Pittsburgh First Night Festivities: Officials Provide Security Update

PITTSBURGH, PA — Pittsburgh Public Safety officials say there are prepared for the tens of thousands of people expected Downtown Tuesday night for the annual First Night New Year's Eve festivities.

Eighty Pittsburgh police officers will provide security coverage in the Cultural District. They will be supported by Pittsburgh EMS, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, Emergency Management and more than 10 crossing guards.

There are no known security threats to the event.

"All of our public safety personnel have been preparing for months to make this a night everyone can enjoy," Acting Police Chief Christopher Ragland said. "Our first responders will be highly visible throughout the event, and we encourage you to assist them by alerting them to any suspicious or unusual activity."

Presented by Highmark and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, First Night 2025 features a family-friendly lineup of performers, art installations, and an early fireworks display for children at 6 p.m. on the Highmark Stage. The evening culminates with the countdown to midnight, additional fireworks and the raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball.

These road closures will occur for the event:

• Stanwix Street between Fort Duquesne Boulevard and Liberty Avenue beginning at 10 a.m.

• Penn Avenue from 5th Avenue to 9th Street starting at 4 p.m.

With rain expected this afternoon and evening, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire inspector will evaluate conditions closer to the time of the fireworks display to determine if any adjustments are necessary.