Pittsburgh Halloween Costumes, County Cancels Christmas, and a Zoo Lawsuit
National Geographic says Pittsburgh is one of the best places in the world to visit in 2026, Bon Appetit featured — of all places — The Squirrel Cage, and a South Side brewery was named the best in the nation. City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Sophia Lo are talking about six different national lists we should be proud to make, plus a couple that just made us laugh. Also, the downstream effects of the state budget stalemate are coming home to roost: Pittsburgh Regional Transit announced all the nice things we won’t be getting, Allegheny County officials canceled Christmas decor and tours at the historic Hartwood Acres Mansion, and an animal rights group is suing the Pittsburgh Zoo. Plus we’re sharing some of our favorite mostly-last-minute Pittsburgh costume ideas, including several submitted by you!
What’s your favorite Pittsburgh costume? Call or text us at 412-212-8893. We might use it on an upcoming show.
Notes and references from today’s show:
- The best places in the world to travel to in 2026 [National Geographic]
- PODCAST: How Fet-Fisk Turned A Pop-Up Into Pittsburgh’s Best New Restaurant [City Cast Pittsburgh]
- Pittsburgh ranks 3rd in national look at car-optional living [WESA]
- Fat Head’s named Brewery of the Year at festival [TribLive]
- 3 Pennsylvania cities ranked among worst places to live for people with asthma [Allegheny Front]
- $750,000 Homes in Virginia, Florida and Pennsylvania [The New York Times]
- Experience Pittsburgh Dining Like a Local: Chef Nik Forsberg Shares His Secret City [Bon Appétit]
- Sheetz and Wawa tied in new convenience store customer satisfaction ranking [KDKA]
- Animal-rights group sues to free elephants from Pittsburgh Zoo [TribLive]
- Social media influencer charged after jumping into Pittsburgh zoo enclosure [TribLive]
- PODCAST: Baby Animals, Snake Emergencies & Why AZA Matters to the Pittsburgh Zoo [City Cast Pittsburgh]
- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro's memoir is coming out in January [WESA]
- Routes spared, but upgrades nixed in Pittsburgh Regional Transit funding fix [PublicSource]
- Hartwood Acres Mansion holiday tours canceled due to state budget not passed [WTAE]
Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode:
Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership
Become a member of City Cast Pittsburgh at membership.citycast.fm.
Want more Pittsburgh news? Sign up for our daily morning Hey Pittsburgh newsletter. We’re also on Instagram @CityCastPgh!
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Pittsburgh and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Edible Mascots, New City Budget & Leave Our Bootleg Merch Alone!
The NFL Draft is finally here! Host Megan Harris, producer Sophia Lo and contributor Colin Williams share what we're looking forward to (...
Pittsburgh Record Shops, Bookstores & Library Adventures You Need Right Now
It's the season to celebrate great books and music! In honor of Record Store Day, Independent Bookstore Day, and National Library Week, t...
Are All Pghers Hot? Plus, Furries, Strip Club Lore & More from 'The Pitt' S2
The latest season of 'The Pitt' is a wrap! And we're still doing our best Nurse Dana, "Baby Jane Doe" impressions. City Cast's Megan Harr...
Your Guide to Pittsburgh's 176 City Parks
Tomorrow is Earth Day, and we think the best way to celebrate is by visiting one of the city's 176 gorgeous parks. Plus, with so many par...
Strawberry Pretzel Standoff, Wine Walks & More Can't-Miss Food & Drink
Spring in Pittsburgh means one thing: it’s officially food fest season. From Vegan Restaurant Week and a mac-and-cheese marathon in the S...
Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Pittsburgh
Could public financing get more Pittsburghers involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vo...
$68K for a Pittsburgh AirBnB?! Plus, Post-Gazette Saved & Smiley Cookie’s Big Win
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is not shutting down after all! The Baltimore Banner's parent nonprofit just bought the paper from Block Comm...
Mayor O'Connor on Life After the Draft, Taxing Nonprofits & Public Bathrooms
Mayor Corey O'Connor just reached his 100th day in office, and he's sitting down with host Megan Harris to talk about his main accomplish...
12 Rules Every Pittsburgh Driver Should Know
Company is coming, and a lot of out-of-town drivers don't know how to zipper merge. But let's be honest, some of yinz don't either! Drivi...
Pittsburgh's Best Bagels
It's one of our most contentious debates: Can you get a good bagel in Pittsburgh? The City Cast Pittsburgh team is entering the fray and...