
Contact Elisabeth
Email: elisabeth@pittsburghdna.org
Connect: www.linkedin.com/in/elisabeth-kay-a899a1262
Elisabeth Kay
Head Editor, The Downtowner
University of Pittsburgh | Nonfiction Writing and Journalism
About Elisabeth
Elisabeth is the Head Editor for The Downtowner, where she leads the publication’s content strategy and ensures each piece captures the vibrancy and character of the community. Originally from Detroit, she came to the city to study nonfiction writing and journalism at the University of Pittsburgh. Through her various writing classes and out of class activities, she’s fallen in love with the city of Pittsburgh and the people, experiences, and culture it’s continued to bring her.

Discover Recent Articles Written by Elisabeth on Newsletter

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Let’s Hear from You: Downtown Dialogues
Starting next month, residents of Downtown Pittsburgh will be given a new opportunity to collaborate with the city itself. Downtown Dialogues, a new series of open forums launched by the Downtown Neighbors Alliance, will give residents an assured chance of being heard in the development of Downtown Pittsburgh.
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Eyes on the Point– Glen Davis at the Benedum Trees Gallery
Pittsburgh’s newest art exhibit has been nearly a century in the making. Eyes on the Point– Glen Davis is a new exhibit being held in the Benedum Trees Gallery through August of 2025, and you do not want to miss this chance to walk through a piece of Pittsburgh history.
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Candlelight Crescendo: Warm on a Summer Night
Calling all music lovers: Pittsburgh’s DNA is putting on a brand new event just for you! Candlelight Crescendo starts at 8:00 PM on Friday, June 20th in the Highmark Theater at Pittsburgh Playhouse. Listen to some of your favorite songs of the summer, whether old or new, in a brand new way. The sound of the strings are sure to blow you away, but keep the candles lit as you're transported to a night of elegance and goosebumps.
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A Vibrant Weekend– Pittsburgh Pride Recap
Pride month is not looked over in downtown Pittsburgh, and it started off with one huge party. On Saturday and Sunday, downtown Pittsburgh and its North Shore welcomed hundreds of vendors to make this an unforgettable weekend to start off a month full of love.
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A New Way to Live Fresh
Are you sick of fast food on your lunch break? Maybe yearning to support a locally owned business in the big city? Look no further: a new, healthy spot for a quick refuel has arrived in downtown Pittsburgh, and it might be the spot you didn’t know you needed.
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Loneliness is an Epidemic; Pittsburgh Can Beat It
Are you looking for a change in socializing, but you’re feeling lost? The Department of Public Safety for the City of Pittsburgh is looking to put an end to that, but they need your help.
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You’re Invited: LWI Kickoff Party – July 15!
Downtown should be a place that fosters wellbeing among its residents. The Golden Triangle should ensure its residents feel golden, too. That’s why we’ve come up with the Living Well Initiative, promoting both individuals and businesses that reside downtown to bring more attention to wellness within the city.
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Indoor Dining is OUT: Outdoor Dining Spots Downtown and in the Strip
With the weather getting warmer and the days getting longer, getting in your Vitamin D is a must– but with the hustle and bustle of city life, sometimes it feels like there just aren’t enough hours of sunshine in the day! Thankfully, restaurants around the Burgh have you covered, allowing you to indulge in a filling meal while soaking up the sun.
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Summertime at Pittsburgh Public Theater
With four sold out shows coming up at the end of June, Pittsburgh Public Theatre continues to do their share of keeping the theater community vibrantly thriving in downtown Pittsburgh. The cast and crew of Twelfth Night, a musical adaptation of a Shakespearean romantic comedy, have been working diligently to make this show the best they can.
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A Special Curation– Patrick McArdle on Glen Davis
Glen Davis isn’t much of a household name, even in Pittsburgh. Pat McArdle and those who helped with the Benedum Trees Gallery exhibit Eyes on the Point– Glen Davis are in attempts to change that.
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Heroes’ Mile
Calling all runners! A new way to show off your speed, agility, and mile time is here in downtown Pittsburgh! America’s Mile, presented by Visit Pittsburgh, gives runners countless opportunities to get their practice in with just one mile.
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Dance the Night Away– Bars with Live Music
Are the songs on the radio getting old? Maybe you feel the need for something more– whether it’s a new rendition of an old song, or a local original you haven’t yet heard. No matter the reasoning, the Golden Triangle has you covered when it comes to live music, and a drink while you’re at it!
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How Can I Get A Welcome Kit?
Moving is never simple, but we want to make sure Downtown Pittsburgh is easy to call home. To do so, Pittsburgh DNA and Huntington Bank are providing welcome kits to new residents in order to make your transition to a yinzer one that’s smooth and rewarding. Interested? Here’s how to get your hands on one.
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A Tourist in Your Own City: Burgh Tours to Explore
Whether you’re new to the city, just stopping by, or born and raised, new experiences in Pittsburgh await you. Sometimes, it takes a little bit more than self-guided exploration to find your new go-to spot, or impress someone with your knowledge of Pittsburgh history. Luckily, Walk the Burgh tours offer a wide variety of different ways to explore the Golden Triangle!
