Holiday Photos in Pittsburgh
First Night Pittsburgh 2025
Pittsburgh's Free 2025 New Year's Eve Party!
Feel the excitement of Highmark First Night in Pittsburgh! Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the Cultural District and be a part of Downtown Pittsburgh’s favorite holiday bash.
At Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, you can explore the Cultural District like never before. Gather your friends and family and enjoy free art and entertainment in the many theaters, galleries and one-of-a-kind spaces. This year’s celebration will feature outdoor stages, a visual arts celebration, a New Year's Eve Parade and, of course, fireworks!
All of this culminates with the Countdown to Midnight and the raising of the Future of Pittsburgh Ball. Visit TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH for the full schedule of events.
2025 Highlights
First Night 2025 will "a-maze" you with an interactive, walk-through ice experience. This ice maze is no quaint feat— walls span over five feat and feature plenty of Instagram-worthy opportunities. Construct Lego cards by an ice racetrack, or take a picture by the Ice Throne!
Other must-see events include Highmark Stage's unforgettable celebrations. Don't miss experiences like the Dollar Bank Children's Fireworks which start at 6:00 p.m., as well as the legendary rapper Frzy performing his iconic hits from 10:45 p.m. -12:05 a.m.
Family-Friendly Fun
The 14-block radius of the city's Cultural District transforms into an incredible kid-friendly celebration during Highmark First Night Pittsburgh! Kicking off the evening at 6:00 p.m. is the Dollar Bank Children's Fireworks. Other kid-friendly activities include an arts parade led by giant puppets and art cars, face painting, arts and crafts with Trust Arts Education, and a Family Zone for stilt-walking, juggling, make-your-own buttons and more Holiday Block Party fun.
Live Music & Performances
Outdoor and indoor programs and performances abound at First Night. Stage locations will be set up throughout the Cultural District with free performances, including:
- Backyard @ 8th & Penn, hear the finalists of the GBU Life SING-OFF competition at 7:00 p.m., watch the Geo Koryu Fire Dance at 9:00 p.m, and groove to high-energy beats by DJ Todd Griffin at 10:00 p.m.
- Highmark Stage, opening performance of the GBU Life SING-OFF winner at 6:00 p.m., Nay Hundo at 8:30 p.m., and Frzy at 10:45 p.m.
- Greer Cabaret Theater, Phat Man Dee and other instrumentalists play two jazz shows at the Green Cabaret Theater's Lounge at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Kierra Darshell puts on two drag shows at 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.
- Byham Theater, Roger Humphries and other musicians pay homage to Ray Charles at 6:30 p.m., and the Ed & Day in the Burgh: A First Night of EPIC Comedy will be held at 10:00 p.m.
- Trust Arts Education Center, Zuzu African Acrobats performs at the Pierce Studio at 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. The Alumni Theater Company also performs at the Trust Arts Education Center at 7:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., and 10:30 p.m.
More Arts & Entertainment
Take a tour of the Benedum Center, watch UPA cartoons from the 1950s at the Harris Theater and marvel at the reality-defying magic of Luis Carreon at Liberty Magic. A wide variety of art will also be on display during the Associated Artists of Pittsburgh Annual Exhibition at the SPACE Gallery at 6:00 p.m.
View the full list of arts and entertainment at TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH
First Night Friends VIP Experience
If you're looking for a special New Years' Eve experience in Downtown Pittsburgh, then the First Night Friends VIP experience is for you! Enjoy special perks, including access to an exclusive lounge, while supporting Highmark First Night Pittsburgh and the Cultural Trust.
Visit TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH for more information and to purchase your experience package.
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2025 is free and open to everyone. The party starts at 6 p.m. We can't wait to see you in Pittsburgh to celebrate the start of 2025!
