Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel July 1, 2026 | 3:49 PM

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Thursday, July 2, 2026

With extremely high temperatures expected this weekend, I want to encourage everyone to stay safe: drink plenty of water, limit time outdoors during peak afternoon hours, and check on neighbors, friends, and family members—especially older adults and those with health conditions. If you need relief from the heat, Allegheny County’s cooling center locator can help you find a location near you, or you can call 211 for assistance.

In observance of the holiday, my office will be closed tomorrow and will reopen during normal business hours on Monday.

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a milestone that invites us to reflect on our nation’s history and the ongoing work of building a more perfect union. I wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday and look forward to serving you when our office reopens.

Harrisburg Happenings

Another Overdue Budget

The June 30 deadline came and went without a state budget, not because lawmakers reached an impasse after working around the clock, but because the Senate Republican majority adjourned for the Independence Day holiday, leaving negotiations unfinished while the House remained ready to stay in Harrisburg until the job was done.

Budgets require compromise, and no one expects agreement to come easily in a divided government. But negotiations only work when everyone stays at the table. Pennsylvanians deserve leaders who are willing to keep working until a budget is complete—not head home while critical decisions affecting schools, health care, public safety, and communities across the Commonwealth remain unresolved.

The House is eager to continue negotiations as soon as the Senate returns. Until then, we'll keep pushing to finish the work Pennsylvanians sent us to do.

House Democrats Fight Back Against Data Center Development

Many of you have reached out about data centers popping up across our state — and what they mean for your utility bills, your environment, and your quality of life. This past session week, I joined my House colleagues in passing a package of bills that puts those concerns into action: real protections that hold Big Tech accountable, keep costs down, and give residents and municipalities a say in what happens in their own backyards.

Our package:

Repeals the sales tax exemption for data centers, generating an estimated $517 million in tax revenue by 2030.
Bans data center developers from using non-disclosure agreements with municipalities, so you know what's being built near you.
Allows municipalities to pass a 180-day moratorium on new data center development, with Pittsburgh and Philadelphia empowered to enact moratoriums of any length.
Establishes responsible development standards covering energy affordability, transparency, community engagement, and environmental protection.

More work remains on this important issue, but I am pleased that we got several bipartisan guardrails over to the Senate quickly. One in five Pennsylvanians is struggling to pay their electric bill. I'm calling on our Republican colleagues to bring this legislation to a vote and get them to the governor's desk. Ratepayers and communities can't afford to wait.

PA GOP Blocks Minimum Wage Increase

Twenty years after Pennsylvania last raised its minimum wage, Senate Republicans once again blocked legislation to increase it. While every neighboring state has moved beyond the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania workers continue to earn wages that fall short of the cost of living. Working families deserve better, and I will continue fighting for a meaningful increase that reflects the value of their work.

Community Events and Resources

Major Road Closure Starting Next Week

July 10 – August 3 | I-376 between Squirrel Hill Tunnel and Edgewood/Swissvale (Exit 77)

PennDOT will fully close I-376 Parkway East and Commercial Street for approximately 25 consecutive days for the replacement of the Commercial Street Bridge. Expect heavy delays and significant congestion in the area.

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

Yoga in the Plaza

Thursday, July 2, 6–7 p.m. | The "Bosque" area of Schenley Plaza, right in front of the Carnegie Library

Unwind after work or class with a relaxing, donation-based yoga flow in the heart of Oakland. Hosted by 3 Rivers Outdoor Co. and the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, this weekly outdoor session offers a welcoming, pay-what-you-can class designed to help participants stretch, reset, and enjoy time outdoors.

Participants are encouraged to bring a mat and enjoy a one-hour guided flow, weather permitting.

Learn more about the weekly summer yoga series and find the required waiver here.

Greenfield Block Party

Friday, July 3, 5 – 10 p.m. | Nantasket Street, Greenfield (between Escape Room Pittsburgh & Monday's Brewery)

The Greenfield Community Association is closing down Nantasket Street for a night of food, drinks, live DJs, vendors, and good times. All are welcome to celebrate with the community ahead of the holiday weekend.

Learn more here.

Little Artists at CLP

Friday, July 3, 10:30-11 a.m. | Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main Branch (Oakland)

Children ages 5 and under and their caregivers are invited to explore colors, shapes, textures, and materials through hands-on sensory art activities. This free program encourages creativity and discovery in a fun, engaging environment. Be sure to dress for mess!

Learn more here.

Greenfield 4th of July Races

Saturday, July 4, 10 a.m. | Magee Field

Now in its 95th year, this Greenfield tradition kicks off with races for all ages, from toddlers to adults, including divisions for teens, an all-abilities race, shoe races, and an egg toss for adults 21+. Race divisions run continuously throughout the event based on participation, no set start time for each group. Candy bags will be available on the field after the final egg toss.

Learn more here.

America at 250: Guardians of Sound and INEZ

Saturday, July 4, 4 p.m. | Arts Landing

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with a unique musical performance exploring the voices and traditions that have shaped our nation's culture. This free program features Guardians of Sound's Hip Hop Orchestra, which blends hip-hop with orchestral music, alongside Pittsburgh native and Homewood resident INEZ. Together, they will present an energetic reflection on what America at 250 means today.

Learn more about the performance and accessibility accommodation here.

City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration

Saturday, July 4, 4-10 p.m. | Grandview Park Bandstand and Downtown Pittsburgh

Celebrate Independence Day and America's 250th anniversary with a full day of music, family activities, food, and one of the largest fireworks displays Pittsburgh has seen in decades. The Grandview Park Bandstand will feature live performances throughout the afternoon and evening, while festivities will also take place at Point State Park, Liberty Avenue, and the North Shore Great Lawn. Shuttle service will be available from Bottlerocket Social Hall for those looking to avoid parking and traffic.

Learn more about event locations, transportation, and the full celebration schedule here.

Forward Ave. Litter Cleanup
Sunday, July 5, 9 a.m.-noon | Forward Avenue and Summerset Drive

Join volunteers for a litter cleanup along Forward Avenue between Summerset Drive and the Irish Centre while the Commercial Street/Forward Avenue corridor is closed. This is a unique opportunity created by Swisshelm Forward neighbors who secured special permission from PennDOT, the contractors and the city. Volunteers age 16 and older are welcome. Water, trash bags, gloves, and grabbers will be provided, though you're welcome to bring your own supplies.

Neighborhood Flea – Schenley Plaza

Sunday, July 5, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Hunt for treasures among friends at Schenley Plaza! Held on the first Sunday of each month from June through October, the Neighborhood Flea features vintage goods, handmade items, food vendors, and more. This open-air market is free to attend and takes place rain or shine.

Learn more here.

America 250 Community Celebration

Sunday, July 5, 4-7 p.m. | JCC Family Park, Monroeville

Celebrate America's 250th anniversary with an afternoon of community, food, and fun. The event will bring neighbors together to honor our shared history and diverse connections to our country with yard games, a sing-along, and a community meal. Guests are encouraged to arrive at the Goldstein Pavilion by 4 p.m. for the meal and program beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Learn more and register here.