By Macklin Monaghan | Staff Writer

The Babesburgh Bash is back, set to make its return in Allegheny Landing on June 14.

Babesburgh is a Pittsburgh organization focused on empowering women through various events, workshops and classes. With the help of her board, founder Cat Bruno intends to replicate an atmosphere similar to last year’s Bash, which was the inaugural iteration.

While Babesburgh hosts events for women throughout the year, Bruno said that the last Bash was the first major festival for the organization. She said that taking on an event of that scale was very ambitious; it entailed fitting in all the different accommodations that her board wished to see. This included a beer, arts, vendor, and farmer’s festival all in one limited space at Allegheny Landing.

However, little space was not the only thing working against them. Bruno explained that last year’s festival was interrupted by a rainstorm, so that they had to relocate their Saturday festival to Sunday. Bruno said while it was intimidating at first, the success and effort of the festival proved worthwhile.

Bruno hopes that this year’s festival sees more excitement as its timing will work better with the events planned, working off the great vibe she felt for the prior event.

“The energy and vibe was so chill, yet also was upbeat and happy, with that Sunday relaxing vibe,” she told The Chronicle. “However this year we are back to Saturday, so I am curious to see what the vibe will be like.”

Although the Bash is a women-focused event, people of all identities are encouraged to show up. When asked what the inspiration for Babesburgh was, Bruno said that it intended “to create a welcoming and fun space for folks to get together, its women, its men,” as well as fulfill Babesburgh’s push for women to connect with new people and experience new things.

While Bruno said it is difficult organizing all these different events in one, with logistics being a dilemma, her voluntary board has greatly impacted her effort through their willingness to work and take part in the organization of the event.

“Having such a competent, amazing, and supportive staff really just made things smooth,” she said.

Bruno further explained that while the Bash was an event unlike any other, it is still a new festival. She hopes to increase attendance through public outreach and simply getting the information of its existence out there.

But it’s not all preparation. Bruno and her board have worked hard to present this year’s Babesburgh Bash — which includes over 115 local businesses, artists and community groups. In addition, non-profit groups such as Planned Parenthood Western Pennsylvania, which advocates abortion and women’s rights, as well as cancer awareness organization 412 Thrive will be at the Bash.

Area restaurants will provide the dining experience, such as 412 Tacos, which is located in Bellevue and serves Mexican cuisine. Many vendors will be present as well, from designers such as Shaded By the Queen, a sunglasses shop, to Grow Green Roots, which offers eco-friendly products.

Women-owned vendor markets, craft beverages, Pittsburgh’s art scene, nonprofits supporting women, and more are included in the Bash.

Board member Daelyn Schellhaas said she became a part of Babesburgh after talking with Bruno. Schellhaas is a beer brewer whose role on the board is “fermented beverage liaison,” according to the Babesburgh website. However, Schellhaas explained that it’s the unity and collaboration on the board with the entire operation that really makes Babesburgh work.

Schellhaas told The Chronicle that while she anticipated the Bash to largely be a wine, spirits, and brew event, she could not have been more wrong.

“It’s not just beer, wine and spirits,” she said. “There’s wellness businesses, clothing apparel, vintage and homemade shops, musicians, artists, and let’s not forget the food!”

Another board member, Carla Clipper, is a clothes thrifter and long term events industry advocate. When asked how the Bash came about, she explained it all began within the initial decision on how they wanted Babesburgh to feel.

“If I were spending the day with my girlfriends, what would I want to do?” she said. “The answer became clear — that day would look exactly like the Babesburgh Bash.”

Clipper explained that from self defense classes such as boxing, to meditation sessions, there is something for everybody. In addition to the Babesburgh Bash, Clipper explained that a variety of other Babesburgh events are hosted throughout the year. These events largely make up the sort of thing one might see at Babesburgh Bash, including celebrations of women-owned business, fitness classes, and more.

Above all, the Babesburgh Bash is about taking a day to yourself, no matter your identity, and connecting with the community to create a day everybody can cherish, according to Bruno.

Tickets to the Bash are $12, offering admission to the vendor market. Meanwhile, a $43 “taster ticket” including drink samples, and free entry to all events throughout the night is also available. There is also a halfway mark, costing $22, not including the drink samples but providing access to all events.

The 2025 Babesburgh Bash will take place at Allegheny Landing Park from 3-8 p.m. on June 14. For more information, visit Babesburgh’s website, babesburgh.com.