Harrisburg Happenings, Community Events & More

Rep. Dan B. Frankel July 10, 2026

PA Representative Dan Frankel banner image

Friday, July 10, 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.

Harrisburg Happenings

Making It Easier for Charities to Receive Planned Gifts

Last week, I began building support for legislation to help charitable organizations receive the gifts that donors intended for them. Too often, charities face unnecessary delays and burdensome requirements from financial institutions before they can access funds left to them through retirement or investment accounts.

My bill would streamline the process by establishing clear rules for financial institutions, prohibiting unnecessary paperwork and account requirements, and ensuring charities are notified when they have been named as beneficiaries. The legislation is modeled on bipartisan laws already in place in other states and will help ensure charitable gifts can get to work in our communities without needless delays.

Community Events and Resources

Major Road Closure Starts Today

Today, 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 at 9 p.m. tonight 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 511PA.com.

Mind the GAP: Pittsburgh’s GAP Trail Closure Between Duquesne and Homestead
Through Thursday, August 6 | Great Allegheny Passage (Duquesne–Homestead segment)

Hikers, bikers, trail commuters, and outdoor enthusiasts may need to detour this summer as a two–mile section of the Great Allegheny Passage closed between Duquesne and Homestead yesterday.

Geotechnical crews will be working along the hillside to remove loose rocks and debris between the Whitaker and Port Perry Flyovers. The work is intended to stabilize the slope and improve long–term safety along the corridor.

During the closure, the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy will operate a licensed shuttle service between the Homestead and Duquesne trailheads daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., helping maintain connectivity for trail users.

Learn more about updates and closures through the Great Allegheny Passage Conservancy.

Allegheny RiverTrail Park Summer Concert Series
Friday, July 10, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | Allegheny RiverTrail Park, Aspinwall

Enjoy a free evening of live music along the waterfront at the Allegheny RiverTrail Park. July’s featured performers are Norside City Council featuring The BGVs and Steeltown Horns, joined by food trucks, drinks for purchase, and beautiful riverfront views.

Learn more about the free summer concert series here.

Swissvale Edible Garden Tour

Saturday, July 11, Open Gardens: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Community Picnic: 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Swissvale

Celebrate the 8th annual Swissvale Edible Garden Tour, a free community event showcasing local edible gardens and the neighbors who help make them thrive. Spend the day exploring inspiring gardens, gathering tips for your own growing season, and enjoying time with neighbors at the community picnic.

Find the garden map, more information, and the link to register here.

Dance, Create, and Celebrate at Carnegie Museum of Art

Saturday, July 11, Noon–5 p.m. | Carnegie Museum of Art Sculpture Court

Enjoy a free afternoon of outdoor performances, art-making, and family-friendly fun during Inside Out at the Carnegie Museum of Art. The event features interactive dance and performances by Hill Dance Academy Theatre, along with hands–on art activities led by artists from the Morgan–Lee Arts Centre.

Whether you'd like to join an interactive dance, watch inspiring performances, or create art in the sunshine, this celebration of Pittsburgh's vibrant arts community offers something for visitors of all ages. Admission is free, and museum admission is not required.

Learn more about the event and performance schedule here.

Bach, Beethoven, and Brunch at Mellon Park

Sunday, July 12, 10:30 a.m.–Noon | Mellon Park

Spend a summer morning in Mellon Park enjoying live classical music performed outdoors by the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and relax with friends and neighbors while taking in beautiful music in one of Pittsburgh's most scenic parks.

Learn more about this and future installments here.

Zone 4 Public Safety Council Meeting
Thursday, July 16, 6:30 p.m. | Jewish Community Center, 5738 Forbes Ave. (Please use the rear entrance at 5738 Darlington Road.)

Connect with neighbors, Zone 4 Police officers, and local businesses at this month's Zone 4 Public Safety Council meeting. It's an opportunity to discuss neighborhood safety concerns, share ideas for strengthening the community, and learn how you can get involved in making our neighborhoods safer.

Learn more here.

Fair Housing Training for Landlords and Property Managers
Thursday, July 16, 1 p.m.–5 p.m. | COhatch Shadyside, Rider Penthouse, 5428 Walnut St.

Landlords and property managers who operate rental housing in the City of Pittsburgh are invited to attend this free training on federal and local fair housing laws. The comprehensive session will cover reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities, protections for families with children, tenants with limited English proficiency, LGBTQ+ housing protections, tenant screening and housing protections for survivors of domestic violence.

Learn more and register here.

11th Annual Picklesburgh Festival

Thursday, July 16 – Sunday, July 19 | Boulevard of the Allies between Stanwix St. and Smithfield St.

Pittsburgh’s annual pickle festival returns to downtown Pittsburgh for a four–day event dedicated to pickle-themed food, drinks, crafts, pickle-themed merchandise, contests, and live music, showcasing Pittsburgh’s pickled history and culinary ingenuity. The festival is free and open to everyone.

Learn more here.