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It's February!
Well sort of. We're barely getting this one in under the wire. Mainly because we kept finding "one more good thing."
Included this month:
- Upcoming policy changes impacting businesses — including vending, adopting a City-owned lot and the minimum wage.
- The lowdown on the NFL Draft schedule, and how your business can get the most out of this mega event.
- Opportunities for musicians and performers
- We have a variety of resources to prepare your business and staff for unexpected emergencies, including power outages, water main breaks, mass attacks and drug overdose.
- As always, we have insights on latest trends s, resources, and 3 grant opportunities.
- Let’s continue to keep Pittsburgh vibrant, inclusive, safe, and open for opportunity.
Cheers,
Allison Harnden & Bret Kunash
Office of Nighttime Economy (ONE)
| | N.I.T.E School's First Session of 2026 | | New Vending Rules Explained | | |
Ensure you're efficiently ordering, planning, and scheduling around the main draft events.
It's been advised that travelers will begin arriving Wednesday, April 22.
Below you'll find the schedule for official NFL Draft programing.
Be sure to check the NFL ONE Pass App for updated info
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NFL OnePass is your guide to 2026 draft, download and register for FREE for the latest updates surrounding Pittsburgh's largest event.
Please note that NFL OnePass is required to participate in any interactive games on site at events.
For any questions about the app, please contact OnePass@nfl.com
| | What to Do if you Over Order... | | |
412 Food Rescue Donor
It may be tricky to anticipate just how much to order for the big weekend. If you do find yourself with extra food, consider donating to the 412 Food Research.
Click the image for all the details.
Food Donation & Volunteer Support: (412) 277-3831
| | It's Time to Think Strategically... | | |
Major moments like the Draft are more than a weekend — they’re an opportunity to showcase who we are, so let’s make sure our businesses are ready to shine!
Consider the following...
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Find creative ways to create themed promotions or events that align with the spirit of the Draft — while not infringing on NFL branding.
- Start using social media well in advance of Draft weekend to engage visitors, fans, and potential customers before they arrive.
- Assure your branding and messaging resonates with a global audience discovering Pittsburgh for the first time.
| | CITY, STATE & FEDERAL UPDATES | | |
Make sure to check the City's Office of Film and Event Management's EVENT CALENDAR!
You'll find the optimum date and to assure you're not competing for customers with another event.
See what's happening this spring and summer right here.
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The adopt-a-lot program has some new changes that we're excited to share, but we want to hear from YOU.
Your input will directly help shape how this program operates in the future to ensure it continues to serves both current and future residents throughout the City.
Click here to take the survey and here to read the proposed changes
| | Dept. Labor & Industry Proposed Rule Changes | | |
At a recent training on Mass Attacks...
O.N.E. learned that restaurants and bars top the list of most impacted locations of mass attacks.
Get prepared.
This Mass Gathering Security Plan provides event planners with a scalable framework for developing a safety plan. The workbook style makes it easier than ever to ensure you're establishment is prepared.
| | Food Safety Emergency Prepareness | | City Honors the Vashon Family Throughout Black History Month | | |
All month, the City of Pittsburgh has honored Black History Month by commemorating the life and family of John B. Vashon and their invaluable contributions, advocacy, leadership and remarkable service during antebellum Pittsburgh.
The exhibit: “Tribute to the Vashons” opened Friday, Feb 6 in the City-County Building Lobby and ran through the end of month.
| | Celebrate Pittsburgh Black History | | AI Feeds Fake Restaurant Trend | | |
Phantom deli highlights growing AI misinformation problem
"For hospitality operators, it’s a cautionary tale: as AI-generated content becomes more realistic, misinformation can confuse consumers, damage trust, and even create false expectations about new openings. Verifying sources and strengthening your own digital presence with accurate, up-to-date information is more important than ever." - PRLA
| | Shift in Nightlife Priorities | |
"Nightlife Isn’t Disappearing — It’s Being Rewritten"
Cultural trend reporting highlights how younger generations are reimagining nightlife to be less about VIP sections and selfies and more about connection and unwinding without pressure to perform.
Read the article
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Some partiers in Richmond are going phoneless to 'bring back the old days.'
