Even More Activities Announced Ahead of Pittsburgh’s 4th of July Celebration

PHOTO BY DAVE DICELLO

The Steel City loves to party, and to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, Pittsburgh is going all out. 

City officials announced a new wave of attractions, entertainment and community partnerships ahead of the semiquincentennial this weekend — a spectacle they say will be “the most robust lineup of programming and partnerships to date.” 

Through a collaboration with Piatt Companies and the Veterans Leadership Program, the city will open what it’s calling the Piatt Companies Salute to Service Wheel on the North Shore. The 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel is located on the North Shore, and 50% of all ticket sales for the ride will benefit the Veterans Leadership Program. Rides opened to the public on July 1, and tickets are available online for $11.20 after service fees.

The ride will only be around through July 5, and officials say tickets are selling fast.

“Giving back to those who’ve served our country is at the heart of what this is about,” says Piatt CEO Lucas Piatt in a statement. “For us, this is also a meaningful prelude to what’s ahead — our 200-plus-foot observation wheel coming to the Esplanade. This Fourth of July gives Pittsburghers a taste of the kind of landmark experience we’re building just up the river, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with the community.”

Plans for the Esplanade, also overseen by Piatt Companies, have been in the works for a few years; the development project aims to convert unused and underused post-industrial sites along the river into a mixed-used community space on the North Shore. It will include, among other things, a Ferris wheel.

While the expected opening for the Esplanade is still a few years away — scheduled tentatively for 2028 — the city says it will bring a festive atmosphere to the area this weekend to celebrate the country’s milestone birthday.

In addition to the Piatt Companies Salute to Service Wheel, there will also be two stages inside Point State Park, which will highlight local talent in the music industry. The BNY Main Stage features national touring artist Plain White T’s as the event’s headliner, with all opening acts hailing from the Pittsburgh region. The Western PA Chevy Dealers Celebrate the USA Stage will feature additional local performers celebrating American music and culture through patriotic and classical compositions.

Returning event partner Trulieve Dispensary, with strong ties to local Pennsylvania veteran’s organizations, will once again present the Veterans Wellness Corner within the main event footprint at Point State Park. Attendees will find opportunities to connect with initiatives offered by non-profit partners, while also offering a place to take a break from the day’s commotion, including sound bath and light yoga sessions.

Rounding out the entertainment in Point State Park will be the CitiParks Family Fun Zone, “Made Here” handmade market and line dancing sessions at the fountain.

The fun will extend to Liberty Avenue, where the Sargent Electric Solar Stage will feature even more local bands performing throughout the day, and the Peoples Natural Gas Food Truck Corral will provide a variety of local cuisine and refreshments. The Food Truck Corral will also offer options to eventgoers on the North Shore.

Pittsburgh Brewing Company will present entertainment at the Grandview Park Bandstand, with musical acts on stage throughout the night and local food on site. Visitors to the bandstand events can catch the Burgh Bus shuttle provided by Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown. 

This year’s landmark Independence Day Celebration begins at 4 p.m. in all locations, with the biggest fireworks display in decades capping the day of events at 9:35 p.m. For full entertainment schedules and more information on the City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration, visit the city’s website.