On June 8, PGHRetail kicked off the California Markets, a series of open-air markets planned to boost the California Avenue business district in Brighton Heights. In addition to children’s activities and vendors, the first market series had a live DJ, an art walk sponsored by the Brighton Heights Citizen Federation and the Steer and Wheel food truck served gourmet burgers.

If you’re good with a spatula or into brewing your own beer, the next California Markets on July 13 will have a BBQ cook-off sponsored by Tom’s Friday Market. It’s free to enter your beer or fire up a grill and there are prizes for first place winners. . There will be information days at the Java N’Creme Coffee House at 3619 California Ave on June 29 at 11 a.m. and July 10 at 6 p.m

(All photos courtesy Stephanie Lauren Stauffer)

Brighton Heights resident Kelly Day was there to DJ.

Kids entertained themselves with bubbles, chalk and a variety of other activities.