Pirates Fireworks Paddle

Join us for a cool night paddle under the city lights on the Allegheny River as we watch Zambelli Fireworks light up the Pittsburgh skyline after the Pirates game! Previous kayak experience is required. Please arrive early to allow time to find parking and bring a flashlight or headlamp.  

The start of the fireworks may be delayed if the baseball game runs late. While the event is scheduled to conclude at 10:30 PM guides will remain on the water if participants wish to see the show. To best accommodate all parties, participants also have the option to depart at 10:30 PM.     

Trip Leader: Our trained Excursionists and Volunteer Trip Leaders all have night paddling experience. They will guide the group along the river before the show. Once a good spot is found, the group will remain there to take in the fireworks!

Activity level: Intermediate – We recommend participants have some paddling experience in the past. This does not need to be extensive, not does it need to have occurred during the nighttime. However, nighttime paddling has more variables so the previous experience will come in handy!

What to Bring: While kayaking is not necessarily a “get wet” sport, you might get dripped on or splashed occasionally. It is best to wear clothes that dry quickly. Wear comfortable shoes that could potentially get wet. Additionally, since we will be paddling at night, a light jacket might come in handy. Venture Outdoors will provide all the necessary kayak lights for nighttime operations. 

Distance: Participants should not expect to cover a long distance for this trip – likely between 0.5 and 1.0 miles overall. We will depart from the launch, do some light paddling around the Point area (unable to cross the river to the Point due to the fireworks safety zone), and then remain on the water for the show. 

Starting Location: The trip will depart from our launch at Heinz Quay on the riverwalk directly below Acrisure Stadium. The google maps link is below.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Jnsjfnye2rD3MuEx7

Ticket Sales Close: Ticket sales will close 24 hours before the event time. 

Other Information: 

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to ensure that the trip gets underway on time. Please be mindful of traffic and road closures that may occur due to the Pirates game. Parking may take longer than usual as well. We recommend parking at either the Champions Garage or the Red 5 Garage on West General Robinson Street.

Dress for the weather (Venture Outdoors trips proceed rain or shine!), bring water and wear comfortable closed toe shoes. By purchasing a ticket, you acknowledge that you are physically able to undertake the activity described above.