OCT 13, 2025

Hello!

Fall is in full swing in Pittsburgh and we've got some exciting things to share with everyone.

There's updates from City Planning on vending policy, fire safety tips, and information on some upcoming online events and much more!

Thanks, as always, for staying connected and for all you do to keep Pittsburgh vibrant and full of life all hours of the day!

Cheers,

Allison Harnden and Bret Kunash,

Office of Nighttime Economy

ONE UPDATES

N.I.T.E School in Oakland

The Office of Nighttime Economy and Office of Community Health & Safety collaborated for another session of NITE School on 9/16.

OCHS provided Narcan training, De-Escalation, and Mental First Aid.

If you're interested in attending or scheduling a session of NITE School

E Mail: Bret.Kunash@pittsburghpa.gov or Allison.Harnden@pittsburghpa.gov

Find the training topics here

NFL Draft 2026

The Office of Nighttime Economy has been collaborating with several 2026 NFL Draft committees to make sure Pittsburgh is ready to shine for this major event.

Plans are coming together as we look for creative ways to involve as many local businesses and neighborhoods as possible.

Coming soon: a “Draft in a Box” toolkit to help small businesses participate while staying aligned with NFL guidelines! In the meantime, check out the new branding and official logo that was just unveiled!

City, State & Federal Updates

Vending Policy Change in Final Stages

City Council will hear policy changes recommended by the City Departments of Planning and Permits Licenses and Investigations. Changes to vending being finalized include:

Streamlined Licensing
Consistent Criteria
More Vending Locations
Group Vending Sites
Fewer Time Restrictions

Want to help move this vision forward? Want council to hear your opinions?

📅 October 22 at 1:30 PM

📍On Zoom or in person at 414 Grant St

💬 Speaker Signup: Council Meeting Schedule - Pittsburgh, PA

Find the full report and recommendations here

23rd Annual Gingerbread House Display & Competition

Gingerbread House Competition Accepting Entries

Registration will remain open through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 9. To register, visit our website: www.pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread.

SAFETY

Fire Safety Week

Avoid the top 10 fire code violations this Halloween

Please assure your holiday decorations comply with the International Fire Code:

Interior trim. Combustible trim in new and existing buildings, excluding handrails and guards, shall not exceed 10 percent of the specific wall or ceiling areas to which it is attached. (804.1)

Multiplug adapters, such as cube adapters, unfused plug strips or any other device not complying with NFPA 70 shall be prohibited. (604.4)

Extension cords and flexible cords shall not be affixed to structures, extended through walls, ceilings or floors, or under doors or floor coverings, nor shall such cords be subject to environmental damage or physical impact. Extension cords shall be used only with portable appliances. (604.5)

Fire Extinguishers: Get one and then learn how to use it...

Time Change

Don't forget to turn back your clocks,

November 2nd, 2am

It's almost that time of year. Don't forget to:

Set clocks back
Remind opening crew/brunch staff
Adjust times for signs or lighting set on automatic timers.

Prioritizing Pedestrian Safety At Night

Learn more Pedestrian Safety Tips from the National Highway Traffic Admin. here

PITTSBURGH NEWS

Downtown Satisfaction Study

Each year, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership surveys residents and commuters to help better understand how people experience and perceive the neighborhood.

The feedback provides insight into where improvements are being seen and recognized, and where challenges and negative perceptions remain.

Please submit a response and share widely with your network: 

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/DHR2WLG

This survey is open through Monday, October 13th 

Women Only Rideshare

Familiar with the challenges facing women seeking a rideshare late at night drove this Pittsburgher to work toward changing the local rideshare gig economy.

Check out the Periwinkle Ladies Travel Club, a woman-led, membership-only rideshare service."

Check out the article here.

WEBINARS + EVENTS

NIVF + NIVA - Development Sessions 10/23

Licensing Made Simple: What Every Venue Should Know About Royalties - presented in partnership with Live music Society

10/28/25 Bridge it Together with Sustainable Pittsburgh

Bridge it Together with Sustainable PGH

INDUSTRY NEWS

The State of Live - State Reports

Door Dash Expanding to Restaurant Rez and Robot Delivery

Reservations AND Robots?!

