🎃 Pittsburgh Halloween costumes

Pittsburgh Named Top Travel Destination

National Geographic says Pittsburgh is one of the best places in the world to visit in 2026, calling us “a postindustrial city with a thriving cultural scene — and a head of steam.” [National Geographic]

• We’ve been getting a lot of national attention lately. Hear which lists we endorse and what made us laugh on the City Cast Pittsburgh podcast. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Big Transit Projects Delayed

Pittsburgh Regional Transit pulled nearly $107 million from its capital budget to avoid massive transit cuts and fare hikes, which now means delaying important projects like fuel-efficient bus purchases, light rail improvements, accessibility upgrades, and more. [WESA]

• Why can’t we have nice things? The state still hasn’t passed a 2026 budget or figured out how to fund transit agencies across PA. The budget was due June 30. [🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Hartwood Acres Cancels Christmas

Annual festive decor and tours at the Tudor mansion in Indiana Township won’t happen this year because of the state budget impasse. County officials announced a spending and hiring freeze in September, and say more cuts can be expected. [TribLive / 🎧 City Cast Pittsburgh]

• Locals are losing SNAP benefits because of the federal government shutdown. Here’s where to find or donate food in Pittsburgh. [📝 City Cast Pittsburgh]

Let’s play a game! Where can you find this neon ghost sign? 👀

🌟 Congrats to Jim H. and Jeb F. who correctly guessed the last “Where Is It?” challenge! ⬇️

Find this black-and-white painting by artist Ally Grimm on Braddock Avenue in Braddock. The mural is called “The Sun’s Dying Breath” and represents “unconditional love.”

Admire this celestial art piece on your next visit to the Mon Valley town — and don’t skip a stop at Carnegie One Braddock right across the street. This 136-year-old building is the first library steel mogul Andrew Carnegie built in the U.S., and it recently underwent a $21 million renovation.

👀 Check out the refurbished 480-seat auditorium, adult and children libraries, a basketball court, a cool “book dive” inside the old pool, a screen printing studio, a ceramic studio in the former basement “bath house,” and so much more.

Looking for things to see and do?

• 👻 Have some frightening fun at nearby haunted houses.
• 🍗 Dig in at Pittsburgh’s best barbeque spots.
• 🪦 Learn cool cemetery facts or tour an eco-friendly burial ground.
• 🍽️ Try Pittsburgh’s best new restaurants, bars, and bakeries.
• 🎃 Try out some tasty pumpkin treats or creepy cocktails.
• 📚 Check out more than just books at your local library.
• 👟 Find a secret urban oasis or explore Pittsburgh’s city steps.
• 📸 Turn your photos into Warhol-inspired art.

We’re back with recommendations from City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors 📣 This is a weekly spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their favorite local businesses, organizations, and events.

• 🩼 Jane G. wants Pittsburghers to know that CLASS offers all sorts of free mobility aids to PA residents. “I broke both my left foot and my right ankle, and these folks gave me a wheelchair FOR FREE.”
• 🌊 Brian A. says Kingsley Association community center in East Liberty has a lot of great programming — and an indoor pool!

Want to share your own shoutout? 🌟