Pittsburgh's July Fourth celebration features Clarks, fireworks and more
The city of Pittsburgh will light up the stage before it illuminates the sky on the Fourth of July on Tuesday.
Four hours of entertainment are planned to precede the Zambelli fireworks show on the river near Point State Park. There will be other programming, as well as events at two area museums and sold-out cruises on the Gateway Clipper, so plan accordingly.
According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to be in the mid 80s with a 40% chance of rain.
The city is expecting thousands of people to gather Downtown for the holiday.
Security screening
Similar to a situation with Juneteenth fireworks last month, there is a discrepancy with who is responsible for security screening at Point State Park.
A representative from the park said via voicemail that security screening is the responsibility of the City of Pittsburgh, while Olga George, a spokesperson for Mayor Ed Gainey’s office, said because it’s a state park, security is the park’s responsibility.
The city did release a statement that said guests will be required to go through security prior to entering Point State Park.
Related
• Pittsburgh hiring private security for July 4 celebrations at Point State Park
• Fourth of July fireworks, parades, festivals make up a full 4 days of events
Travel and parking
Pittsburgh Regional Transit will follow Sunday schedules. The light rail will operate on special holiday schedules.
Due to anticipated high ridership at the Monongahela Incline, there will be shuttle buses to transport riders up to Mt. Washington — service will depend on employee availability. Riders are encouraged to allow for additional travel time.
There is parking at Station Square on the South Side, but the Gateway Clipper’s two holiday cruises that launch nearby are sold out. Parking is available at First Avenue, and people can then take the light rail to the Gateway station, Downtown near the park or the North Shore.
Details: rideprt.org or parkpgh.org
Museum events
Fort Pitt Museum in the park will have a flag-raising at the fort from 1 to 4 p.m. with living history demonstrations, a cannon firing and more. The event is in partnership with the Pittsburgh Chapter of National Society of Daughters of American Revolution, owners of the Fort Pitt Block House — the oldest building in the region.
At 1 p.m., Fort Pitt Museum staff, Scouts and local veterans will kick off the holiday by raising a 36-foot American flag. The ceremony will commence in the Fort Pitt Block House yard.
Admission to the ceremony is free, but regular admission fees apply to enter the Fort Pitt Museum.
The Carnegie Science Center is hosting Explosive Science from 6 to 11 p.m. There will be demonstrations and live entertainment on the deck of the USS Requin submarine behind the museum. Guests can view the fireworks from the museum. Tickets start at $69.
Details: heinzhistorycenter.org or carnegiesciencecenter.org.
Entertainment
The holiday will include music on three stages, with The Clarks closing out the performances prior to fireworks on the Trulieve Main Stage in Point State Park at 8 p.m.
Full Spectrum — an eight-piece rock ensemble of the United States Air Force Heritage Band — and local acts Kenny Stockard and Stone Throwers will take the stage prior to The Clarks.
There will be a new stage on Liberty Avenue where Byron Nash & Jacquea Mae of Nash.v.ill and Jay Constable will perform.
The Great Lawn Stage on the North Shore will feature Joe Grushecky & the Houserockers, Billy Price Band and Let’s Groove Tonight — an Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band.
Other programming
Additional Fourth of July programming from 6 to 8 p.m. will include a C-17 flyover at 5 p.m.; an interactive military display; a hot air balloon; a sensory-inclusive area; and children’s activities featuring face painting, caricatures, line dancing and food trucks.
The main attraction will be the fireworks beginning at 9:35 p.m. Viewers can also watch the celebration live on WPXI-TV.
The complete City of Pittsburgh Fourth of July schedule can be found here.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
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