguished Speaker Series: Senator Ben Cardin
Monday, October 6, 4:30 PM | University of Pittsburgh, University Club

The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy will welcome former U.S. Senator Ben Cardin for a lecture on restoring civility in politics, advocating with passion, and the importance of compromise. Senator Cardin, who served six decades in elected office, is recognized for his leadership on human rights, healthcare, and environmental protection.

Free admission, registration required.

Learn more and register here.

Costume Bootique
Monday, October 7, 3:00–4:00 PM | Greenfield Elementary School

The Greenfield PTO will distribute gently used costumes for anyone looking for a Halloween costume.

Free.

Learn more here.

30 Books in 30 Minutes: Banned Books Week
Wednesday, October 8, 11:00 – 11:30 AM | CLP – Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP) & Online

In celebration of Banned Books Week, library staff will race against the clock to recommend their favorite banned books.

Free. Registration required for virtual attendance.

Learn more here.

Learn about Changes to Health Insurance Rates
Thursday, October 9, 1:00 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.

Free admission.

Learn more and register here.

Teen Night: Bubbles and Broomsticks
Thursday, October 9, 5:00 – 8:00 PM | Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History

Teens are invited to explore potions, experiments, bubbling brews, and even a bug buffet at this Wizard of Oz–inspired evening. Activities include wand-making, bubble art, costume design, and more. Open to ages 13–18.

Free.

Learn more here.

Sharon Flake at Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures
Thursday, October 9, 6:00 PM | Carnegie Library Lecture Hall, 4440 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh

Award-winning author Sharon G. Flake will discuss her latest novel, The Family I’m In, the final installment in the I’m In trilogy. Known for her groundbreaking work The Skin I’m In, Flake has inspired generations of readers and writers. Her talk will explore themes of identity, friendship, and the challenges faced by young people today.

Free admission, registration required.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Identity Theft: What Every Consumer Should Know
Wednesday, October 9, 6:30–7:30 PM | CLP – Squirrel Hill

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General will present information to help consumers protect themselves from identity theft. The program will cover common tactics used by identity thieves, steps to safeguard personal information, and how to report identity theft if it occurs.

Free admission.

Learn more here.

Wanted: Trunk or Treat Hosts!
Thursday, October 24, 5:30–8:00 PM | Greenfield Elementary School

The Greenfield K8 PTO is seeking volunteers to host decorated trunks for this year’s Fall Fest. Volunteers are asked to bring one vehicle, decorate with a fun theme, and hand out candy, host a game, or lead a craft for children. Please plan for around 200 participants, arrive at least one hour early for setup, and stay for the full event. Space is limited, and all types of vehicles are welcome.

Those interested should email ptogreenfieldk8@gmail.com by October 11.

October 7 Commemoration
Sunday, October 12, 6:30–7:30 PM | JCC Levinson Hall, 5738 Forbes Ave (Darlington Entrance), 15217

The Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh and the JCC will host a remembrance ceremony of the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel. This gathering is an opportunity to mourn, learn, and stand in solidarity.