Pittsburgh's Light Up Night moves to a Saturday

What had seemingly been a perfect night for ushering in the holiday season in Downtown Pittsburgh has proven to be a headache for some Friday evening commuters trying to get in or out of the city.

For that reason, and to make it easier for more families to enjoy the festivities, “Highmark Light Up Night” has moved to a Saturday night.

The 60th anniversary celebration is now scheduled for Nov. 20.

Highlights of the event will include the City of Pittsburgh’s 106th Tree Lighting, a 60-foot spruce, on Grant Street at 5 p.m. followed by Zambelli Rooftop Fireworks. A second tree lighting will take place at 6 p.m. at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Streets with the Highmark Christmas Tree Lighting, followed by a second helping of Zambelli Fireworks.

Last year’s Light Up Night festivities were canceled because of covid-19 concerns.

“Highmark is pleased to be a part of this year’s Downtown festivities, which combine three of Pittsburgh’s best qualities: tradition, innovation and community. It is wonderful to see beloved holiday traditions safely return and new attractions open for the enjoyment of our community,” said Dan Onorato, executive vice president and chief corporate affairs officer at Highmark Health.

“We sincerely thank the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership for bringing us all together this season and commend all the health care professionals who have worked so diligently to keep us safe and healthy.”

Plenty of musical genres

There will be plenty of musical entertainment.

For rock ’n’ roll fans, multi-platinum winning recording artists American Authors, presented by Q 92.9, will headline the BNY Mellon Stage at the Allegheny Overlook on Fort Duquesne Boulevard.

Mr. Smalls’ All-Star Beatles Tribute, featuring more than 15 local musicians performing Beatles hits will appear on the Highmark Main Stage at Penn and Stanwix.

Also appearing will be Pittsburgh musical icon Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers and popular blues singer Miss Freddye.

For jazz fans, the Daniel May trio with Dwayne Dolphin and George Heid III will perform at the EQT Jazzmasters Stage. Presented by MCG Jazz, the show features special guests vocalists Anita Levels, Maria Becoates-Bey, and more, playing jazz holiday favorites and the music of Fred Rogers.

For classical music fans there are free 30-minute Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra concerts at 6:30, 7:15 and 8 p.m. featuring holiday music. They will perform at Heinz Hall.

The celebration concludes with a BNY Mellon Fireworks Spectacular at 9:30 p.m.

“Downtown Pittsburgh always shines during the holiday season, and that will most definitely be true at this year’s Highmark Light Up Night,” said Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership president and CEO Jeremy Waldrup. “We’re thrilled to welcome visitors Downtown to enjoy more activities, shopping, entertainment and fun than ever before.”