Your Daily Guide

Pittsburgh’s First Night Turns 30

The annual New Year’s Eve celebration will mark three decades in the 14-block area of the Cultural District. Celebrate with live music, dance, theater, visual arts, magic, kids’ activities, a parade, and of course, fireworks at 6 p.m. and midnight. [TribLIVE]

PA Laws Interfere With Syringe Services

Distributing alcohol wipes, tourniquets, and sterile syringes is a way to keep people safe until they can come off the drugs — and it's one of nine “core strategies” for the billions of dollars being sent to states in settlements with drug companies. The problem? It’s illegal everywhere in Pennsylvania except Allegheny County and Philadelphia, even though studies show it's an effective public health intervention to reduce HIV and hepatitis C infections. [SpotlightPA & 90.5 WESA]

Chatham Wants To Unionize After Cuts

Twenty staff members were laid off and other salary and benefit cuts were made in August as the university restructured in an attempt to fill a $6 million budget hole — and now some remaining staff want a seat at the table before future changes are made. Ten faculty members are in the early stages of forming an organizing committee and said they will share their preferred choice for an affiliate union later this month. [PublicSource]

Do You Ride the Bus in East Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh Regional Transit held feedback meetings this week for redesign proposals as part of its NEXTransit plan. Didn’t make it? No worries. You can still take PRT’s online survey, and look out for more public feedback meetings next year. [Pittsburgh Union Progress]

Tis the season for holiday cheers. Get in the spirit at these pop-up bars around Pittsburgh.

Bar Noel

📍Sewickley

Hear holiday tunes on the piano while sipping a craft cocktail — like the “Nobel S’more,” a campfire-inspired bourbon based drink — at this new bar on Beaver Street, open Thursdays through Saturdays starting at 6 p.m.

Bob’s Garage

📍Blawnox

Not a pop-up bar, but an honorable mention!

City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris says this is one of the best holiday bars with reasonably-priced drinks and “decor stuffed into every possible space.” Check it out Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Good Cheer at Ruggers Pub

📍South Side

Find seasonal cocktails and specials every day at this merry collaboration with Iron City and I.C. Light.

Holiday Tavern Pop-Up

📍Strip District

The PA Market is now pouring its winter cocktails. Check out Alpacas at The Market in the courtyard this Saturday, then warm up with a cozy beverage under the holiday lights.

‘Home Alone’ Pop-Up

📍Downtown

Get nostalgic with this bar based on the classic holiday movie, with a bright front bar and cozy speakeasy in the back. Order a “Ya Filthy Animal” drink with proceeds benefiting the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, open weekdays at 4 p.m. and 11 a.m. on the weekends.

Miracle on Sixth

📍Downtown

Lights, garland, tinsel, oh my! Step into a decked-out bar on Liberty Avenue for a “Snowball Old Fashioned,” open daily at 4 p.m. through New Year’s Eve. A portion of proceeds goes to local charities.

Wigle Wonderland

📍Strip District

Sip on a “Frosty the Eggnog” or “Candy Cane Lane Espresso Martini” at Wigle Whiskey’s magical distillery bar, decorated with a ceiling of twinkling fairy lights. Check it out at 7 p.m., Thursday through Saturday.

Rudolph's Rooftop Holiday Pop-Up Bar

📍Downtown

Imagine you’re imbibing in a snowglobe at Il Tetto’s jolly rooftop bar with a Rudolph-themed cocktail menu that “will make your nose glow,” Wednesday through Saturday at Sienna Mercato.