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Restaurants, Fitness, and more! Inside our Welcome Kits
Calling a new place home is exciting, nerve-wracking, and sometimes, scary. It doesn’t matter where you move– a new city is daunting. Because we know the feeling, we’ve partnered with countless downtown businesses to provide new residents with welcome kits! These will help you get your footing around the city and start finding spots downtown to call your favorites.
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Go Explore with Venture Outdoors
There are many things that make Pittsburgh unique, both seen and unseen. But there’s one thing that you can’t avoid at nearly any cost when it comes to Pittsburgh, and that’s the outdoors.
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Go Back in Time at Howl at the Moon!
Are you itching for a time machine? Step down seventh street to be transported back to the eighties at Howl at the Moon! On July 25th, leave 2025 at the door as you enter a world of teased hair, bright colors, and an unforgettable night.
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Tekko Anime Convention
A piece of Japanese culture is coming straight to the heart of Pittsburgh this weekend: Tekko, an annual Anime Convention, is making its comeback from July 17-20 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center, and it’s something you do not want to miss.
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Start Your Healthy Lifestyle TODAY: Living Well Initiative Kickoff Party
Exciting news, Pittsburghers: the Living Well Initiative kicks off today at 6PM! Head to the Market Square UFC Gym for this free event and hear how DNA pledges to make downtown living healthier and happier.
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It’s Finally Here: Downtown’s New Grocery Store
Description goes hereThe Downtown Neighbors Alliance is proud to announce that after a year of hard work and recruitment, we have secured a new grocery store for the Golden Triangle. DNA is making residents of downtown Pittsburgh’s dreams finally come true, as the opening of the grocery store will be at 817 Liberty Avenue.
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A Pittsburgh Art Heist– G. David Thompson
In June of 1961, art curator G. David Thompson was going out to dinner with his wife, thinking nothing of it. But when he got back, he was met with quite a shock– 10 paintings, wiped from his house, and more damaged.
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Become an Individual DNA Member!
Looking for a way to get more involved in downtown Pittsburgh? DNA always has you covered. Take your love for the city and involvement in its betterment one step further with an Individual DNA Membership.
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Famous Pittsburghers: H.J. Heinz
Heinz is a global household name and the standard for condiments. But for Pittsburgh, it’s so much more than that– Heinz has been calling Pittsburgh home for nearly two centuries. But it all started with one man: Henry J. Heinz.
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New Look, Your Thoughts?
With a season change imminent, The Downtowner team decided it was time for a redesign for our weekly newsletter. We’ve been working hard to make it the best it possibly can be, but we can’t be sure we did that without you: we want your feedback!
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Be A Part of DNA with Business Memberships
Making sure downtown is the best it can be starts with our local businesses, and we’re proud to work with local businesses to serve downtown Pittsburgh. We have five different tiers of business memberships, and we’re so grateful for all of our business members.
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Downtown Pittsburgh’s First Pet Salon– Coming Soon!
Being a pet owner is a commitment, but a wonderful one. One of the biggest decisions as a pet owner is choosing the right groomer for your furry friend. The lack of options in the Golden Triangle makes this much more difficult– but not anymore. The Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) is proud to have played the leading role in bringing Keeta’s Pet Salon into the heart of the Golden Triangle. From recruiting to coordinating logistics to finding the perfect space for them, DNA is serving the residential community by filling a downtown necessity.
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Burgh Bazaar is Back!
Looking for a night of fun, food, shopping, and music? The Pittsburgh City Paper is bringing back Burgh Bazaar on August 23rd, and it’s the perfect thing to add to your Saturday night out.
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Louis CK at Heinz Hall
A night of laughs is imminent in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Award-winning Louis C.K. will be at Heinz Hall on August 23rd at 7:30 PM, and you don’t want to miss this night of comedy.
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Walk Down Wood!
Pittsburgh is a city with one of the richest histories, and you’ll never be able to finish taking it all in. A street you walk down everyday might have uncovered history you’ve never imagined– but the Pittsburgh History and Landmark Foundation is here to showcase the hidden history that lives among us.
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Party at the Pier!
RiverLife is bringing back their annual Party at the Pier event on August 22nd, and it is something you do not want to miss. Wear your best outfit and head to David L. Lawrence Convention Center to experience a night of fun, music, and so much more!
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Explore the River at Beginner River Paddle!
Have an urge to explore the river, but you don’t know how? Venture Outdoors always has you covered. They offer a number of water activities with different themes and experience levels, catering to everyone. One event coming up caters to everyone interested: Beginner River Paddling.
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Join the Fun on Building Bridges Day
Something that makes Pittsburgh so special is the community that lives within it. People from different backgrounds are neighbors, allowing for a vibrant and unique community within and outside of the city. Building Bridges Day celebrates this diversity downtown, and you can be part of it!
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Sweet Suite! Redbeard’s New R06 Suite
Looking for a new way to watch next week’s game? Redbeard’s, downtown Pittsburgh’s beloved sports bar, is offering a brand new option for game days and is so excited to welcome people in!