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City Cast Pittsburgh

Francesca Dabecco

At a time when we’re so glued to our phones (I bet that’s how you’re reading this right now), it’s good to slow down, put pen to paper, and get creative.

Whether you’re looking to send some snail mail or start a new journal, Pittsburgh has some ink-credible small businesses to fulfill all of your stationery needs.

, is as cute as its name. The stationery store sells goods made by Asian artists and small businesses — fun colored pens and highlighters, stamps of all shapes and sizes, notebooks for writing and drawing, greeting cards, art prints, stickers, and more. I circled the store at least a dozen times and found something new to admire on every lap. Keep tabs on their 

 for special events like mystery bag sales and matcha pop-ups.

’ stationery and gift store in Mt. Lebanon, you’ll find a wall lined with unique cards for all kinds of celebrations, funky note pads and pens, desk calendars, and journals of all colors. Plus, they carry a bunch of other gift items like puzzles, mugs, books, and candles. The store owner also operates 

, a local letterpress company that designs and prints greeting cards.

You could spend all day perusing the massive wall of greeting cards, racks of stationery and journals, and tons of cute writing materials at 

 in Lawrenceville — and that’s just a small section of what they carry. Check out tables stacked with 

 decor and gifts like neighborhood pennants, art prints with the three rivers, and an Andy Warhol soup can puzzle.

 carries everything you need to send a love note … and more! This paper shop along Carnegie’s business district has cards, notepads, wrapping material, and a variety of kitschy goods that make easy gifts. Don’t skip the big display of pencils with fun phrases like “

Can’t find what you need at a card shop? 

 in Squirrel Hill has all the tools for paper crafters: fine paper, notebooks, sketchpads, every type writing or drawing utensil, blockprinting materials, and more. The staff is super knowledgeable and can help you find what you need — or what you didn’t know you needed!

Where to shop for unique greeting cards, fine paper, writing materials, and more in Pittsburgh.

The Best Stationery Stores in Pittsburgh

5 Pittsburgh Stationery Shops for Cute Cards and More

Find the best of everything that Pittsburgh has to offer.

Pittsburgh’s Best

Pittsburgh's Best

Megan Harris

If you've felt scared, unsettled, or in danger because of U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement activity, here are concrete ways to learn more about what's happening in Pittsburgh and how to get involved, including rapid-response trainings that prepare residents to safely document ICE activity, organizations providing legal or mutual aid, community care options for children and families, rent and food support, and more.

What Are Pittsburgh Officials Saying About ICE?

, which means our public safety officials, including police, won’t assist them. But local police may still be dispatched to monitor a situation, and it’s not clear 

 while off duty. In other cities where ICE is more active, the voice of the mayor seems to hold little weight.

Pittsburgh City Council is urging PA senators 

 that would provide another $10 billion to ICE. Under President Donald Trump, the agency now has 

 than any other U.S. law enforcement group. U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-Braddock) and Dave McCormick (R-Squirrel Hill) 

 that could bar elected officials and county employees from cooperating with ICE unless ordered by a federal judge. Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato called Trump’s influence on immigration enforcement and federal funding “chaotic.” 

 the raids “have nothing to do with protecting us from criminals and actually threaten the region’s long-term growth and stability.”

 are making their own choices about whether to work with ICE, sometimes without the knowledge or consent of local officials or voters. Public Source published 

Neither Pittsburgh nor Pennsylvania have 

 limiting local cooperation with ICE, which could include sharing access to databases, personal information, or legal proceedings where targets may be present. 

 last year but was later removed. Trump pledged this month to withhold federal funding from “sanctuary cities or states having sanctuary cities.”

, Gov. Josh Shapiro said his administration is prepared to handle a Minneapolis-style ICE occupation in Pennsylvania. He called agents’ behavior there “lawless” and “unacceptable” — and categorized the recent shooting death of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol as an “atrocity.” 

 would prohibit civil immigration arrests within 1,000 feet of state-owned or leased facilities absent a judicial order or warrant.

You can make your voice heard by calling your elected leaders. The app 

 helps locate their contact information and provides scripts you can use or adapt.

If You or Someone You Know is Affected by ICE Activity

If you or a loved one are detained by ICE, you can call Casa San José or Frontline DIGNITY’s emergency response lines.

If you are trying to find someone who’s been detained by ICE, try the national 

Find the latest data on ICE arrests and removals at 

Find ICE Response Trainings & Know-Your-Rights Info

Casa San José and Frontline DIGNITY have helped organize hundreds of volunteers to help with interpretation services, respond to families in crisis, and serve as safe, legal observers of ICE activity. Here’s more about the groups and partner organizations.

In addition to legal clinics and Know Your Rights sessions, Casa San José operates an 

 that monitors immigration enforcement and sends volunteers to court appointments. Follow the community center’s 

 for more educational resources and ways to get involved.

