Pittsburgh’s First Night will kick off the new year with a bang
Dec. 28—New Year’s Eve will start with a bang in downtown Pittsburgh — and end the same way.
Pyrotecnico Fireworks’ display at 6 p.m. on Saturday will be the bookend of Highmark First Night Pittsburgh.
The annual free event will offer music, theater, visual arts and comedy in the hours that follow. It also features its signature parade.
Sarah Aziz, director for festival management at Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, stated that New Year’s Eve falling on a weekend combined with the mild weather forecast should draw a large number of revelers.
More than 30 activities are planned, with highlights including the Ice Maze, a 5-foot-high, walk-through maze of giant ice blocks that will be situated at the Backyard at 8th & Penn.
Aziz mentioned that the ice maze had previously made an appearance during the 2013 New Year’s Eve festivities. This year it was very popular.
The maze’s dimensions will be approximately 20 1/2 by 22 1/2 feet. It will feature multiple ice sculptures as well as a selfie station in its middle.
Rich Bubin, a master ice-carver from Wilkins-based Ice Creations, designed and carved the maze. Bubin, who has been carving ice for nearly four decades, was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2002 as the fastest ice carver.
Bubin stated, “We created (the Ice Maze), thinking people can come together and experience a peaceful joyful journey to the centre and back.” “We hope that our community will be able to walk the labyrinth, transcending the stress of the past two years, and enter a new year full of peace and joy.
Aziz stated that this theme is perfectly integrated into the overall event.
She said that Pittsburgh’s Cultural District was a special place to visit on New Year’s Eve. “We can look back on the past and rejoice in the future through the power of the arts.”
Additional First Night special features include:
—Food Court — Warm drinks and tasty dishes will highlight the best of Pittsburgh’s dining scene, available for purchase throughout the evening at Penn Avenue and Eighth Street.
—Block Party — Creative activities for all ages, performances and a selfie station will be offered at Penn Avenue and Seventh Street. Citiparks will be hosting a story-sized version of Anna Dewdney’s “Llama Llama Red Pajama” for readers.
—Williams SING-OFF Competition Winner —Madelyn Buffone, a senior at Marion Center High School in Indiana County, will perform at 6 p.m. on the Dollar Bank Stage. From contestants in grades 6-12 at local schools, she was selected.
Nick Cortazzo will be the special guest judge and present Buffone. He will also sing one song. Cortazzo is a Pittsburgh native, and a New York transplant. He has many regional theater credits, including appearances with Pittsburgh CLO. He currently plays Link Larkin in “Hairspray”‘s national tour.
—Parade — The annual arts-focused parade sets out at 8 p.m. from the David L. Lawrence Convention Center and proceeds along Penn Avenue, taking a right turn onto Stanwix Street. The parade features giant puppets and a “Better World” theme.
—R&B vocalist INEZ — The performance is set for 10:45 p.m. on the Highmark Stage. INEZ is a Pittsburgh native and was honored by WYEP as the 2020 Pittsburgh Music Artists of the Year. “Voicemails, Conversations,” her 2019 debut album, is called.
—Benedum Center and Byham Theater tours — New this year, the guided, behind-the-scenes tours are scheduled throughout the evening. Aziz explained that these tours serve two purposes: to show the historical significance of the venues and to allow guests to see inside the workings of the venues.
Face-painting, caricaturists, and tarot cards readings are all available to tour-goers.
—The Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale — The countdown to midnight starts at 11:55 p.m. at the Highmark Stage and features the Future of Pittsburgh Ball ascending above the Cultural District accompanied by a Pyrotecnico Fireworks display.
Live performances will be held in various venues and feature jazz, hip hop, reggae and other music. The Harris Theater will show shorts from the vintage comedy duo Laurel and Hardy. Trust Oasis’ outdoor Graffiti Gallery will feature seven large-scale murals made by regional artists.
For $50, a First Night Friends VIP experience is available. This gives you access the First Night Friends Lounge, which is located in the O’Reilly Theater lobby. You can also enjoy complimentary food, beverages, and entertainment. The $75 First Night Friends VIP experience also includes exclusive performances by Ran’D Shine, Liberty Magic by Monsieur Messado, and Liberty Magic By Mr. Messado.
Visit for a complete First Night program and to get a VIP ticket. trustarts.org.
Shirley McMarlin works as a Tribune-Review staff journalist. Shirley can be reached via email at [email protected] Or via Twitter