The new way to party is the old way to party: Phoneless
Read the article
| | Combatting Loneliness in Pittsburgh | | |
"Various groups in the city help locals and transplants find their gang"
“We need gangs,” the novelist Kurt Vonnegut once said. Decades of research suggest he was right: In any given year, positive social connections can slash our chance of dying by roughly 50%."
Read the article
| | RESOURCES + LEARN SOMETHING | | |
Planning for restaurant owners and protecting your legacy
In this article learn:
- Why Succession Planning is Essential for Restaurant Owners
- Key Succession Planning Strategies for Restaurant Owners
- Common Succession Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Read the article
| | Handle any Gig by Training your Nervous System | | |
CALM is a Competitive Tool
In collaboration with SoundGirls, this workshop is for people who love working in entertainment… and are sick of feeling fried, foggy, or on edge just to prove they can handle it.
Read more
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SoundGirls Online Mentoring Program Mentee Applications Now Open
SoundGirls is launching a new online mentoring program beginning March–April 2026, and we’re excited to invite mentees from across the audio community to participate.
Read more about it here.
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Check Your Email!
Submitting an application does not confirm participation. You will receive a notice of confirmation to the email address listed in your application form. Vendors will be notified by Tuesday, March 31st.
| | NIVF + NIVA: Development Sessions | |
Being Your Brand — Registration now open!
NIVF + NIVA is launching their Professional Development Sessions with Being Your Brand, the first in a four-part marketing series
🗓️ March 19, 2026
⏰ 3:30pm ET on Zoom
FREE Register here.
| | Join our Pittsburgh Team in Nashville | | |
At the Sociable City Summit, the host city is a learning laboratory, tapping the knowledge of presenters and attendees alike on how to create safe and sociable day life and nightlife in business districts.
The Summit convenes innovators from multiple fields, including economic development, law enforcement, business district management, city planning, nighttime venue operations and more.
Contact Bret@pittsburghpa.gov for our Pittsburgh City Team
Discount Code!
REGISTER NOW - PAY LATER
| | Coming Soon: Community Festival Grant | |
Community Festival Program Grant Open
The program's goal is to provide financial assistance to community groups so they may launch and develop an annual event to bring together their community and foster togetherness.
Grantees are selected by committee and based on specific criteria. All approved grant applications receive up to $1,000.00 in reimbursed funds to assist with the operations of their festivals.
The festival season is from June 1 to October 31.
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Apply for the Alcohol Education Grant
The PLCB is now accepting applications for grants to fund programs that discourage and reduce underage and dangerous drinking and promote a message of responsible alcohol consumption by those of legal drinking age.
Submission deadline: March 20, 2026, 5 p.m.
Learn more and apply
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Apply for the Alcohol Education Grant
Applications are open now!
Deadline: March 12 at 11:59pm Pacific.
Learn more and apply
| | Main Streets Grant Opportunities | | |
Events and District Activation Grants
Submissions will be accepted on a rolling basis until funds are fully allocated.
View the 2026 Events and View the 2026 Events and District Activation Grant Guidelines.
Support for events and activities that bring people to Main Street districts, increase foot traffic, and activate commercial corridors.
Eligible activities may include:
- Community events, festivals, and pop-up activities
- District-wide activations tied to local businesses
- Available countywide, including all neighborhoods within the City of Pittsburgh
Learn more and apply
| | GET NOTICED AND GET MORE BUSINESS | | 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!
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
| | Follow us for daily updates on Pittsburgh's Nighttime Economy, upcoming news and events. | | |
Newsletter Archive
New to the Office of Nighttime Economy?
Check out our past newsletters...
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Small Business Resources
This page links to information from the City and our partners that can help connect small business to resources, funding, technical assistance and more. These pages address common questions small businesses face in launching or expanding in Pittsburgh.
Check out the updated page here
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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.
SHARE THIS NEWSLETTER with other business owners and managers who work in or with Nighttime Economy. Sign up here to join our mailing list.
| | References to a specific product, process, or service does not constitute or imply an endorsement. Always, consult your professional service providers to decide if a resource is a right fit for your business. | | | | |
