Pittsburgh Celebrates Welcoming Week 2025: “Stories We Share”
Published on September 11, 2025
Join us in celebrating inclusion, connection, and community from September 12–21
Pittsburgh, PA – The City of Pittsburgh is proud to join communities across the nation and globe in celebrating Welcoming Week 2025, held this year from September 12 to 21. This annual campaign, launched by Welcoming America in 2012, honors the growing movement of communities striving to become more inclusive and welcoming for all, including immigrants and refugees.
This year’s theme, "Stories We Share," invites us to recognize the power of listening and learning from one another — to discover how our stories, when shared, can bridge generations, cultures, and experiences. Each day of Welcoming Week the City will also spotlight specific themes aligned with the Welcoming Standard, celebrating progress in inclusion, equity, and belonging.
“Welcoming Week gives us the opportunity to come together across backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “By sharing our stories and experiences, we build stronger connections, deepen our understanding of one another, and reaffirm the importance of inclusive communities in achieving collective prosperity. Pittsburgh is a city of neighborhoods shaped by immigrants who came here, contributed, and made this place their home — and that legacy continues today.”
Residents, City and County staff, and community members throughout the Pittsburgh region are encouraged to participate in a week filled with meaningful events that celebrate diversity, advance inclusion, and promote shared goals.
Monday, September 15 | Virtual Storytelling Workshop Time: 6-7:30PM Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/wCUtBHSdSq Join us for a dynamic, interactive storytelling workshop where neighbors will explore how personal stories build empathy and connection. Discover how storytelling bridges generations and cultures through guided activities and a welcoming space to share your own journey.
Friday, September 19 | Government & Community Leadership Day Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | City-County Building, Downtown Come down to the City-County Building for an afternoon of interactive resource tables, community organizations, food trucks, and opportunities to connect with local leaders. This event will showcase how government and community can work together to create a more inclusive region for everyone.
Throughout the week, residents will have the opportunity to build new relationships, celebrate our city’s vibrant diversity, and commit to making Pittsburgh a place where everyone feels they truly belong.
Olga George
Press Secretary
Mayor's Office
olga.george@pittsburghpa.gov
412-627-0679