Holiday Photos in Pittsburgh
First Night Pittsburgh 2026
Pittsburgh's Free 2026 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.
2026 Highlights
First Night 2026 will amaze you with live music, live ice sculpting, family-friendly activities, and more. Black Benatar’s Community Lip Sync Spectacular invites folks of all ages and experience levels to step into the spotlight in this playful performance.
Other must-see events include Highmark Stage's unforgettable celebrations. Don't miss experiences like the Dollar Bank Children's Fireworks, which start at 8 p.m., and the Dollar Bank Battle of the Bands kicks off at 10 p.m. with four bands going head-to-head in this high-energy inaugural showdown.
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 8:00 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:
Highmark Stage
Hear the finalists of the GBU Life SING-OFF competition at 7:00 p.m., prepare to be dazzled with children's fireworks and a NYE countdown for the kids at 8 p.m., dance to DJ Todd Griffin at 9 p.m., and witness the Dollar Bank Battle of the Bands at 10 p.m.
Greer Cabaret Theater
Enjoy the New Year’s Eve Cabaret Soirée with FireWALL Dance Theater at the Greer Cabaret Theater at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Liberty Magic
Catch a show with The Harmon Brothers, a comedy magic act with a whole lot of style, at 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 10 p.m.
Trust Arts Education Center
Black Benatar's Community Lip Sync Spectacular takes over the Pierce Studio at 7:30 p.m., Ping Pong Game Show with O'Ryan the O'Mazing shows at 9:30 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
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2026 is free and open to everyone. The party starts at 7 p.m. We can't wait to see you in Pittsburgh to celebrate the start of 2026!
