
City Cast Pittsburgh
🎸 More Sheetz pop-up concerts
August 19, 2025 · — Francesca Dabecco

By now, yinz have probably heard about the Heinz x Smoothie King collaboration. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris tracked it down and gave us her honest review on today’s podcast.

What's CITY Talking About?
Stacy Garrity to Run for Governor
Pennsylvania treasurer Stacy Garrity is seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2026. Garrity calls herself a “strong ally” of President Donald Trump. Doug Mastriano, who lost in 2022, is also suggesting he’ll run again. [Associated Press]
Suspected Cause of Clairton Explosion
A preliminary investigation indicated that a gas valve failure caused the explosion at Clairton Coke Works last week, according to U.S. Steel. Two workers died and 10 others were injured. [Allegheny Front / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
Sheetz to Host More Pop-Up Concerts
Following a successful All American Rejects pop-up show at the Sheetz in McKees Rocks, the gas station chain announced a new series called “Sheetzertainment” with “live shows, unique activations, and wild collaborations.” The next show will spotlight three local artists on Aug. 23. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh / TribLive]

Museums and Attractions Get Upgrades
After a $65 million gift from Daniel G. and Carole L. Kamin, the Carnegie Science Center is rebranding and relaunching Sept. 13 with a special day of events. The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium got a $10 million anonymous grant, which will go toward a new entrance, giraffe barn, and more. And the Heinz History center is planning a massive expansion in the Strip District. Get the details on these renovations. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]
Sponsored Content

Toast the Trees at Arbor Aid!
Celebrate the urban forest at Arbor Aid with Tree Pittsburgh on Saturday, September 27! Enjoy food, drinks, river views, and J Malls in the DJ booth at our beautiful campus on the Allegheny River. Every ticket helps us protect and grow a greener Pittsburgh for all.

Where Is It?

Let’s play a game! Where can you find the raccoon mural in the photo above? 👀
🌟 Congrats to Abby S., Grace D., Heidi F., Sharon D., Michelle B., Wenwen G., and Courtney C. who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Find this zinnia patch at Simmons Farm in McMurray, just past Pittsburgh’s South Hills neighborhoods. The farm offers a ton of seasonal pick-your-own options: peaches, flowers, apples, and more. Tour the fields, buy some farm-fresh goodies in the market, and check out their candle-making and wildflower-picking series with PGH Candle.
🌻 Want more beautiful blooms before summers’ end?
Armful of Flowers, an urban flower farm and gift shop in Mt. Washington, is hosting Flower Fest Aug. 24. There will be flower-themed food and drink, a live butterfly tent, pollinator walks, music, and more.
Sol Patch Garden, a colorful escape tucked within the industrial borough of Braddock, hosts U-pick evenings where you can build your own bouquet while sipping beer from Brew Gentleman.
Looking for more to see and do?
- ♻️ Join your neighborhood for Pittsburgh Garbage Olympics.
- 🥃 Learn about Pittsburgh’s liquor legacy on distillery tours.
- 🌳 Stretch and flow at outdoor yoga classes.
- 👟 Take a tour of Pittsburgh’s historic city steps.
- 🌊 Take in our rivers by boat, kayak, or alfresco eats.
- 🍑 Enjoy the rest of the month with our guide to August.

What Neighbors Love

We’re back with a recommendation from a City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbor 📣 This is a weekly spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their fave local businesses, organizations, and events.
- 🛍️ Akasha W. is giving props to the Pittsburgh Smoke Shop in Bellevue. She says it “serves the community at any and every opportunity. Great prices, too!”
Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟

What To Do
Tuesday, Aug. 19
- 🏙️ Free Yoga in PPG Plaza (Downtown)
- 🎨 Paint & Sip in Mellon Square (Downtown)
- 🍄 Mushroom Club at Frick Environmental Center (Squirrel Hill)
- 💐 Flower Arranging with P Square Scents (Bellevue)
- 🥕 Farmers Market at Bay 41 (Lawrenceville)
- 🌽 Farmers Market in South Park (Bethel Park)
Wednesday, Aug. 20
- 🧀 Wine & Cheese Pairings at Pittsburgh Winery (Strip District)
- 🚶♀️ Pgh Girls Who Walk at the Reservoir (Highland Park)
- 📽️ From Slavery to Freedom Film Series (Virtual)
- 🧗♀️ Women on Walls Meetup at Ascend (Point Breeze)
- 🍿 Bad Movie Bingo at Bottlerocket (Allentown)
- 🌭 Oakland Block Party in Schenley Plaza (Oakland)
- 🍾 Uncork for a Cause with Bryan Reynolds (Downtown)
Thursday, Aug. 21
- ☀️ Summer Yoga at the Community Library (Milvalle)
- 🛍️ Vintage Mixer Night at the Phipps (Oakland)
- 🌠 Bellevue Night Market on North Sprague (Bellevue)
- 📖 Rachel Ann Bovier at Club Cafe (South Side)
- 🎤 Story Club at Bottlerocket (Allentown)
- ✏️ Urban Sketchers Meetup at Dave & Andy’s (Oakland)
- 🥂 Artful Networking at August Wilson Center (Downtown)
- 👟 Cardio Box on Shore Thing (North Shore)
- 🎨 Colors of the River with Three Rivers Waterkeeper (Turtle Creek)
- ❤️🩹 Lean On Us at August Wilson Center (Downtown)
- 🥃 Cultivating Connections at Kingfly Spirits (Strip District)

Can City Cast Pittsburgh win “Best Podcast” in City Paper’s Best of PGH?
It’s up to YOU! Vote for us every day through Friday 🗳️ Find us under the “people and places” category.
Appreciate yinz 💛
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