Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Cultural District with Highmark First Night

Countdown to the new year with Highmark First Night, a six-hour celebration sprawling across Downtown’s Cultural District. This year’s lineup features acclaimed national artists, local Pittsburgh artists, live music, dance, theater, comedy, children’s activities, and the signature parade – and, don’t forget the fireworks! 

The party starts at 6 p.m. this Friday with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display on the Dollar Bank Stage, located at 237 7th Street.

Featured performances include:
– Ice Creations, a one-of-a-kind, high-energy ice carving show
– ZUZU African Acrobats, performing traditional African acrobatics with new dance
– Baby Rave, a child-friendly dance and music event with a live DJ
– The Byron Nash Trio, a fun, electrified, funky, blues-tinged guitar-driven group
– and more!

Plus, be on the lookout for Intrude by Parer Studio, a series of giant rabbit sculptures (including one exceptionally large 50-foot-tall bunny) illuminated in stark white light at the Trust Oasis and 8th Street along Penn Avenue.

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The annual New Year’s Eve Parade returns, making its way down Penn Avenue at 8 p.m. packed with performance groups and signature giant puppets.

Towards the end of the night, head over to the Highmark Stage along Stanwix Street for the Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale featuring the Countdown to Midnight, the raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball, and a spectacular fireworks display.

This year’s celebration is free, with free tickets required for select indoor performances. View a full events lineup and schedule here.

Need to find your way around the festival? View the event map here.