City Cast Pittsburgh
🍺 Trace Brewing vs. Bloomfield Neighbors
July 13, 2026 · — Mallory Falk
Good morning, neighbor. Executive producer Mallory Falk here.
How do you think PIT stacks up against other airports? We've got the iconic Franco Harris statue, gateside Primanti's, and a stunningly-designed new terminal that just landed us on a World's Most Beautiful Airport list. But getting from the airport into the city…that's another story.
Tune into this week's episode of City Cast's national podcast “Your City Could Be Better" for an expert conversation about what makes an airport truly great and see if we check all the boxes. (Spoiler: We don’t 🙃)
What's CITY Talking About
More Upgrades Coming To Acrisure
Ever sat in a wonky seat at a Steelers' game? The Sports and Exhibition Authority just approved $5.8 million to replace around 18,000 more seats. Nearly all the current chairs are original to the stadium from 2001. The goal is to swap most of them out by next year.
- No more "sea of gold." The new seats are a mix of yellow and gray, so the stadium doesn't look as empty on TV when crowds thin out. [TribLive]
PA Adopts $50.8 Billion Budget
The budget, which Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law on Sunday, sends more money to schools, gives thousands of retired workers a pension bump, and requires data centers to report their energy and water consumption. But it fails to address pressing questions like how to fund public transit and whether to regulate skill games. [Spotlight PA]
What's Happening at Trace Brewing?
The popular spot in Bloomfield recently announced it was pausing drag performances and indoor DJ sets, saying a small group of “racist and homophobic” neighbors have been weaponizing a state liquor law. But some neighbors say Trace broke a promise not to have loud outdoor events. We talk to Trace's Aadam Soorma about the claims and the decision to cancel shows. [City Cast Pittsburgh]
Hartwood Acres Gets National Designation
The 629-acre park was inducted into the Old Growth Forest Network, a nonprofit dedicated to protecting native forests. It's the first site in Allegheny County to receive this recognition. Stop by this summer to check out stately trees — including a black oak that's more than 200 years old — and catch free live music. [Pittsburgh Magazine / Allegheny County]
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What Neighbors Love
We’re back with recommendations from City Cast Pittsburgh Neighbors 📣 This is a regular spot in the newsletter where members get to shine a light on their favorite local businesses, organizations, and events.
- 📚 Kitty B. wants to shout out Stay Gold Books in Regent Square. “This indie bookstore is a gem. Several book clubs, special orders, local authors, frequent readings. The owners have a long history in the area and are delightful!”
Want to share your own shoutout?
What To Do
Monday, July 13
- 📺 Girls Trivia at Lawrence Hall (Lawrenceville)
- 🎹 AcoustiCafe at Mr. Smalls (Millvale)
- 📚 Besties Book Club at Woolly Bear Books (Carnegie)
- 🚗 Invitational Car Show on Walnut Street (Shadyside)
- 🌅 Evening Yoga with 3 Rivers Outdoors Co. (Regent Square)
- 🎨 Senior Social: Pop Generation at The Warhol (North Shore)
- 🎶 Mystery Musik Monday at Club Cafe (South Side)
- 🐈 Sketch & Scritch at Black Cat Market (Garfield)
Tuesday, July 14
- 🏺 “Home” Exhibition at The Clay Place Gallery (Carnegie)
- 🎨 Roving Art Cart at Wightman Park (Squirrel Hill)
- 📖 Author Talk: Aging Out at City of Asylum (North Side)
- 🎶 Live Symphony Music on Shore Thing (North Shore)
- 🌈 Stay Gay Book Club at Stay Gold Books (Regent Square)
- 🧶 Knit Pit Yarn Club at Back Alley Brewing (Dormont)
Wednesday, July 15
- 🍻 Thinkers & Drinkers at Two Frays Brewery (Garfield)
- 🗑️ Neighborhood Cleanup Day (Larimer)
- 🎨 Roving Art Cart at Liberty Green Park (Larimer)
- 📸 Pours, Petals & Polaroids with Premiere Camera Shop (Aspinwall)
- ♻️ Green Burial Talk at Penn Forest Natural Burial (Verona)
- 🚲 Nonbinary Community Ride at Kindred Cycles (Strip District)
- 📿 Friendship Bracelet Party at Carnegie Library (Oakland)
- 🐈⬛ Coloring with Cats at Black Cat Market (Garfield)
- 🌳 Stewardship Days at Frick Park (Squirrel Hill)
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Need an extra nudge to visit Hartwood Acres? Legendary New Orleans musician Cyril Neville is performing at the free concert series on July 19.
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