The community organization teaches volunteers 

, document enforcement activity, and respond safely when ICE shows up. Follow their 

This statewide coalition works directly with immigrant communities and supports grassroots organizations. They offer one of the best websites we’ve seen for resources about knowing your rights in different situations, as well as 

 for families, employers, schools and colleges, union stewards, health care workers, and more.

 with preparedness guides, legal rights checklists, and community support planning resources — a good reference for organizations and volunteers helping impacted families.

 to vulnerable immigrants, including education on the legal rights of people who've been detained and help for survivors of violence. They also lead an 

 that provides training, safety planning tools, and technical assistance with issues like language access in court.

The statewide legal advocacy group has know-your-rights guides available in 

City Cast Pittsburgh spoke to senior staff attorney Vanessa Stine to learn 

, what rights immigrants have regardless of their legal status, and how bystanders can help during an ICE encounter. There’s a 

Stay Informed About ICE Activity in Pittsburgh

Local reporters and advocates all over our region are trying to document ICE encounters and their effect on our region. Here are a few that really stand out.

The nonprofit newsroom closely follows immigration enforcement in Pittsburgh and across Southwestern Pennsylvania. 

 works to protect peoples' constitutional rights through actions across all 50 states. Find local information and ways to get involved through the 

1Hood Media promotes social justice through 

 to find out about local ICE response, upcoming protests, and more community events.

This grassroots political organizing group often spearheads or helps get the word out about 

 in Western Pennsylvania. If you’re outside the city, look for an 

Local Groups Supporting Immigrant Communities

Lots of organizations and networks already exist to support our immigrant and refugee communities. Note: These are not for crisis response. Please let us know if we left someone off the list at 

Pittsburgh Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

 by streamlining access to city services, community groups, and opportunities for entrepreneurs. Helpful if you need local data supporting the value of immigration.

 for immigrants such as citizenship and legal assistance, literacy and ESL classes, youth programs, refugee resettlement services, and more.

 with housing, employment, education, health care navigation, and community building. They also run a mentorship matching program so locals can support families directly.

Church leaders offer advice on how religious communities can prepare, respond, and support the immigrant community, including a 

 on what to do if ICE comes to your church.

, including housing assistance, case management, employment support, and legal referrals. They also have a housing registry and donation options to help newly-arrived families settle. JFCS is connected to 

AIU3’s Immigrant Services and Connections

The workforce development organization helps immigrants and refugees find sustainable employment through its 

. It’s a part of their mission to support all people, and especially women, with free career development workshops, mentoring, and career coaching.

 for green card applications, naturalization, family reunification, and more — helpful for families needing legal support.

 (ISAC) program, Literacy Pittsburgh helps immigrants with food, rent/utility support, transportation access, and health care — often in multiple languages and without barriers to enrollment.

Trainings, mutual aid, family support, and other resources to help immigrant communities as ICE activity escalates nationwide.

 How To Help Immigrants in Pittsburgh

Ways To Support Pittsburgh’s Immigrant Communities

What Pittsburghers have been wondering. We break down why things in Pittsburgh are the way they are and how they work.

Pittsburgh, Explained

Looking out for your neighbors’ safety can be as simple as looking down.

 is building a network of volunteers to document risky sections of our city’s walkways. The collaborative project is led by BikePGH, Access Mob, and Pittsburgh’s Department of Mobility and Infrastructure.

“It’s really about equity,” says Seth Bush, Advocacy Manager at BikePGH. “We’re looking at the distribution of the quality of our sidewalks and how we can connect neighborhoods to resources more effectively.”

The crew’s observations will be used to assess sidewalk conditions throughout our 90 neighborhoods and help the city create long-term plans for upgrades.

This planning, Bush says, is essential to 

. A 2024 report from the Governors Highway Safety Association shows that 

 in the U.S. happened in locations without a sidewalk.

“This program works best when volunteers report from their neighborhood. They know it best.” Bush says. “We have a lot of ground to cover, and we need a lot of people.”

Discover what makes sidewalks safe and accessible 

. Attendees will learn how to report sidewalk issues through a form where users can easily log a concern by noting the location and uploading a picture.

If you don’t see a training date that works for you, contact 

 and they’ll coordinate a session. Once trained, you can submit reports from anywhere in the city.

If you want to connect with more crew members, be sure to look out for neighborhood-wide “blitz” efforts on 

. Note: Training isn’t required before attending one of these events; you’ll get a crash course and a partner to walk with.

Pittsburgh Walks can also train volunteer groups, such as clubs and workplace teams. Reach out to 

Disability advocate and Access Mob Pittsburgh Director Alisa Grishman 

 — but especially wheelchair users like herself.

