Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel June 25, 2026 | 12:24 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Thursday, June 26, 2026

My office, above the Starbucks at Forbes and Murray Avenues, will be open Monday through Thursday next week from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. In observance of Independence Day, our office will be closed on Friday, July 3.

Harrisburg Happenings

Protecting Maternal and Infant Health

As chair of the House Health Committee, I was proud to help usher through legislation this week to protect Pennsylvania’s ability to collect and use critical maternal and infant health data.

The need for this legislation, crafted by Rep. Melissa Shusterman and passed out of my committee last week, has become urgent in light of the Trump administration’s decision to halt the federal Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) program. Pennsylvania cannot afford to lose access to information that helps us understand the challenges facing mothers and babies and guides evidence-based solutions.

For nearly 20 years, PRAMS has helped shape policies that expand access to prenatal care, reduce smoking during pregnancy, and promote safe sleep practices for infants. By making a permanent commitment to this program, which will be known as the Pennsylvania Maternal and Infant Outcome Measures Survey Program, the Commonwealth is taking an important step to ensure that politics does not stand in the way of sound public health policy.

A Historic New Beginning

I was honored to join members of Temple Sinai and Rodef Shalom in carrying Torah scrolls to celebrate the founding of Beit Kulanu. It was a moving reminder of the strength of our Jewish community and the traditions that connect us across generations.

At a time when many institutions face challenges, these congregations chose to come together, support one another, and build something new. Their partnership reflects the resilience, vision, and commitment that continue to shape Jewish life in Pittsburgh.

Mazel tov to everyone who helped make this historic moment possible, and best wishes to Beit Kulanu as it begins this exciting new chapter.

Community Events and Resources

I-376 Parkway East & Commercial Street Closure

Starting this week, several major roads in and around our district will be closed by PennDOT due to the Commercial Street Bridge replacement project. Please be advised of the following closures and plan accordingly:

Commercial Street/Forward Avenue (between Whipple Street and Summerset Drive) will close to traffic at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 29 and remain closed through early August.
I-376 East (between Squirrel Hill Tunnel and Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77)) will close to traffic on July 10 and remain closed through early August.

Expect heavy delays and significant congestion.

Please note that services like Google Maps or Waze will not be updated with the detour routes and may be inaccurate. You can check your personalized detour route on PennDOT’s interactive mapping tool at www.511PA.com.

Updates can also be found on the Commercial Street Bridge webpage, by following PennDOT’s regional X page @511PAPittsburgh or joining the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.

Contact PennDOT about this project here.

Parks on Tap Beer Garden
Friday, June 26, 3–7 p.m. | Schenley Park Visitor Center

Enjoy local food trucks, live music from 4–6 p.m., wooded trails, and a special summer-inspired beer created for the event series.

Guests are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket. No registration is required.

Learn more about the Parks on Tap series here.

Disco Night at the Roller Rink
Friday, June 26 | 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. | Schenley Park Skating Rink

Break out the sequins and hit the rink for Disco Night at Schenley Park! Spend the evening skating to retro favorites, showing off your best moves, and enjoying a fun summer night with friends and family. Guests may bring their own skates or rent them on-site.

Learn more and buy tickets here.

Andy Warhol Bridge 100th Birthday Bash

Saturday, June 27, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Andy Warhol Bridge

Celebrate a Pittsburgh landmark’s 100th birthday at this free, family-friendly event on the Andy Warhol Bridge. The bridge will be closed to traffic and transformed into a giant birthday party featuring live music, food, games, art activities, a costume contest, screen printing, and hands-on creative projects. Guests can also enjoy appearances by local artists, performers, and community leaders throughout the afternoon.

Learn more about the celebration and the history of the Warhol Bridge here.

Costa Rican Mask-Making Workshop

Saturday, June 27, 1–4 p.m. | Latin American Cultural Center, 4338 Bigelow Blvd.

The Latin American Cultural Center will host a free, all-ages workshop exploring the tradition of Boruca mask-making from Costa Rica. Participants will learn about the cultural significance of Boruca masks, which are created by the Indigenous Boruca people of southern Costa Rica, and play an important role in traditional celebrations and storytelling.

Led by Costa Rican mixed-media artist Ricardo Solis, the workshop will guide participants through painting their own masks using reused materials. All supplies and instruction will be provided, and Solis’ work is also featured in the Center’s current Costa Rica exhibit.

Learn more and RSVP here.

WYEP Summer Music Festival

Saturday, June 27, 4–10 p.m. | Schenley Plaza

Enjoy an evening of free live music at this family-friendly outdoor festival. Bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair and settle in for performances from Kahone Concept, Cam Chambers, Jobi Riccio, Ratboys, and Michigander. Free rides on the carousel will be available throughout the event, which will take place rain or shine.

Learn more about the festival and performance schedule.

Squirrel Hill Night Market

Saturday, June 27, 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. Sen. Jay Costa and I will be sharing information on state issues, and our staffs will be available to assist with senior bus passes and other constituent services. Stop by and say hello!

Learn more on the Uncover Squirrel Hill Facebook page.

Open Streets 2026

Sunday, June 28, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Downtown & South Side

OpenStreetsPGH returns with a car-free route connecting the Downtown and South Side neighborhoods. The event invites people of all ages to walk, bike, or roll along the open streets and enjoy local neighborhoods in a safe, family-friendly environment.

Each event hub will include water refill stations, bathrooms, and information and merchandise tables.

Learn more here.

Reimagined Recycling Workshop

Sunday, June 28, 12–3 p.m. | Frick Environmental Center

Discover how everyday plastics can be transformed into something new at this hands-on sustainability program. Learn how local artists and environmental advocates turn #5 single-use plastics into jewelry, home goods, and building materials, then create your own friendship bracelet using recycled beads. Attendees are also encouraged to bring clean #5 pill bottles for recycling.

Learn more and register here.