Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel February 6, 2026

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, February 6, 2026

Happy Black History Month!

There are events throughout February to celebrate the important contributions and accomplishments of African American Pittsburghers, and you can also check out relevant historical sites in this guide created by Visit Pittsburgh.

Harrisburg Happenings

Governor Shapiro’s new budget pitch

I welcomed Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal as a thoughtful, values-driven plan that makes meaningful investments in workers, public health, and Pennsylvania’s future. The budget prioritizes raising wages, strengthening access to health care, investing in violence prevention, and supporting mass transit and public education—while also taking steps to ease cost pressures on families and communities. I’m encouraged by this comprehensive approach and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance these priorities for Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth. Learn more here.

Calling on Senate Republicans to pass a bill to legalize cannabis

It’s been 9 months since the House of Representatives made history and passed my legislation with Rep. Rick Krajewski to legalize cannabis for the first time in Pennsylvania’s history. Our legislation sought to accomplish something that no legal weed state has fully achieved: to benefit our communities, our small businesses and our taxpayers rather than the massive out-of-state companies that have controlled the market and much of their own regulation throughout the country.

This week, we called on PA Senate Republicans to stop blocking progress on legalization – whether they pass our bill, amend and pass our bill or pass their own bill. Once they do that, negotiations can finally begin to create the strongest possible legal marketplace for our commonwealth.

Cell phone-free learning in PA

In November, I co-chaired a hearing on cell phone bans in schools, which experts say improves learning, mental health and social development.

So far, 19 states have implemented “bell-to-bell” bans to foster an environment where students can thrive, and Governor Shapiro highlighted his support for such a law in Pennsylvania during his budget address on Tuesday. This week, the Senate also passed bipartisan legislation requiring phone-free schools by an overwhelming margin. I’m excited to see this research-backed policy gaining momentum in Pennsylvania, and I look forward to casting my vote in favor of a statewide ban on cell phones in schools.

Community Events and Resources

Black History Month Celebration Reception
Tonight, Feb. 6 at 5:30 p.m. | City-County Building Grand Lobby, Downtown Pittsburgh

The City of Pittsburgh celebrates Black History Month by honoring the courage, leadership, and legacy of John B. Vashon and his family, whose work in education, justice, and community service continues to inspire movements for equity and human rights.

Tonight’s reception will include a performance by Viii Dorsey and hands-on screen printing with BOOM Concepts, followed by a monthlong Black History Month display in the Grand Lobby running through February 28. Admission is free and open to all.

Learn more and see the full schedule here: https://www.pittsburghpa.gov/Recreation-Events/Special-Events/Black-History-Month

Winter Tree ID Walk at Mellon Park
Sat., Feb. 7 from 10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m. | Mellon Park

Learn how to identify trees—even in winter—on a guided walk with Friends of Mellon Park and Penn State Extension Urban Forester Brian Wolyniak. Take a closer look at bark, branches, buds, and tree shape while exploring the park.

The walk is free, but space is limited. Reserve your spot by emailing info@friendsofmellonpark.org. Dress for the weather.

Disco Night at Schenley Skating Rink

Sat., Feb. 7 from 6:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. | Schenley Skating Rink

Skate outdoors to the sounds of the 1970s! All are welcome from 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m., but the event will be adults only from 8:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5-6 and skate rental is $3. Tickets must be purchased in advance online and can be found here.

Family Day at the Pittsburgh Opera

Sat., Feb. 7 from 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. | Bitz Opera Factory, 2425 Liberty Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Pittsburgh Opera invites families to a hands-on workshop designed to introduce children and teens to the many elements that make up opera. Enjoy a 30-minute concert followed by four fun, interactive activities! There is no minimum age to attend, but parents must accompany children younger than high school age.

Free. Advance registration is required.

Learn more and register here.

Black History Month Art Crawl

Sat., Feb. 7 from 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. | Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Join the Children’s Museum for an educational celebration of Pittsburgh’s artists, musicians, and performers. Contemporary artists stationed throughout the Museum’s first floor will create live portraits and artworks honoring Pittsburgh’s Black heroes, past and present.

Included with museum admission ($19-21).

Learn more here.

Discovery Time: Investigating Insects

Sun., Feb. 8 from 1:00 p.m.– 3:00 p.m. | Frick Environmental Center

Learn about insects during a hands-on discovery time at the Frick Environmental Center. Decorate an origami butterfly, meet live insects, dress up like a bug, and more.

Community Writing Center with the University of Pittsburgh Writing Center

Tues., Feb. 10 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. | Squirrel Hill branch, Carnegie Library

Connect with tutors from the Pitt Writing Center to get support on any writing projects you may have: from novels to resumes, emails to essays, and anything in between!

Free. Learn more here.

Repairing Together: When the noise is loud, remembering the "why"
Tues., Feb. 10 from 6:15 p.m.–8:00 p.m. | Anathan House, 1620 Murray Ave., Pittsburgh

Join the Repro Shabbat edition of the Tikkun Yachad series to reflect on the “why” behind shared values and explore how to stay grounded amid today’s challenges. Repairing Together gatherings focus on collective care and regulation, foster trust and connection across the community, and support meaningful, sustainable action. All are welcome.

Free event, and childcare available.

Duo’s Treehouse with La Escuelita Arcoiris

Fridays from 11:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. | The Kingsley Association

This free program invites caregivers and children (birth to 5 years) to join on Fridays for a bilingual (English/Spanish) space to play and learn. This welcoming environment offers early learning support and enrichment for local families.

Learn more about this recurring event and RSVP here.