Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel November 7, 2025 | 1:06 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, November 7, 2025

My office will close on Tuesday, November 11 and will reopen on Wednesday, November 12th observance of Veterans Day. Thank you to all who have served our country!

Harrisburg Happenings

Election Day

Congratulations to voters across Allegheny County for turning out in such strong numbers on Tuesday. With a 44.64% turnout in this municipal election, residents demonstrated the power of civic engagement and the importance of participating in our local democracy.

Elections like this remind us that every vote counts, and that our communities are stronger when people make their voices heard.

In addition, I would like to congratulate Mayor-Elect Corey O’Connor, and I look forward to working with him to serve the people of Pittsburgh with dedication and vision.

Federal Shutdown and SNAP Benefits

On Monday, I joined Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, County Executive Sara Innamorato, and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to address the Trump administration’s reckless suspension of SNAP benefits during the federal shutdown. That decision — later overturned by a court — left millions of families across Pennsylvania scrambling to afford food, forcing food banks to double their output almost overnight.

Governor Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Davis acted swiftly to provide emergency relief, but enormous challenges remain. Using hunger as a political bargaining chip is shameful. I will continue fighting to ensure that no Pennsylvanian is left hungry for partisan gain.

Fighting Food Insecurity

I joined Rep. Abigail Salisbury, local nonprofit leaders, and faith-based partners this week for a panel on food insecurity at Our Giving Kitchen in Squirrel Hill {Link incoming}. As Washington Republicans slash SNAP and other vital supports, more families are being pushed to the brink. In Pittsburgh, we don’t accept hunger as inevitable — we come together to fight it. I will continue working alongside community partners and the Shapiro administration to ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to the vital programs that keep our social safety net in place.

Community Events and Resources

A Soldier’s Footlocker: Civil War
Today, November 7 – Wednesday, November 12 | CLP – Main (Oakland)

Explore what a Civil War soldier carried with him as part of his daily life. On loan from Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum, the footlocker will be on display in the Family & Local History Department.

Free.

Learn more here.

City of Pittsburgh Fall Yard Debris Collection
Saturday, November 8

Pittsburgh’s Department of Public Works Environmental Services will collect fall yard debris for compost production. Residents are encouraged to place yard debris — including branches, leaves, and grass — at the curb by 6 AM. Halloween pumpkins will also be accepted.

Learn more here.

Coats for Kids

Saturday, November 8, 10 AM- 2 PM | PGH Fire Fighters Local No. 1 Union Hall

Pittsburgh Fire Fighters will be distributing free coats to any kids in need this winter. Children must be present to receive a coat.

Questions can be sent to coats@pittsburghfirefighters.org.?

Friends of Neill Log House Celebration

Sunday, November 9, 11 AM- 3 PM | Neil Log House

Friends of Neill Log House will celebrate the 1-year anniversary of its reopening with a day of food, drink, and fun. During the celebration, docents will be giving tours of the house and grounds.

Learn more here.

Flu and Covid Vaccination Clinic

Monday, November 10, 4:30-6:30 PM | JCC Squirrel Hill- Robinson Building

Giant Eagle and the JCC will host a Flu and Covid-19 vaccine clinic for the community. Insurance card required.

Registration is required to participate in the clinic. Sign up online here.

Free Admission Day at Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Tuesday, November 11 | Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Join the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for a day full of activities in honor of Veterans Day.

Free admission to the museum for all.

Learn more here.

Ungoverning and the Politics of Chaos: Can We Still Make Our Constitution Work?
Tuesday, November 11, 2025, 12:30 – 1:30 PM | University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Teplitz Courtroom (Ground Floor) or virtual

The Dick Thornburgh Forum for Law & Public Policy will host Dartmouth professor and author Russell Muirhead for a lecture examining the challenges facing American governance in an era of political polarization and administrative disruption. Muirhead, co-author of Ungoverning: The Attack on the Administrative State and the Politics of Chaos, will discuss the forces undermining state capacity and explore what it will take to rebuild public trust in government institutions.

Free.

Learn more and register here.

Frick Park Stewardship Days
Wednesday, November 12, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Frick Environmental Center

Join the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy for a morning of ecological restoration and invasive species management in Clayton Hill, part of Pittsburgh’s largest regional park. Volunteers will help protect native plants and maintain the natural beauty of Frick Park. Tools and guidance will be provided.

Free, registration required.

Learn more here.

Three Rivers Film Festival

November 12-23

The Three Rivers Film Festival showcases independent feature films from around the world, including dramas, comedies, and documentaries. The festival also features Q&As with visiting filmmakers, after-parties, red carpet photos, and more.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Cardigan Day

Thursday, Nov. 13

Join Pittsburgh’s yearly tradition of wearing cardigans and spreading kindness! This Monday, wear your favorite cardigan, snap a picture, and share it on social media using the hashtag #CardiganDay.

Learn more about Cardigan Day here.

Raising Kids in a Screen-Saturated World
Thursday, November 13, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Carnegie Library Squirrel Hill

Families are invited to a workshop hosted by Pittsburgh Public Unplugged in partnership with PA Unplugged, a statewide coalition of parents and experts. The session will explore the impact of screens and social media on children’s development, mental health, and school experience. Attendees will learn about the science of screen addiction, hear from educators, and connect with other parents navigating the digital landscape.

Free.

Learn more and sign up here.

City of Pittsburgh Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Saturday, November 15, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM | City of Pittsburgh Environmental Services, 3001 Railroad Street, 15201

Safely dispose of household hazardous waste such as paints, automotive fluids, pesticides, cleaners, propane tanks, and more. Fees are charged by item type and weight, and all materials will be assessed on-site. Registration is required, and payment is accepted by cash, check, or card.

Fees vary by item; registration required.

Learn more here.

Wrapped in Love Safe Sleep Community Event
Saturday, November 15, 12:00 – 3:00 PM | UPMC Neighborhood Center, 6401 Penn Avenue, 15206

Magee-Womens Hospital will host a community event to help new parents navigate the “fourth trimester.” The program will include info-sessions on safe sleep practices, infant CPR, and meal planning for families with newborns. Guests are invited to participate in a baby clothes swap and are encouraged to bring gently used or new baby items to share.

Free event, registration required.

Learn more and register by emailing mageeoutreach@upmc.edu.