The largest U.S. delivery providers announced its expansion plans Tuesday...

Click here to read more

Soft Clubbing?

Another change in socializing norms from Gen Z

Here's how the coffee shop is turning into the new rave.

Click here to read more

Booze-less Buzz?

The latest celeb collab brings together N/A beer and slow- roasted coffee...

Check out the article from The Food Institute here.

The individual state economic impact reports are now available on NIVA's website. Read the full reports here.

GRANTS

GPAC - Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator

The Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator grant program provides creative entrepreneurs with small business consulting and $2,000 in critical financial resources to grow businesses and revenue.

Before applying, applicants must first schedule a consultation and business plan review with a local small-business development organization, called a Referral Coordinator. Referral Coordinators help applicants create an approved business plan, which is required as part of the application.

Important Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Dates

Appointments with Referral Coordinators open: October 1, 2025
Referral Coordinator deadline: January 7, 2026
Applications open: January 19, 2026 (first-come, first-served basis)
Applications close: February 6, 2026

Project Grants from RAD

There are two separate grant programs available to current Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD) assets:

Connection Grants and Accessibility & Inclusion Grants - Click here for more info

Opportunity Fund

Opportunity Fund awards grants to small to midsize arts organizations, and organizations and initiatives that advance social and economic justice.

At least 75% of grants are awarded to projects that benefit the Greater Pittsburgh community.

Click here for ALL the information and to apply: Deadline: January 15 2026

GET NOTICED AND GET MORE BUSINESS

Business Directories

If you're not on your neighborhood's business directory, you're missing out on free marketing! Find your neighborhood below and make sure your info is current.

South Side Chamber of Commerce

southsidechamber.org/directory

How to be added:

southsidechamber.org/web-directory

North Side Chamber of Commerce

Northsidechamberofcommerce.com

How to be added:

northsidechamberofcommerce.com

East Liberty Chamber:

Eastlibertychamber.org/A-To-Z-Business-Directory

How to be added:

Eastlibertychamber.org/Join

Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership:

Downtownpittsburgh.com/things-to-do/

How to be added:

E-Mail: PDP@DowntownPittsburgh.com

Oakland Business Improvement District:

Oaklandpittsburgh.com/explore

How to be added:

E-Mail: info@oaklandbid.org

Lawrenceville Corp.:

Lvpgh.com/directory-lvbusiness/listings

How to be added:

Email: Ross@lawrencevillecorp.com

Strip District Neighbors:

Stripdistrictneighbors.org/public-directory/

How to be added:

E-Mail: info@sdnpgh.org

Not listed on your neighborhood's business directory?

Well, get on it!

STAY CONNECTED

Tell us About your Service Industry Night!

Help us celebrate the front line workers that make our night's shine.

Build a real social network of peers to learn from and lean on!

Kulcher - Sundays 8 -12

Allegheny Wine Mixer - Sunday's, 20% off service industry

Urban Tap - Mondays, 9 - 12, $5 select cocktails, $5 wine, 1/2 off drafts & shareables

Arsenal Bowl - 9pm - 12am

Con Alma – Monday's, 9 – 11pm

Helltown Taproom in the Strip – Tuesday's, 6pm – 9pm

Howl At The Moon - Wednesday's, 25% off bar tab with proof of employment

Tell us about your Service Industry night and we'll be sure to include it in the next post. Bret@pittsburghpa.gov

Do you Have a Space to Rent?

Have Space to Host for Parties?

Several people have contacted us asking where they can hold their holiday parties and special events. Do you have a private dining room or event space? Let us know and we'll add you to our list.

Send details to Bret.Kunash@pittsburghpa.gov

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Click here to follow us on Instagram.

Newsletter Archive

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HELP US HELP YOU: Send your questions, challenges, or useful tidbits to Allison Or give us a call at 412-400-900.

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