Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, May 8, 2026

My office, located above the Starbucks at Murray and Forward Avenues, is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Stop by to learn more about the state services my staff and I can provide.

 

Harrisburg Happenings

The Republican-led Senate spent this week advancing dangerous bills designed to protect and enrich the firearms industry instead of protecting Pennsylvanians.

 

On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 357, which would allow concealed firearms to be carried without a license. Later that day, the full Senate passed Senate Bill 822, legislation that would strengthen Pennsylvania’s firearm preemption law by exposing local governments to costly lawsuits if they attempt to enact commonsense gun safety ordinances tailored to their communities.

 

Democrats hold the majority in the Pennsylvania House, so Pennsylvanians can rest assured that legislation like this will not become law. House Democrats remain focused on policies that save lives, strengthen communities, and improve public safety — not bills written for gun lobby interests and firearm manufacturers.

 

I also continue to fight for bills that would finally end firearm preemption in Pennsylvania altogether. My legislation would restore the authority of local communities to enact reasonable gun safety measures that reflect the needs of their residents. Communities confronting gun violence every day deserve the ability to act when the state legislature refuses to.

 

Community Events and Resources

Community Party & Skate Night
Friday, May 8, 5–8 p.m. | Allegheny RiverTrail Park

 

This event brings neighbors together for an evening at the park with free skate rentals, food, music, and time to connect. Open to all, this gathering highlights the shared role the community plays in supporting the park.

 

Find info here.

Young Birder Outing with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m. | Frick Environmental Center

 

Young birders ages 12–18 are invited to join David Yeany from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy for a guided birding walk during the height of spring migration. This outing offers a chance to spot seasonal migrants, learn bird identification skills, and explore Frick Park’s natural areas with an expert guide. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend, and binoculars will be available to borrow.

 

The walk covers approximately 1 mile over natural and gravel trails with varying grades.

 

Learn more and register here.

Point Breeze Volunteer Planting Event

Saturday, May 9, 9-11:30 a.m. | Beechwood & Lyndhurst Green

 

Join neighbors and volunteers for a community planting event hosted by the Point Breeze Organization and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy. No registration required.

 

Check out the PBO Facebook page here or email here with questions.

The Squirrel Hill Farmers Market is Back!

Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., through December | Parking Lot at Beacon and Bartlett

 

The City of Pittsburgh Farmers Markets sell farm-fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese and baked goods, flowers, small gifts and hot prepared foods to go. The market accepts food stamps (SNAP), credit and debit cards as part of Just Harvest's Fresh Access program. Learn more about it here. Don’t forget to bring your reusable shopping bags!

The 2026 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program now open

 

Eligible Allegheny County residents over 60 can receive $25 in vouchers for fresh, local produce. Unlike in previous years, you can now apply online and have vouchers mailed directly to your home. If you’d prefer a paper application, just stop by my office so my staff can help you apply.

 

Learn more about eligibility and apply online here.

Body Art Modification Town Hall

Tuesday, May 12, at 1 p.m. | Hosanna House, 807 Wallace Ave., Wilkinsburg, PA

 

Allegheny County Health Department Director Dr. Iulia Vann is hosting a town hall to hear directly from residents about body art regulations. This is an opportunity to share feedback and ideas that can help protect both artists and the broader community while supporting safe, healthy practices.

 

Learn more and RSVP here.

First 100 Days: Reflections from Newly Elected Judges
Tuesday, May 12, 5:30–6:30 PM | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main Branch

 

This program features newly elected judges discussing their first 100 days on the bench. Panelists will address the transition from campaign to courtroom, including managing caseloads, adhering to judicial ethics, and maintaining public confidence. The conversation will explore how early experiences can shape judicial decision-making and the administration of justice.

 

Learn more and register to attend in person or online.

Parkway East Bridge Project Virtual Meeting
Wednesday, May 13, 5:00–6:30 PM | Online

 

PennDOT will host a virtual public meeting on the I-376 Commercial Street Bridge Replacement project. The presentation will cover construction updates, upcoming traffic impacts, and planned Parkway East closures, followed by a Q&A session.

