No parade for this year's Highmark First Night Pittsburgh event
The annual First Night parade will have a different look this New Year’s Eve.
Instead of a single parade route on Dec. 31, there will be roaming performers throughout the Cultural District, according to an announcement by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust on Wednesday. The change is due to construction in Downtown Pittsburgh.
The 32nd annual celebration to ring in 2026 will also have live performances, a variety of family-friendly activities, magic shows, ice carvings, two fireworks shows and a countdown to midnight.
Presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, a kid-friendly early eve celebration includes fireworks at 8 p.m. Dollar Bank is also sponsoring the Battle of the Bands, featuring finalists BROOM, NASH.V.ILL, Lindsay Liebro, and The Pit Crew from 10 p.m. until midnight.
There will be a welcome and kick-off at 7 p.m. when the winner of the GBU Life Sing-off is announced by Justin Wirick, cast member of the “Wicked” national tour. A family dance party is happening from 7:15 to 8 p.m. with DJ Todd Griffin of Next Level Entertainment.
Black Benatar’s Community Lip Sync Spectacular is being held at the Trust Arts Education Center from 7:30-8:30 p.m.
In the Greer Cabaret Lounge, Megan Paullet & The HR Department will perform from 7 to 8 p.m. and 9 to 10 p.m. The Pittsburgh Samba Group and Timbeleza will be on the Highmark Stage from 8:15-8:45 p.m.
Stilt walkers O’Ryan the O’Mazing and Lovely Lady Lydia will perform. Richard Bubin of Ice Creations will create the Pittsburgh skyline out of a 2,400-pound ice block. The Peoples Gas Holiday Market will be open in Katz Plaza and Trust Oasis from 7 to 11 p.m.
“We refreshed this year’s schedule to make sure we’re truly offering something for everyone,” Brooke Horejsi, chief programming and engagement officer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, said in a statement.
As the evening nears midnight, the Future of Pittsburgh Ball will rise above the Highmark stage nearly 75 feet as fireworks fill the sky and “Auld Lang Syne” plays.
All events are free except two indoor ticketed performances of the comedy magic duo The Harmon Brothers at Liberty Magic with shows at 7, 8:30 and 10 p.m. and the New Year’s Eve Cabaret Soirée with FireWALL Dance Theater inside the Greer Cabaret Theater from 8 to 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. to 11 p.m.
For more information: TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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