“In a world that has great sidewalks, sliding doors, and ramps, I wouldn’t be disabled; I’d be able to get everywhere just the same as someone who is currently able-bodied. It’s the world that creates the disability, not my chair.”

Stay engaged by following organizations like 

, and reporting all kinds of neighborhood 

Help make Pittsburgh more accessible by reporting sidewalk issues from anywhere in the city.

How You Can Help To Make Pittsburgh Safer for Pedestrians

How To Join Pittsburgh’s Safe Sidewalks Crew

Tips and tricks for living your best Pittsburgh life, by locals, for locals.

Pittsburgh Life Hacks

Keep the winter blues at bay with tasty drinks (and no hangover!), Pittsburgh features on TV, a popular vintage festival, local history brought to life on stage, cozy cold-weather activities, and more.

, Pittsburgh’s nonalcoholic beverage shop, is pouring over with sober drink options — from seltzers and spirits to beers and wines. Owner Mel Babitz and the team can guide you through hundreds of options to find 

, whether you want a bev that tastes like beer or wine or a “functional” drink with mood-enhancing or energizing ingredients.

 now has a brick-and-mortar bringing fresh, hand-rolled bagels to Bloomfield. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of bakery featuring breakfast sandwiches, customizable cream cheese spreads, and toppings galore. Tip: Go early! It was all sold out by late morning when I stopped by on a Sunday.

Millvale is channeling Hygge, the Danish art of cozy, with 

 throughout the borough on Jan. 10. Start at 

 for a cozy herbal blend. Then mosey through a couple of blocks to find more than 30 businesses and practitioners offering sessions in yoga, massage, facial, sound healing, tarot, and more. Want more? Keep the self-care going at the 

4. Spot Local Scenes in Season 2 of ‘The Pitt’

 medical drama, partially filmed in Pittsburgh, is back for its 

. We can’t wait to see shots of gorgeous Pittsburgh skylines, Dr. Robby commuting through the North Side, and local Easter eggs only yinzers will know — all of which almost makes the blood and gore worth the watch 😉

It’s a good time to turn a new page — literally. Build up your TBR pile with new reads from Pittsburgh’s 

. If you’re not sure where to start, check out some local book clubs. Stay Gold Books in Regent Square has a 

, including a Sunday Morning Salon where you can meet over coffee to talk about inspiring nonfiction reads.

6. Visit The Black Photojournalism Exhibit

January is the last month to see the documentary work by nearly 60 photographers across the United States — including Pittsburgh’s own Charles “Teenie” Harris — at Carnegie Museum of Art’s 

. Inside the Heinz Galleries, you’ll find snapshots of historic events and daily life, chronicling everything from the end of World War II to the Civil Rights movement.

7. Scour for Gems at Totally Rad Vintage Fest

This traveling festival celebrates everything from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and Y2K! Shop racks of vintage fashion, find throwback accessories and memorabilia, play free arcade games, and more on 

8. Get Nostalgic at Found Footage Festival

This live comedy show unearths bizarre and hilarious VHS footage with commentary by Joe Pickett (The Onion) and Nick Prueher (Late Show with David Letterman). Hang out at Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown on Jan. 22, and take in the weird and wonderful video catalog at 

9. See the Origin Story of Freedom House Ambulance

Prime Stage Theatre is sharing the history of Freedom House Ambulance, the country’s first emergency medical service created in the Hill District in 1967. Its all-Black paramedic crew, led by Pitt professor and “father of CPR” Dr. Peter Safar, paved the way for the 911 system we use today. 

 at New Hazlett Theater, Jan. 23 through Feb. 1.

10. Play & Explore at The Frick’s Winterfest

 Jan. 17 and 18. Watch glass-blowing demonstrations, go on a scavenger hunt, enjoy a winter sound bath concert, and warm up at the hot chocolate bar. Don’t skip the open house at 

, the former home of industrialist Henry Clay Frick and his family.

January in Pittsburgh: sober cocktails, new bagels, Hygge activities, local books, “The Pitt” season 2 premiere, a vintage fest, and more.

The Best Events in Pittsburgh January 2026

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in January 2026

Wrap up 2025 in Pittsburgh with local shopping, festive performances, cozy food and self-care, new art exhibits, and more moments of cheer.

Whether you want to go on a mesmerizing light experience, a house tour that’ll make you feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie, or a winter floral adventure, there’s a 

Pittsburgh display that’ll dazzle you this holiday season.

