AN EARLY-MORNING BICYCLIST NAVIGATES AROUND CONSTRUCTION FENCING IN POINT STATE PARK. | PHOTO BY VIRGINIA LINN

Pittsburghers will celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, food trucks and entertainment in two new locations in the city this year.

Typically held at Point State Park, the city’s Fourth of July festivities will take place on the North Shore and around Emerald View Park’s Grandview Bandstand due to ongoing construction in the park to prepare for the NFL Draft next April. Much of the park is currently behind construction fencing.

The events will kick off along the North Shore Riverwalk at 4 p.m. on Friday, July 4 with a children’s fun zone, a hot air balloon, live music and food trucks. The Trulieve Veterans Wellness Row will return to the celebration, introducing opportunities for veteran-focused resources and offering a relaxing space for veterans. Events will conclude with the annual firework display beginning at 9:35 p.m.

The festivities will extend to Mount Washington with “Steel City Blast at Grandview” held at the Emerald Park’s Grandview Bandstand from 4 to 10 p.m. It will include entertainment, additional children’s activities and food provided by Bottlerocket Social Hall. Bottlerocket will also offer a complimentary shuttle service to the celebration from their location on Arlington Avenue in Allentown.

MUCH OF POINT STATE PARK IS BEHIND CONSTRUCTION FENCING AS THE PARK UNDERGOES $3.4 MILLION IN UPGRADES TO PREPARE FOR THE NFL DRAFT COMING IN APRIL 2026 AND OTHER EVENTS. | PHOTO BY VIRGINIA LINN

“Independence Day in Pittsburgh is more than just fireworks — it’s a powerful celebration of community, freedom and resilience,” Mayor Ed Gainey said in a release. “This year, we’re bringing the energy to new locations across the city, with incredible entertainment, family fun and heartfelt tributes to our veterans..”

The move to the North Shore and Mount Washington comes as Point State Park prepares for the 500,000 to 700,000 fans expected to visit Pittsburgh April 23-25 in 2026 for the NFL draft and later for America’s 250 birthday celebration. The $3.4 million construction project in the park, which kicked off in the spring, targets amenities, walkways, lighting and more.

The improvements will be in addition to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 10-year plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh, as the park has been targeted as one of three areas of improvement. The others are Market Square and the 8th Street block of the Cultural District.