Major Changes Announced For Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration

PITTSBURGH, PA — Major changes are afoot this year for the city's Independence Day celebrations.

With ongoing construction at Point State Park, adjustments to the festival location will see the day’s main events moveto the North Shore Riverwalk, with additional festivities at Emerald View Park’s Grandview Bandstand.

The festivities will kick off at 4 p.m., featuring activities on the PNC Great Lawn, including a children’s fun zone, hot-air balloon, the Trulieve Veterans Wellness Row and continuous musical performances on the main stage.

Additional programming will include the Peoples Natural Gas Food Truck Corral along North Shore Drive and the Sargent Electric Solar Stage on the Riverwalk. The main attraction of the day, the fireworks display, will begin at 9:35 PM.

“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 statement.

“This year, we're bringing the energy to new locations across the city, with incredible entertainment, family fun, and heartfelt tributes to our veterans. I invite everyone to come out, enjoy the festivities, and celebrate what makes Pittsburgh such a strong, vibrant city.”

At Emerald View Park’s Grandview Bandstand with “Steel City Blast at Grandview” from 4 p.m.-10 p.m.

Presented by Duquesne Pilsener, festivities will include music on the bandstand, food and refreshments from Bottlerocket Social Hall and children's activities. Complimentary shuttle service to the event will run from the Bottlerocket parking lot on Arlington Avenue throughout the day.

As the fireworks illuminate the Pittsburgh skyline, listeners can tune in to 100.1 FM KDKA for a live broadcast soundtrack paying tribute to Independence Day. Additionally, viewers at home can watch the celebration live on WPXI-TV.