🍸 Pittsburgh’s creepy cocktails

Gainey Pitches 2026 Budget, Critics Push Back

Outgoing Mayor Ed Gainey’s draft for next year’s budget includes $680.5 million for basic city functions, $100 million for longer-term projects, and no tax increase. Pittsburgh is facing financial strains, especially after the PA Supreme Court ruled that the city’s “jock tax” on out-of-town performers and athletes is unconstitutional. [WESA / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

• Critics say the budget doesn’t include enough funding for the city’s firefighters, aging vehicle fleet, and overtime spending — particularly as Pittsburgh prepares to host the NFL Draft next year. [TribLive]
• Can Pittsburgh go broke? City Controller Rachael Heisler says yes. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

PA Budget Impasse Could Lead to Cuts

With the 2025-26 state budget three months late — in a partisan gridlock between the Democratic-led House and Republican-controlled Senate — school districts and county governments will be forced to borrow money for programs or reduce services. [Penn Capital-Star]

• Allegheny County has avoided furloughing or laying off employees, for now. [KDKA]

Can Pgh Make Riverfronts More Residential?

Railroads like CSX and Allegheny Valley Railroad occupy a rare space — private corporations that function like public utilities — but unlike airports and highways, they operate without much municipal oversight. City Councilor Barb Warwick wants to rezone their shared railyard in Hazelwood to allow for schools, homes, retail, and more.

• Hear how the plan could benefit all Pittsburghers, and why the railroads say they may take the city to court. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Pittsburgh bars are conjuring up some tasty cocktails to get you in the Halloween spirit. Here’s where to go for cheers — and a little fear!

Co-Sign Speakeasy

📍Homestead

Step inside the historic “Bank on 8th” building to find a moody, Prohibition-era bar serving spooky specials like this orange cocktail with a jack-o-lantern face on top. Make it a daring date night and go right next door to Escape Room Pittsburgh for their Stage Fright experience where you’ll solve puzzles in the haunted puppet theater. It’s open every weekend in October.

Monster Mash Pop-Up Bar

📍Strip District

On weekends in October, Wigle Whiskey will serve wickedly delicious cocktails with eyeball ice cubes, green laboratory libations poured in beakers, and espresso martinis to keep the spirits alive. Want to learn how to make your own? Build “electrifying cocktails from the ground up” at Frankenstein’s Lab Cocktail Class.

The House of Burton 3

📍Garfield

Film and fantasy come together at Mixtape’s pop-up inspired by Tim Burton productions like “Beetlejuice,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and “Wednesday.” Sip on a cocktail or mocktail while you wander through the immersive bar, packed with eye-popping decor. Costumes are encouraged, and weekend afternoon sessions are family friendly.

Harold’s Haunt

📍Millvale

Harold’s Haunt is inclusive — even to ghosts! The bar is a beloved LGBTQ+ and neighborhood space, and it’s believed to be actually haunted. Stop by for a cocktail potion — or fauxtion — and check their calendar for upcoming events like Witchy Wednesdays and Forbidden Pages Society reading nights.

Haunted Speakeasy

📍Downtown

Wander through shadowy chambers of Omni William Penn Hotel to find hanging cobwebs, mysterious corners, and cocktails cursed to perfection. Order a cocoa coffin martini, phantom cherry fizz, or pumpkin spice old fashioned to sip among the flickering lights.