Pittsburgh’s Cultural District
December 31
6 p.m.—midnight
Where can you bid farewell to 2017, dance with giant puppets and see a snow-shooting chainsaw? The 24th annual Highmark First Night Pittsburgh will activate Downtown with 100 family-friendly events at 30 venues.
The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. with a children’s fireworks display atop Penn Avenue Place. The Family Tent at Penn Ave. at 7th St. is your one-stop-shop for hands-on art, theater and craft activities.
For one-of-a-kind winter thrills, head to Fire & Ice Plaza. Watch as fire dancers, jugglers and breathers dance amidst intricate ice carvings. The high-energy show will feature LED lighting, live carving and even fireworks shooting from ice sculptures!
Join Randyland founder and Grand Marshal Randy Gilson, who will lead the festive Allegheny Health Network Parade, watch magic shows and learn soul line dancing.
Pop into Fifth Avenue Place to pose for a caricaturist, have your face painted and twist the night away with Giggles the Clown. Rock out to live music by Lee Fields & The Expressions, River City Brass, Barrels to Beethoven and more.
Cuddle up for the “Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale” showcasing a countdown to midnight, raising of the 1,000-pound ball and dazzling Zambelli fireworks.
