Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel November 21, 2025 | 10:37 AM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, November 21, 2025

My office will close on Wednesday, November 26 and will reopen on Monday, December 1 in observance of Thanksgiving.

Please note that there will be no e-newsletter next week. Our next e-newsletter will be sent on Friday, December 5.

I wish you and your loved ones a safe and joyful Thanksgiving holiday.

Harrisburg Happenings

Bell-to-Bell Phone Ban in Schools

On Monday, the House Health and Education committees held a joint hearing on whether Pennsylvania should establish a statewide framework to limit cellphone use in K–12 schools. Teachers, administrators, psychologists, and advocates testified that constant access to phones is driving anxiety, distraction, and declining academic performance. Our aim is to use this testimony to shape a statewide policy that supports students and educators alike — one that acknowledges the value of technology while confronting the very real need to protect children’s mental health and preserve focused, healthy learning environments.

Newborn Screenings

The House Health Committee unanimously advanced legislation to add Gaucher’s disease and Duchenne muscular dystrophy to Pennsylvania’s newborn screening panel. Gaucher’s disease, which is more common among Ashkenazi Jews, and Duchenne are rare genetic conditions that can cause significant disability and shorten life expectancy. Adding these screenings will help families secure answers and care as early as possible.

State Funding for Local Projects

I’m excited to announce that nearly $568,000 in state grants were secured for key projects across our district. These investments will strengthen neighborhood business corridors, improve security for students, and support vital community institutions. Funding will support:

Revitalization of 5th Avenue
The Murray Avenue Corridor Revitalization project
Security camera upgrades at the Western PA School for Blind Children
Construction of The Neighborhood Academy’s new learning resource center
Roof repairs at Rodef Shalom

Community Events and Resources

2026 Calendar: Squirrel Hill — Then and Now

The 2026 Squirrel Hill — Then and Now calendars are now available for purchase through the end of December for $25, including tax. Copies can be found at the Squirrel Hill Farmers Markets and at Games Unlimited on Forbes Avenue or ordered online.

The calendar features photographs of Squirrel Hill from different stages of its history, offering a look at the neighborhood’s past and present.

Buy the calendar online here.

2025 Christmas Day at Pitt Gift Drive
Now – Friday, December 12 | Cathedral of Learning, Room 1723

The University of Pittsburgh’s Office of Engagement and Community Affairs is hosting its annual holiday gift drive. Community members are encouraged to contribute by purchasing gifts from the Amazon registry or dropping off unwrapped items in person. Gifts will be distributed to children who join in the Christmas Day celebration at Pitt.

Learn more here.

Holiday Market
Today, November 21 – Tuesday, December 24 | Cultural District

The annual Peoples Gas Holiday Market has moved to the Cultural District this year due to construction in Market Square. Shoppers can shop for gifts from local makers and artisans from around the world in this European-style market.

Free admission, items for purchase at the market.

Learn more here.

Schenley Skating Rink Opening Day

Saturday, November 22 | 10341 Overlook Drive (Near the Tennis Courts), in Schenley Park

Schenley Skating Rink is opening for the 2025-26 winter season.

Warm temperatures and lots of sunshine can deteriorate the ice, causing the rink to close. Please call the rink at (412) 422-6523 to check if it is open. CitiParks will post all rink updates on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

Admission prices apply.

Learn more here.

Light Up Night

Saturday, November 22, 4-10 PM | Downtown Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s annual kick-off for the holiday season will include a tree-lighting, fireworks, food trucks, live entertainment, and more.

For the full list of everything going on, you can look here.

Squirrel Hill Farmers Market

Most Sundays, Until December 21, 9 AM- 1 PM | Beacon & Barlett Parking Lot

The Squirrel Hill Farmers Market is still open! The market sells farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese, baked goods, and hot prepared foods to go. All markets accept food stamps (SNAP) and credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest’s Fresh Access program.

*The market will be closed on Sunday, November 30.

