Raise a Toast to the Babes: A Q&A with Babesburgh Founder Cat Bruno
On June 14, Invest PGH is thrilled to join the big babe energy of Babesburgh Bash 2025 as a community partner. On that day, Allegheny Landing Park will transform into a vibrant celebration of creativity, empowerment, and community, celebrating women and femmes of all identities, backgrounds, and expressions in all their brilliance.
I caught up with Babesburgh founder and executive director Cat Bruno, whose journey from writer to planner to leader has shaped on of Pittsburgh’s most exciting and inclusive community events.
From Storytelling to Sisterhood: A Decade of Dynamism
After years of freelance writing and cofounding Pittsburgh’s wildly popular and nationally recognized Barrel & Flow Fest, Cat felt drawn to something new, but something familiar. She was at a point in her life where she really appreciated the support of women around her, she shared with me, and she wanted to make sure the women in the region had access to that same kind of experience and community. And like that, Babesburgh was born as a celebration of creativity, connection, and dismantling the patriarchy with good vibes.
At its core, Babesburgh is about experiencing life together in a nonjudgmental community. It’s not your typical networking event, Cat explains, and it’s not transactional. It’s a way to have fun and build community through new experiences. It’s a space where everyone who chooses to wear the crown of womanhood, or who supports those who do, is welcomed without reservation and is celebrated for exactly who they are. “And if we happen to smash the patriarchy in the process,” she says, “…so be it!”
Babesburgh Bash 2025: What to Expect
This year’s Bash has seriously leveled up, with more than 115 businesses, artists, wellness providers, and community groups, each one women-owned, women-powered, or women-supportive. You can expect to shop, sip, stretch, dance connect, and most importantly, feel good all day long.
A few highlights:
💃 Fitness classes like yoga, boxing, and Zumba
🎶 Live music from Pittsburgh’s top women DJs & musicians
🖌️ An “Artist Alley” celebrating the city’s vibrant creative scene
🛍️ Woman-owned vendor markets, local food, and craft drinks
🧘 Meditation, wellness talks, Afro-beats dance, and more
💬 Nonprofit groups offering support for women and families
Cat shared one of the most impactful moments from the first Bash: a woman who had attended countless beer and brewing festivals told Cat the Bash was the first time she felt truly safe and respected in a festival setting. “That meant the world to our whole team,” Cat said.
Building Businesses with Heart: Will You Be There?
Babesburgh doesn’t stop when the Bash ends. Throughout the year, Cat and her team host events at woman-owned shops, restaurants, and breweries. They run vendor marketplaces. And they pay local artists to lead creative workshops. They want to share and celebrate the passions of women and femmes who create, says Cat. Women are busy, and they deserve a space to connect, unwind, and be supported.
Her advice to those thinking of starting a business? “Be passionate about whatever it is you want to do. There will be times when you want to quit or walk away or even start over. So I would just say: don’t give up on what you love and don’t give up on yourself to get where you want to be.”
Why Invest PGH is Showing Up
At Invest PGH, we believe that every bold idea deserves a chance to grow, and that means being in the spaces where dreams are just starting to take shape. As a mission-driven nonprofit focused on inclusive economic development, we’re so excited to table at the 2025 Bash and to connect with Pittsburghers who might be thinking about launching their own ventures. Whether you’re dreaming about launching your own business or just curious about where and how to start, our team will be there to answer questions, share resources, and cheer you on.
For many people with business dreams, Cat explains, whether it’s a brewery, a wellness brand, or an artistic side hustle, events like this offer inspiration and visibility. “Our goal,” she says, “is that every partnership is truly beneficial to everyone and supports [the Babesburgh] mission.” At Invest PGH, we believe in building a Pittsburgh where entrepreneurs of all backgrounds, especially women, LGBTQIA+ folks, and entrepreneurs of color can thrive. Supporting events like Babesburgh Bash is one way we live out that mission. That’s why we think it’s important to have organizations like Invest PGH there: to show people what’s possible.
What’s Next for Babesburgh?
After the Bash, Cat will keep the momentum going by collaborating with women-led organizations and businesses across the city. “More than ever, we think it’s important to unite and work together to grow and rise. And we continue to delight in friendship and sisterhood as we support each other and thrive.”
And honestly, what else is there to say? We’re here for the babes.
Don’t Miss It: Babesburgh Bash 2025
📍 Allegheny Landing Park
📅 Saturday, June 14, 3pm - 9pm
🎟️ Come for the vibes. Stay for the community.
Stop by the Invest PGH table to say hello, learn how we support local entrepreneurs, and grab a few goodies to take home. Whether you’re building a business, seeking connection, or just want a beautiful day by the river filled with music, movement, and meaning, this Bash is for you. Buy tickets at babesburgh.com/tickets.
All babes welcome. All identities. All love. One circle.
Find Babesburgh:
Online
babesburgh.comOn Facebook
facebook.com/BabesburghPghOn Instagram
instagram.com/babesburgh