Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2025 will feature a tribute to Ray Charles, a drag show, fireworks, a headlining performance by local rapper Frzy and much more.
The 31st annual event, presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, is a six-hour, mostly free event that will ring in the new year on Dec. 31 in the Cultural District, Downtown.
“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to the Cultural District for an incredible showcase of arts and entertainment,” Brooke Horejsi, chief programming and engagement officer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust said in a statement. “From fireworks to an ice maze, hip-hop to jazz, comedy to drag, and so much more, this is a joyous way for our community to ring in 2025.”
Below is an overview of First Night festivities.
Free Outdoor Events
Countdown to Midnight & Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale: The Future of Pittsburgh Ball will rise above the Highmark Stage on Penn Avenue Place, followed by a fireworks display and a singing of “Auld Lang Syne.”
Frzy: The Pittsburgh rapper will perform his radio single “You Ain’t Got No Money” and other favorites.
Highmark Holiday Block Party and AHN Family Zone: Hands-on activities and family-friendly fun at Penn Avenue and 7th Street, across from the Benedum Center.
New Year’s Eve Parade: Giant Eagle sponsors the parade featuring giant puppets from Studio Capezzuti on Penn Avenue between the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and 6th Street, between 8-8:30 pm.
Ice Maze by Ice Creations: The maze is back for the third time at the Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard at 8th and Penn.
Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks: Early evening fireworks kick things off at 6 p.m. at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street.
GBU Life SING-OFF Competition: The winner of the annual GBU Life SING-OFF Competition will perform on the Highmark Stage. Students in grades 6-12 can still submit audition videos through Dec. 1 at midnight to be considered by a panel of judges that includes special guest Mathew Fedorek.
Indoor Events
Roger Humphries Celebrates the Music of Ray Charles: The Pittsburgh jazz legend and his Big Band salute the R&B/soul icon at the Byham Theater (6:30 p.m., $20).
Ed & Day in the ‘Burgh: Comedians Ed Bailey and Day Bracey, of the Emmy-nominated TV show “Ed & Day in The Burgh,” do an hour of stand-up comedy for older audiences at Byham Theater (10 p.m., $15).
Kierra Darshell’s Drag Show: Pittsburgh’s First Lady of Drag is joined by Phat Man Dee at Greer Cabaret Theater (7 and 10 p.m., $20).
Zuzu African Acrobats: The acrobatic troupe from East Africa combines traditional African acrobatics, high-energy tumbling, balancing acts, and humor at the James E. Rohr Building, Trust Arts Education Center (6:30-7 p.m., 7:30-8 p.m., 9-9:30 p.m., 10-10:30 p.m., $10).
Alumni Theater Company: A blend of original songs and spoken word at the James E. Rohr Building, Trust Arts Education Center (7-7:45 p.m., 9-9:45 p.m., 10:30-11:15 p.m., $10).
Luis Carreon: A Glimpse of The Beast: One-man show of magic and comedy at Liberty Magic (7:30-8 p.m., 8:30-9 p.m., 9:30-10 p.m., 10:30-11 p.m., $20).
First Night Friends VIP Experience: Access to the First Night Friends Lounge sponsored by Citizens Bank, located inside the O’Reilly Theater lobby. A special “Freeze Pass” allows Friends to cut to the front of the line at the popular Ice Maze. In the lounge, Friends receive complimentary food, beverages, entertainment, and a convenient indoor street-level destination with packages starting at $65 per adults / $45 per youth. For more information: TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH.
First Published: November 26, 2024, 6:09 p.m.
Updated: November 27, 2024, 4:23 p.m.