For the 31st year in a row, Pittsburghers – with family, friends, and neighbors in tow – will join thousands of visitors from throughout the region to greet the new year with an unforgettable celebration of the arts in downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.
Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2025, a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, sponsored by Visit PA, is a six-hour, arts-focused community celebration with popular featured events that are free and open to everyone. Now, the Cultural Trust is introducing an additional lineup of ticketed attractions to provide an even more diverse range of arts experiences throughout the evening.
“We’re thrilled to welcome visitors to the Cultural District for an incredible showcase of arts and entertainment,” said Brooke Horejsi, Chief Programming & Engagement Officer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “From fireworks to an ice maze, hip hop to jazz, comedy to Drag, and so much more, this is a joyous way for our community to ring in 2025.”
“We're delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and sponsor the joyous celebration of First Night Pittsburgh," says David Holmberg, President and CEO of Highmark Health. "Supporting this incredible event is an extension of our Highmark Bright Blue Futures program, driving our enterprise mission forward by investing in a healthy, thriving community as we welcome 2025."
INDOOR TICKETED EVENTS – ON SALE NOW at TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH
First Night Friends VIP Experience | Enjoy exclusive access to the First Night Friends Lounge sponsored by Citizens, located inside the O’Reilly Theater lobby. A special “Freeze Pass” allows Friends to cut to the front of the line at the popular Ice Maze. In the Lounge, Friends receive complimentary food, beverages, entertainment, and a convenient indoor street-level destination with packages starting at $65 per adults / $45 per youth. Learn more at TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH.
Roger Humphries Celebrates the Music of Ray Charles | In this one-of-a-kind performance, Pittsburgh jazz legend Roger Humphries and his Big Band will bring to life the original arrangements from the Ray Charles big band book that Humphries played when he was in the band in the late 1960s. The infectious soul music that Ray Charles developed, combining blues, jazz, R&B, and gospel, will be brought to life by 16 of the region’s top musicians.
Byham Theater | 6:30-8 pm | Tickets start at $20
Ed & Day in the ‘Burgh: Epic Comedy on New Year’s Eve | Comedians Ed Bailey and Day Bracey, hosts of the Emmy Nominated TV show "Ed & Day in The Burgh," ring in the new year with an hour of stand-up comedy for you and your loved ones to enjoy...as long as your loved ones aren't small children with sensitive ears!
Byham Theater | 10-11 pm | Tickets start at $15
Kierra Darshell’s Drag Show | Pittsburgh’s First Lady of Drag is a leader, role model, mentor, and innovator in the local drag community. Ms. Darshell is the producer and host of Saturday and Sunday Drag Brunches, as well as Outrageous Bingo and Pittsburgh Leather Contests. She has opened for Patti Labelle, Gloria Gaynor, Martha Reeves, and Christine Ebersole among many other career highlights. Phat Mandee performs in the Lounge before each show.
Greer Cabaret Theater | 7-8 pm & 10-11 pm | Tickets start at $20
Zuzu African Acrobats | Crowd favorites over the last several years, the dynamic, highly skilled acrobatic troupe from East Africa returns to Pittsburgh on New Year’s Eve. They specialize in fast-paced performances that combine traditional African acrobatics, high-energy tumbling, balancing acts, and humor.
James E. Rohr Building, Trust Arts Education Center | 6:30-7 pm, 7:30-8 pm,9-9:30 pm, 10-10:30 pm | Tickets start at $10
Alumni Theater Company | Music and words come together in a unique celebration of the past year and the one to come in this unforgettable performance, blending original songs and spoken word moments. The show offers a reflective journey through highs and lows, growth, and change, as we bid farewell to 2024.
James E. Rohr Building, Trust Arts Education Center | 7-7:45 pm, 9-9:45 pm, 10:30-11:15 pm | Tickets start at $10
Luis Carreon: A Glimpse of The Beast | Beneath Luis Carreon's suave and debonair exterior lies La Bestia (The Beast)—a magician of unparalleled skill with a mischievous sense of humor. In his one-man show currently running at Liberty Magic, Luis combines his jaw-dropping magical skills, his Latin heritage, and off-the-wall comedy to share his real-life experiences, poking fun at stereotypes, cultural differences, and himself. During this year's Highmark First Night Pittsburgh, catch a glimpse of La Bestia himself, along with bonus magic you won't see in his regularly running show!
