Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel August 21, 2026

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, August 21, 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.

On Monday, Pittsburgh Public Schools students will start their academic year, following Environmental Charter School’s return last week and ahead of several of our local private schools. I wish all of our students, parents, staff and educators a smooth transition and a terrific school year!

Harrisburg Happenings

Community Health Worker Awareness Day

In July, I introduced a resolution to designate October 20 as Community Health Worker Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. Community Health Workers have served as a trusted, community-rooted public health workforce for more than 60 years, helping individuals and families navigate health and social service systems, connect to resources, and manage chronic conditions — not just in health centers, but in shelters, schools, and community organizations across all 67 counties. This resolution recognizes their unique role and the trust they build through lived experience and cultural understanding, and helps lay the groundwork for long-term investment in the CHW workforce.

A Boost for Career Training in Pittsburgh Public Schools

I'm thrilled to announce that Pittsburgh Public Schools is set to receive a $140,000 state PAsmart grant to expand career and technical education programs in fields like advanced manufacturing, digital technology, and energy. I've long supported this kind of investment in Harrisburg, and it's paying off — state workforce development funding is up 60 percent since Governor Shapiro took office. This grant means more of our students right here in the district will get hands-on training and a clearer path to good careers before they even graduate high school.

Community Events and Resources

Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics 2026
Registration open now

Rally your block on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 9 – 11 a.m. for the city's friendliest trash-collecting competition. Sign up to join an existing neighborhood team, or step up as Team Captain to register a new one — captains get the details on meeting spots and what to bring, then pass them along to their crew.

Learn more here.

Community Sing with Lilly Abreu & Trio
Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 – 11 a.m. | Shadyside Presbyterian Church, 5121 Westminster Place

Join the annual Summer Community Sing for an hour of song and dance appropriate for all ages! Guest artist Lilly Abreu will lead the group through Brazilian jazz, teaching vocals and dance steps with support from her trio on guitar, bass and percussion. Free and open to the community — no registration required.

Learn more here.

29th Annual Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street

Saturday & Sunday, Aug. 22 – 23, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Walnut St.

Pittsburgh's biggest outdoor art fair returns to Shadyside for a full weekend of browsing and shopping from juried artists. Expect painting, photography, ceramics, jewelry, and more lining Walnut Street, plus food and live entertainment throughout.

Free admission. See some of the art available here.

Squirrel Hill Night Markets

Saturday, August 22, 6-10 p.m. | Murray Avenue, from Forbes Avenue to Beacon Street

Murray Avenue will be turned into an open-air market full of vendors and entertainment. My staff will be available to assist with senior bus passes and other constituent services. Stop by and say hello!

Learn more here.

PRT Hearings and Public Comment on Proposed Bus Line Refresh Network
Hearing Aug. 25, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. | Heinz 57 Building, 345 Sixth Ave.

Pittsburgh Regional Transit has released its proposed final Bus Line Refresh network, following nearly three years of planning and more than 20,000 public comments.

Comments on the detailed proposal can be submitted online, by email, phone or mail through Sept. 30. Public hearings are set for Aug. 25 and Sept. 10. The PRT Board is expected to vote on the network in November.

Review the proposed network and submit comments here.

Fall Auditions for the Bach Choir of Pittsburgh
Tuesday, Aug. 25, 7 – 9 p.m. | Beit Kulanu, 4905 Fifth Avenue

Bach Choir of Pittsburgh invites singers of all voice parts to audition and join the BCP family, whether you're a seasoned performer or returning to choral singing. The choir includes both volunteer singers and a core of professional, paid singers, and is especially eager to diversify and expand its ensemble. Regular rehearsals run Tuesday evenings from early September through early May at Beit Kulanu in Oakland. Questions can be directed to auditions@bachchoirpittsburgh.org.

Learn more here.

JFCS Summer Job Fair

Friday, August 28, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. | Monroeville Public Library

Explore new career opportunities and network with local employers. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting out, this public Job Fair is tailored for you. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is preferred.

Volunteers needed: Mission of Mercy Free Dental and Hearing Clinic
Oct. 16 – 17 | David L. Lawrence Convention Center

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh is calling for volunteers to help staff its free dental and hearing clinic, which expects to serve more than 2,000 patients over the two days. Roles range from clinical support, such as X-ray and lab technicians, to administrative help, including patient check-in.