 

Sign up for updates on this project, and access the virtual meeting here.

Bike to Work Day

Thursday, May 14, all day | Citywide

 

Take this opportunity to dust off your bikes and try out a new way to get to work. Celebrate with fellow bike commuters with morning and evening events, complete with free coffee, snacks, happy hour discounts and more.

 

POGOH is also offering a free Day Pass for May 14 riders -- use code BIKE2WORK in the PBSC App to unlock 24 hours of riding across Pittsburgh.

 

Check out the BikePGH website for more information about Bike to Work Day events.

Oakland Together Community Celebration and Fundraiser

Thursday, May 14, 6-9 p.m. | Schenley Plaza

 

The community is invited to gather under the tent at Schenley Plaza for live music, food and drinks, and a chance to connect with neighbors, local artists, and friends from across the Oakland community.

 

Tickets are $75-$100.

 

Learn more and buy tickets here.

 

Voting Resources

 

2026 Primary Election, Tuesday, May 19th

Polls open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Any voter in line by 8 p.m. is entitled to vote.

City of Pittsburgh Ballot Measure: If you live in the City of Pittsburgh, there will be one ballot measure on your primary ballot. If you are a registered independent, you will be able to cast a non-partisan ballot with this ballot measure only. For more information, including an explanation of the measure, please refer to the League of Women Voters’ ballot initiative guide.

Poll Workers Wanted: Poll workers can earn $150–$175 for serving on Election Day. Apply online here.

Voter Reminders: Pennsylvania law requires voters to return their own ballot. Mail ballots must be sealed inside the secrecy envelope or they cannot be counted. Declaration envelopes must also be signed and dated.

ID Requirements: All first-time voters and anyone voting at a new polling location must show ID. Acceptable forms of ID include a Pennsylvania driver's license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you may use other forms of ID such as a current utility bill or bank statement that has your name and address on it. Voters who do not have an acceptable ID may cast a provisional ballot.

Check Your Voter Registration: The deadline to register to vote has passed.

 

Registered voters can verify their registration through the Pennsylvania Department of State portal, which also provides Election Day polling locations, mail-in/absentee ballot status, and county Board of Elections contact information.

Voting with a Criminal Conviction: Pennsylvania allows individuals with misdemeanor or felony convictions to vote, including those in jail or prison (misdemeanor), on house arrest, probation, parole, in a halfway house, or in pretrial detention. No action is needed to restore voting rights after completing a felony sentence. Some voters in these circumstances may need to request an absentee ballot.

 

College Students:Students may register and vote at either their college or home address — but only one. Students registered at home may request a mail-in or absentee ballot sent to their campus address.

 

Mail-in / Absentee Ballots: The application deadline is May 12th at 5 p.m. Completed ballots must be received by the county by 8 p.m. on Election Day (note that the postmark date      will not be taken into consideration). You can track your ballot here.

 

Allegheny County Ballot Return Sites: Voters who applied for a mail-in or absentee ballot may return it in person to the Allegheny County Elections Division. Additional drop-off sites will open in the weeks before the election.

 

Elections Division | County Office Building | 542 Forbes Avenue, Room 312 | Pittsburgh, PA 15219 412-350-4500 | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

 

Accessible Voting: All polling places are required to have at least one accessible way to vote. Check accessibility options before Election Day here. Permanent absentee ballots are available for voters with permanent disabilities.

 

Provisional Ballots: Voters whose registration cannot be verified at the polls or who do not have an acceptable ID may cast a provisional ballot. Provisional ballots are reviewed by the county Board of Elections after Election Day. Voters can check the status of their provisional ballot by calling 1-877-VOTESPA or tracking it online here.

 

Voter Education Toolkit: Find resources covering election deadlines, how to vote, and info about Pennsylvania's secure voting systems here.

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

152 Main Capitol Building

PO Box 202023

Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 705-1875

District Office

2345 Murray Avenue

Suite 205

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

(412) 422-1774

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