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Public School Public Hearing and Legislative Meeting

Public Hearing: Monday November 24, 6-7 PM | PPS Administration Building or Virtual

Legislative Meeting: Tuesday, November 25, 6:30-7:30 PM | PPS Administration Building or Virtual

Pittsburgh Public Schools will hold a public hearing next week as the Board of Directors prepares for a possible vote on the district’s Future-Ready Plan. The proposal includes school closures, consolidations, boundary changes, and program adjustments.

You can watch the public hearing here.

You can watch the legislative meeting here.

YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh Turkey Trot
Thursday, November 27, 7:30 AM | Downtown Pittsburgh

The YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s annual Turkey Trot includes a variety of races, including a 5-Mile, 5K, Double Gobble, and a 1-Mile Family Fun Run.

The Turkey Trot supports Families Helping Families by collecting food and donations for the YMCA food pantry programs and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to support local families in need during the holiday season.

Admission prices vary. Registration is open. All runners receive a race shirt, and medals are available for purchase.

Learn more and register here.

Top 10 Scams Against Seniors
Monday, December 1, 6–7 PM | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Squirrel Hill

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General will host a presentation on the Top 10 Scams Against Seniors, highlighting common fraud schemes that target older adults across the Commonwealth. From robocalls and phishing emails to social media scams, attendees will learn how to identify and avoid tactics used by scammers to steal money or personal information.

Free admission.

Learn more here.

Opening Reception – Maxo Vanka: Gift to America 2.0: New Voices. New Walls.
Thursday, December 4, 6–9 PM | Frick Environmental Center

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy is hosting an opening reception of Maxo Vanka: Gift to America 2.0: New Voices. New Walls. This exhibition features a diverse group of artists who draw inspiration from Maxo Vanka’s themes of justice, injustice, the immigrant experience, and motherhood.

Free admission.

Learn more here.

Pittsburgh Krampuslauf
Friday, December 5, 6 PM | Cultural District, Pittsburgh

Krampuslauf or “Krampus Parade” is a traditional Austrian parade of the folkloric creature Krampus. Parade-goers dress up as Krampus and march downtown, in a fun, lighthearted twist on Holiday traditions. The parade begins at 7th and Penn and will travel through all three sites of the Holiday Village, offering plenty of opportunities for photos with both children and adults.

Free.

Learn more here.

Greenfield Holiday Parade

Friday, December 5, 7 PM | Greenfield

Greenfield’s annual Holiday Parade will feature food trucks, fireworks, and holiday cheer. The parade will form in Squirrel Hill Plaza at Hazelwood and Murray Avenue intersection and proceed down the Murray Avenue business district to Greenfield Avenue, ending at Lydia Street.

In addition, parade-goers are invited to get a picture with Santa outside the Edward P. Kanai Funeral Home (500 Greenfield Ave). Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate, which will be collected during the parade by Santa and his helpers.

Learn more here.

Handmade Arcade Holiday Market
Friday–Saturday, December 5–6 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Pittsburgh’s largest handmade shopping event offering handcrafted goods, from clothing and jewelry to home décor and art. Visitors can enjoy live art demonstrations, hands-on activities, and community art projects, along with food and drinks available for purchase. Special sessions include a sensory-friendly shopping event and two ticketed preview experiences that support Handmade Arcade’s programs for artists and makers.

Admission price applies.

Learn more and get tickets here.

Light Up Point Breeze!

Saturday, December 6, 5-7 PM | Reynolds Street, between Gettysburg and Hastings Streets

Join the Point Breeze Organization for a winter celebration featuring food trucks, local businesses, and family-friendly fun. The event is free and open to all.

Learn more here.

Holiday Open House 2025
Sunday, December 7, 12:00 – 4:00 PM | Cathedral of Learning Commons

The 34th Nationality and Intercultural Exchange Programs Holiday Open House invites guests to explore the Nationality and Heritage Rooms, decorated for the season. The open house will have traditional crafts, cultural demonstrations, music, and holiday treats.