One of the challenges of New Year’s Eve is finding a celebration that can appeal to everybody. Maybe you can’t drink like you used to, but your friends want to hit the clubs, so you want a pre-game activity you can all do together. Or maybe you’re bringing up a toddler and unsure what you can do that’s both family-friendly and celebratory. First Night Pittsburgh from the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust provides an all-night celebration with options for all ages.
First Night Festivites for the Kids
The night will start off with the Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks Display at 6PM at the Highmark Stage at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street. These fireworks kicking off the celebration with a bang over downtown. Plus, they’re early enough that kids can celebrate and still get to bed at a reasonable time.
To keep the family fun going, try the Family Rave at 6:30-7:30PM at the Highmark Stage. At Liberty Magic on Penn Avenue, Luis Carreon will be doing exclusive shows all night to delight kids and adults alike with “A Glimpse of the Beast.” And, back by popular demand this year, the Ice Maze is fun for all ages. Nearby, kids can race LEGO cars, then enjoy the New Year’s Eve Parade through the Cultural District at 8PM.
Music and Entertainment Galore
See what your luck is like for 2025 with tarot readings at the Benedum Center from 6PM-10PM. Bring your questions to Dr. Amber Epps, owner of Arts & Crafts: Botanica & Occult Shop. Epps is joined by two other experienced tarot readers, artist Maggie Negrete and event planner and “solitary witch” Elizabeth Kivovitz.
Legendary Pittsburgh jazz musician Roger Humphries and his Big Band will be doing a tribute to Ray Charles starting at 6:30 PM. For more jazz, you can head to the Greer Cabaret Theater to hear Pittsburgh music mainstay of the Beehive era Phat Man Dee.
At the Highmark Stage, friend of TABLE Frzy will be ringing in the new year starting at 10:45 and going past midnight. Frzy is known for his lively energy and killer stage presence. But he also has a heart of gold. Take a look at our winter feature Frzy’s Gratitude Feast to learn a little bit about the man behind the swagger. The best part? Like many First Night events, it’s free.
VIP Options
But what if you want the VIP treatmet? If, like socialite and fraudster Anna Delvey once barked in Netflix’s Inventing Anna, you believe “VIP is always better,” you can get that special treatment at First Night. The pass includes access to gourmet stations, an exclusive VIP lounge, and complimentary parking passes for as low as $65.
A full list of First Night events is available via the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s website.
Story by Emma Riva
Photo via The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust
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