One month from now, on Saturday, October 25, 2025, The Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) will be starting its walking club!  As part of the Living Well Initiative, this walking club encourages regular exercise and community-building activities in the downtown area.  Helping to create another third space downtown, the DNA’s walking club is a free, all-ages, and dog-friendly group.

This past week, The International Events & Festivals Association (IFEA) held their 70th Anniversary Convention and Expo, in which they designated five United States municipalities for their premier events and festivals. The city of Pittsburgh– the place we’re lucky enough to call home– was awarded one of these five designations, which The City of Pittsburgh and VisitPittsburgh announced following the Convention and Expo.

Located in the heart of the Strip District, Argentine cocina Balvanera delivers fun fusion flavors of South America in a laid-back, social atmosphere. Originating in New York City’s Lower East Side in the 2010s, head chef Fernando Navas and co-founder/partner Meredith Boyle brought Balvanera to Pittsburgh in 2023. Sitting at 1660 Smallman St., across from The Terminal, the restaurant offers Argentine dishes with a taste of Navas’ Mediterranean influences.

Walking into Alihan’s Coffee & Breakfast feels like being welcomed into a big family’s home. I was greeted by yellow walls and warm lighting as a staff member smiled at me and told me to sit wherever I felt comfortable. 

Since we were kids, sandwiches have been a staple in our lives. From your mom’s grilled cheese to your favorite neighborhood hoagie, it’s probably difficult to imagine life without the sandwich. Whether you want to stick to basics or spice it up, Pittsburgh has plenty of options.

One week from today, on October 7th from 7 PM-9 PM, Acoustic Tuesdays will be kicking off on Liberty Avenue. The Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) has introduced this event as part of our Liberty Avenue Project, in which we have dedicated our time and resources to revitalizing Liberty Avenue to make it a safe and vibrant space for the community to gather. The Acoustic Tuesdays concert series will be hosted at Liberty Magic, a theater space run by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

This weekend, the Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) held our annual Highmark International StrEAT Festival– and it was a major success! Vendors serving food from all over the world filled Smithfield Street and made for an unforgettable weekend of good food, vibes, and community.

As of September 8, 2025, Vallozzi’s is now open on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. for lunch.  We stopped by this week to try their meatball appetizer, which will be featured at the Highmark International StrEAT Festival September 20-21, 2025.  Using ingredients sourced from Pennsylvania Macaroni Company in the Strip District, Vallozzi’s ensures fresh flavors in every dish served.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership will be hosting the annual Pittsburgh Oktoberfest from Thursday, October 2, to Sunday, October 12, 2025.  Taking place between Ft. Duquesne Blvd. and the Sixth Street Bridge, Oktoberfest celebrates the strong Bavarian heritage of Pittsburgh, as well as providing fun for the whole family.

Starting Tuesday, October 7, 2025, The Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) will be hosting weekly concerts at Liberty Magic, in a new series called Acoustic Tuesdays.  Located at 811 Liberty Ave., the DNA will feature two local acoustic artists each Tuesday, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m..

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is the world’s most popular graduate management degree for a reason. For those striving to become CEOs, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their field, an MBA can give you a leg up. Several schools in Pittsburgh offer these programs, but Point Park University is the only one rooted downtown, providing a direct connection to the city’s most active business sphere.

Witness a lively symphonic performance in a glowing performance center at the second and highly anticipated Candlelight Crescendo, presented by the Downtown Neighbors Alliance. The event, featuring the band Cello Fury, will take place on November 1st, 2025 at the Pittsburgh Playhouse.

On Sunday, September 28th, our favorite team– the Steelers– will be taking over Ireland. But don’t worry, you won’t miss out on the fun back home, and Redbeard’s is making sure of that.

A Registered Community Organization (RCO) is a non-profit that works to improve the quality of life in the neighborhoods it represents. In Downtown Pittsburgh, there are only two RCOs: Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) and Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP). It is DNA’s duty to promote the interests of downtown residents as the city continues to develop.

Pittsburgh residents and community leaders have expressed great discontent with the staggering number of vape shops throughout the city. Around thirty of them are clustered downtown, with several along Liberty Ave. As these shops often target youth and low income families, public health concerns are growing amidst preexisting disparities.

Starting Tuesday, October 9, 2025, The Downtown Neighbors Alliance will be hosting weekly concerts at Liberty Magic, in a new series called Acoustic Tuesdays.  Located at 811 Liberty Ave., DNA will feature local acoustic artists each Tuesday, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Calling all Pittsburgh corporate leaders, community advocates, and local partners: Don’t miss a chance to engage in some friendly competition and networking at DNA’s first annual golf outing on October 13, 2025. The event will be held at the Fox Chapel Golf Club, one of our city’s most scenic landscapes. Register today to secure your spot!

There is nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of soup, no matter where it comes from; even better, is not having to cook for yourself.  If you are craving comfort food, Nan Xiang Soup Dumplings has it.  A traditional Southern Chinese kitchen brought to Pittsburgh’s Southside, located at 2773 Sidney Street, they aim to bring authentic flavors and ingredients to a region where we prioritize local foods.

Autumn is upon us, and the cooler weather makes it the perfect time to cozy up with a cup of joe. Fortunately, Downtown Pittsburgh is full of vibrant coffee houses, both old and new. These shops play a large role in fostering community, creating a sense of home and routine. From business deals to catching up with friends, coffee shops are a pillar in any urban environment.

Class is back in session! Studying is rarely fun, but we have some downtown and Strip District spots that will make it just a little bit better. Pack your bag, grab a study group, and head to these spots downtown!