Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel July 31, 2026

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, July 31, 2026

My office, above the Starbucks at Forward and Murray avenues, will be open Monday through Friday next week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Harrisburg Happenings

Recognizing and Expanding the Vital Role of Nurse-Midwives

I'm pleased to share that Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed H.B. 1851 into law, a commonsense measure that I helped usher through the House as chair of the Health Committee.

The new law, introduced by Rep. Gina Curry, updates Pennsylvania's Vital Statistics code to allow certified nurse-midwives to complete and sign fetal death reports when they are the primary birth attendant. This recognizes the essential role nurse-midwives play in providing compassionate, high-quality care throughout pregnancy and delivery while streamlining the reporting process for families and health care providers. The change is especially important for births that occur at home or in birthing centers, where a physician may not be present.

This is a meaningful step that better reflects the realities of maternal health care while supporting both families and the dedicated professionals who care for them.

Community Events and Resources

Country Night at the Roller Rink
Friday, July 31 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Schenley Park Roller Rink

Dust off your boots and roll into Country Night at the Schenley Park Roller Rink! Enjoy a lively evening of skating set to country hits and summer favorites in one of Pittsburgh’s most iconic parks. Bring your own quad or inline skates, or take advantage of limited skate rentals available at the rink.

Learn more and buy tickets here.

Regent Square Run Around the Square

Saturday, Aug. 22, 8:30 a.m. | Regent Square, Environmental Charter School at the corner of Henrietta and Milton

Run Around the Square is a charity 5K and 1.5-mile run/walk that takes participants through Regent Square and Frick Park, ending with a community picnic. Registered runners receive a T-shirt, and dogs get scarves. Registration costs increase at midnight tonight, so sign up soon to secure the lower rate.

Pre-race packet pickup will be Saturday, Aug. 22, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Ave., Swissvale. Packets can also be picked up on race day starting at 7 a.m.

Learn more here.

Reggae in the Park
Saturday, Aug. 1, Noon – 8:30 p.m. | Valley Refuge Shelter, Riverview Park

Enjoy a day of live reggae music, DJs, Caribbean food, local craft beers, vendors and art at this free, family-friendly event in Riverview Park. The lineup features Pittsburgh-area performers throughout the day, culminating with a headlining performance by The Meditations from 7–8:30 p.m.

Learn more and view the full schedule of performances.

Reservoir of Jazz Returns to Highland Park With Steel City Calypso

Sunday, Aug. 2, 5–7 p.m. | Highland Park Reservoir (Highland Avenue & Reservoir Drive)

Enjoy live jazz on the lawn as the beloved Reservoir of Jazz series returns to Highland Park.

Steel City Calypso kicks off the series this weekend. Attendees are invited to bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a bite to eat and enjoy refreshments and craft vendors. Following the concert, stick around for Summer Soul Line Dancing at the fountain.

Learn more about the full summer lineup and weekly performances here.

National Night Out
Tuesday, Aug. 4, 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Bud Hammer Playground

Join the Greenfield community for National Night Out, an annual celebration that strengthens relationships between neighbors and local public safety officials. Enjoy a free cookout, games and family-friendly activities while meeting police, firefighters and other first responders.

Learn more here.

Understanding the Legal Appeals Process in the Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting Case

Tuesday, Aug. 4, 6–8 p.m. | Jewish Community Center

As appeals move forward in the federal Pittsburgh synagogue shooting case, many community members have questions about what comes next and what the process means. Join legal experts Professor David Harris of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Judge Jill Beck of the Pennsylvania Superior Court for an educational discussion of the appeals process, the arguments before the court and the possible outcomes ahead.

Designed for a general audience, this free program will provide an accessible overview of the legal system and the appeals process without requiring any prior legal knowledge.

Learn more and register for this free event here.

Woodland Twang Under the Tent

Thursday, Aug. 6, 7 p.m. | Schenley Plaza

Enjoy a summer evening of live music as Woodland Twang brings their high-energy bluegrass sound to Schenley Plaza. Hailing from Saltsburg, PA, this five-piece string band blends traditional and modern bluegrass with unexpected, banjo-driven covers—delivered with their signature “airy and stomp holler” style.

This free outdoor concert is part of the Summer Series Under the Tent. No tickets are required, though tips for the artists are welcomed. Concert will be held rain or shine except in severe weather, with updates posted on Schenley Plaza’s website and social media channels.

Learn more about the Summer Series lineup at Schenley Plaza here.