Liberty Magic | 7:30-8 pm, 8:30-9 pm, 9:30-10 pm, 10:30-11 pm | Tickets start at $20
FREE FEATURED EVENTS
Countdown to Midnight & Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale | New Year’s Eve culminates with a Pittsburgh tradition. Above the Highmark Stage on Penn Avenue Place, the Future of Pittsburgh Ball will rise nearly 75 feet to its pinnacle position (symbolizing a city on the rise) as fireworks fill the sky and the headlining artist and audience join in harmony for a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Learn more about the Future of Pittsburgh Ball.
Headlining Performance by Frzy | “The Golden Boy” himself is returning to the city that made him. From special guests to big surprises, flashing lights, and epic moments, this electrifying performance promises to be the highlight of New Year's Eve. Hear the Frzy songs audiences know and love like “Gold In It” and his hit radio single, “You ain’t got no money” as well as exclusive songs never heard before. Get ready to scream, dance, and cheer because he’s turning 2025 into 202LIVE—"when we say ‘FR’ y’all say ‘ZY’"!
Highmark Holiday Block Party & AHN Family Zone | The event’s presenting sponsor brings hands-on activities and family-friendly fun to the corner of Penn Avenue and 7th Street across from the Benedum Center, CitiParks adds an engaging story set for kids.
New Year’s Eve Parade presented by Giant Eagle | The annual tradition is packed with performance groups, artistic surprises, and appearances by elected officials. This year’s edition features signature giant puppets from Studio Capezzuti. Catch a glimpse of the parade along Penn Avenue between the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and 6th Street, between 8-8:30 pm.
Ice Maze by Ice Creations | Back by popular demand for the third time in Highmark First Night Pittsburgh history, this year’s ice maze will weigh over 60,000 lbs., standing 5.5 ft tall and sprawling a 30x40 ft portion of the Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard. Thanks to support from Visit PA, the journey through the ice maze will feature carved symbols representing different areas in Pennsylvania, ending at the Ice Throne for a classic photo opportunity. For an extra icy experience nearby, kids can race LEGO® cars down an ice luge racetrack. Rich Bubin of Ice Creations has 43 years of experience carving ice for every special occasion.
Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks | This early evening fireworks display kicks-off Highmark First Night Pittsburgh each year at 6 pm! Gather at Penn Avenue and Stanwix Street for a performance by this year’s GBU Life SING-OFF Competition winner followed by a Family Rave with DJ Todd Griffin.
GBU Life SING-OFF Competition | The winner of the annual GBU Life SING-OFF Competition will perform on the Highmark Stage. Students in grades 6-12 can still submit audition videos through Sunday, December 1 at midnight to be considered by a panel of judges and Special Guest Judge Mathew Fedorek (cast member of Funny Girl, part of the PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series). Following in the footsteps of Gabby Barrett, Trinity Wiseman, Dejah Monea, and others, the winner earns a $500 cash prize and a $1,000 school donation.
- Highmark Stage – Family Rave (6:30-7 pm), Nay Hundo (8:30-9:30 pm)
- Fifth Avenue Place – creative activities with Cultural Trust Arts Education, TeraBridges, Scouts of America, Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media, face painters, and more (6-10 pm)
- Lounge at the Greer Cabaret – Phat Mandee (6:30-8 pm, 8:30-10 pm)
- Benedum Center – Venue Tours, Tarot Card Readings, Youth Gospel, and School of Rock (ongoing)
- Giant Eagle Foundation Backyard – Steel City LEGO® User Group, GBU Life SING-OFF Competition Finalists, Geo Koryu: Hawaiian Hula Kahiko Dance, DJ Todd Griffin (various times)
- SPACE – Associated Artists of Pittsburgh 110th Annual Exhibition, Caricature Artists (various times)
- Harris Theater – Wild, Crazy, and Cool: UPA cartoons from the 1950’s
- Roaming – O’Ryan the O’Mazing (9-11 pm)
Generous support for Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2025 comes from Highmark, Allegheny Health Network, Visit PA, Citizens, Dollar Bank, Giant Eagle, PNC, PPG, The Grable Foundation, and The Buhl Foundation. Media partners include KDKA-TV and NEXT Pittsburgh. Operational support is provided by Flyspace Productions.
All events are subject to change. Explore the full lineup of events at TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH.