Sign, seal, and deliver a little love with locally-made holiday cards, like creations from 

. Need more options? Browse the colorful display of stationary at 

 in Lawrenceville, pictured above, or visit these 

Eat Your Way Through the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour

Participate in this sweet, decades-long tradition of tasting cookies and shopping all over the neighborhood, Dec. 13-14. Don’t forget to grab a map and look for gift-wrapping stations along Butler Street. Bonus: Find more treats at Flour Power’s 

When you buy from small Pittsburgh creators, 

 for the local economy. Get all of your shopping done in one day with hundreds of makers at Handmade Arcade, spend a full day shopping and exploring at the first-ever South Side Winterfest, or find an event close to you with my list of 

Enjoy a laugh-out-loud, Pittsburgh-style parody of everyone’s favorite holiday disaster with Midnight Radio Lampoon’s 

 at Kelly Strayhorn Theater; nostalgic music from the 

 jazz and comedy showcase at Bottlerocket Social Hall; a drag variety show at 

Get cozy during dark winter nights with the flickering flame of a sweet-scented candle. Visit 

 in East Allegheny for the “Jolly Jagoff” and “Christmas Cookie Table” duo pack. Or shop the Chalet Collection by 

, with warming scents like cinnamon and rosemary.

Life-size snowglobes, over-the-top decor, festive cocktails, and so much more — that’s what you can find at 

. Whether you want to sip a spicy spirit by the fire, cheers under twinkly lights, or go on an immersive bar tour, we’ve got your night out 

Combat cold weather fatigue with a nourishing breakfast in the Burgh. One of my favorite spots for comfort food is 

 in Allegheny West. Take a pal and order both a savory and sweet dish to split. You won’t want to skip their stack of johnnycakes or homemade biscuits and gravy. Get more meal inspiration with the City Cast Pittsburgh team’s 

The winter blues are hard to fight in Pittsburgh. Be kind to yourself with a day of pampering. Start with a warm cup from the 

. Then book a therapeutic experience, like a sauna, hot tub, or cold plunge with 

 in Lawrenceville or Sewickley; or Babesburgh’s 

A group of artists are sharing what it means to be Appalachian in a new exhibit at 

; the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh is hosting an art sale for the organization’s 

; and local creatives are drawing inspiration from a famous muralist for a show at 

December in Pittsburgh: Maker markets, festive light displays, holiday pop-up bars, seasonal performances, a cookie tour, and more.

What To Do in Pittsburgh in December 2025

10 Things To Do in Pittsburgh in December 2025

Whether you need some extra sides, a pie, or a whole Thanksgiving feast, here’s a cornucopia of holiday takeout options in Pittsburgh.

Order the ultimate Italian-American meal kit at Pane è Pronto in the Strip District, ready to reheat and enjoy. Choose between porchetta and gravy or fennel rosemary turkey breast and white wine braised turkey thighs. Each kit includes pumpkin rosemary dinner rolls; cacio e pepe mashed potatoes; sausage, spinach, apple, and pine nut stuffing; and Italian cookies. Feed two for $80 or four for $150. Pickup is Nov. 26.

Opt for a full dinner that feeds 6-8 people or just get some help with the fixings. They’ve got all the classic sides like stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, green beans, and pumpkin pie. It doesn’t just taste great — Café Momentum helps youth develop culinary and life skills. The deadline is Nov. 17, and pickup is Nov. 25-26 in Downtown.

Want to skip the whole turkey? Get Sprezzetura’s turkey, walnut, and cranberry meatballs to pair with sides like sesame glazed carrots; wild rice, sausage and mushroom stuffing; and stuffed squash. For dessert, try the pumpkin chocolate chip bundt cake. Pick up is Nov. 27 in East Liberty.

You can get a whole turkey ready to roast or an already-done, herb-brined bird from Mediterra in Lawrenceville, Mt. Lebanon, Sewickley, or Cranberry — plus sides like sweet and spicy roasted brussels sprouts, stuffing, candied yams, and sweets from their bakehouse. Order by Nov. 19 for pick up Nov. 25-26.

Choose a turkey or ham to pair with sides like cornbread pecan stuffing, mac and cheese, collared greens, and more. If you need dinner for one, Community Kitchen offers a plate of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and a dinner roll for $18. Pick up in Hazelwood.

If you’re feeding a crowd, this North Side catering biz has you covered with a feast that serves 10. Get a whole turkey and classic comfort food sides like mac and cheese, cornbread stuffing, collard greens, green beans, and candied yams.

Order a 10- or 20-pound citrus and winter-herb brined turkey, plus sides like focaccia stuffing, mashed potatoes, fried brussel sprouts, green bean casserole, and candied sweet potatoes. Don’t skip the orange cranberry compote. Order by Nov. 21 for Downtown pickup Nov. 26.

Walter’s BBQ is bringing the heat for Thanksgiving with smoked turkey and brisket, stuffing, mac and cheese, corn bread, sweet potato casserole, and more. Move fast if you want it; there are a limited number of orders available. Pickup is Nov. 27.

Order to-go meals, sides, and pies for Thanksgiving in Pittsburgh.

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