Pittsburgh’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration turns 30 years old on Dec. 31.
It’s a six-hour arts-focused family-friendly free production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.
The event takes place in a 14-block area of the Cultural District, Downtown. Live music, dance, theater, visual arts, magic, kids’ activities and a community parade are all part of the festivities. And, it wouldn’t be an event in Pittsburgh without fireworks, which will go off at 6 p.m. and again at midnight.
“Artists lead the way at Highmark First Night Pittsburgh,” Sarah Aziz, director of programming and manager of DEAI Initiatives for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, said in a statement. “Their work helps us reflect on the past year and consider the possibilities in the year ahead. Exploring art in the Cultural District has proven to be an incredible New Year’s Eve tradition.”
Courtesy of Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
This year’s headlining performer for Highmark First Night Pittsburgh will be New Orleans-based Lyndsey Smith, a former Pittsburgh resident. Smith’s performance starts at 10:45 p.m. on Dec. 31.
This year’s headlining performer on the Highmark Stage at 10:45 p.m. will be New Orleans-based Lyndsey Smith, a former Pittsburgh resident known as “The Goddaughter of Soul.” Pittsburgh reggae rockers The Flow Band and the Zuzu African Acrobats will also be on stage that night.
A new public art piece will be in the Backyard outdoor space at Eighth and Penn avenues called “The Firetree Project” — it’s a 24-foot-tall steel sculpture and interactive piece that guests can touch to activate bells.
The Greer Cabaret Theater and Lounge will host a performance from jazz musician Dwayne Dolphin. Tarot card readers will also be on-site.
The annual parade begins at 8 p.m. on Penn Avenue near the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.
There will be a ribbon cutting to reopen the Clemente Bridge, which has been closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, since Feb. 14, 2022, for a $34.4 million rehab project.
Fifth Avenue Place will host caricaturists and family-friendly entertainment from Giggles the Clown and O’Ryan the O’Mazing.
A block party will take place at the intersection of Penn Avenue and 7th Street, across from the Benedum Center.
The evening will culminate with the countdown to midnight, and the Future of Pittsburgh Ball will rise nearly 75 feet to its pinnacle position as fireworks fill the sky.
VIP experiences are available for $50.
Details: TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact JoAnne by email at [email protected] or via Twitter .