Women-focused organization to host inaugural Babesburgh Bash

As an organization, you could say that Babesburgh is in its infancy, having launched just last summer. But the women-focused organization, which hit the ground running, is becoming more well known with each event it hosts.

Since its inception, the group has hosted self-defense classes, craft classes, glow-up workshops and more, all designed to empower women to learn new skills, meet new friends and have more fun.

In keeping with that theme, Babesburgh recently announced that they will be hosting a summer celebration of women called the Babesburgh Bash. The inaugural event will take place on June 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. at Allegheny Landing Park on the North Shore.

“We are thrilled with the support we’ve received and inspired by the women we have met throughout our 25+ events across the city and suburbs,” said Cat Bruno, founder and executive director of Babesburgh and one of the creators of the award-winning Barrel and Flow Fest, which celebrates Black artists and businesses.

Bruno describes the Babesburgh Bash as an exciting, first-of-its-kind opportunity for women to enjoy a day that focuses on their needs while supporting other women.

“We are incredibly proud to be a welcoming space for the women of Pittsburgh and those who support them,” said Bruno, adding that the event intends to highlight and support women from different communities and cultures joining together. “When we do that, we all rise,” she said.

More than 100 businesses and nonprofit organizations are slated for the five-hour event where women can shop for handmade goods made by female entrepreneurs and engage in self-care activities like meditation and health care screenings and excercises like yoga and Pilates.

A Brewing Pioneer

The bash will also showcase a variety of spirits, wines and beer crafted by female brewers like Daelyn Shellhaas, who said that she has always had a passion for beer. Shellhaas spent a year doing an apprenticeship with Altered Genius Brewing before they offered her the job of assistant brewer.

“I’m the first black female brewer in the region, and I’m also a rarity since I skipped the homebrewing step and launched right into commercial brewing,” she said.

Shellhaas said that Bruno and her met through the Pink Boots Society, an organization that encourages women and non-binary individuals in the fermented/alcoholic beverage industry to advance their careers through education. Shellhaas is a co-leader of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Pink Boots and is pursuing her master brewing certificate online at eCornell. She said that she hopes to inspire other women along the way.

“I see the Bash as being a platform for all women-owned businesses and I think it’s great that we are having it in the city center,” she said.

Shelley Meyer, Vendor Coordinator and sister to Bruno, said her goal was to select a wide variety of vendors, from a small farmers market, which will include items like olive oil, flowers and houseplants, to nonprofits representing organizations like Big Brother/Big Sisters, Western Pennsylvania Bleeding Disorders Foundation, Nurture Pa. and NextGen America.

Meyer said that she is particularly excited about Artist Alley, which will feature local artists, some of whom will be doing live demonstrations. Meyer noted glass artisans will be there, along with jewelry makers, painters, an individual who makes natural beauty products, and other entrepreneurs.

Music will also be a part of the Babesburgh Bash, with top female Pittsburgh deejays and musicians, a drum circle and more.

“I’m glad Cat came up with the idea; I love her vision,” said Meyer.

Bruno said that she is looking forward to the inaugural event that may turn into an annual one and stresses that all are welcome.

“As with all Babesburgh events, everyone is invited. All identities, all love, one circle,” she said.

To learn more about sponsors, tickets, schedule of events and more, visit their website at www.babesburgh.com.