Guide To The Three Rivers Regatta
It's time for the Three Rivers Regatta, the largest inland regatta in the United States. Held at the Point this weekend, July 2nd through July 4th, this 34th annual celebration will transform parts of Point State Park into beach-front property, and the banks of the Allegheny River and the North Shore into an observation deck for race watching and fireworks. Plus there will be concerts, unusual boat races, and even "sky-yakers." And it's all free!
Three Rivers Regatta
Website: http://www.threeriversregatta.net/
Date: Saturday, July 2 - Monday, July 4
Time: Most events start at Noon and run until 9:30 pm
Place: Point State Park, including the Main Stage; and the North Shore, including the lawn beside the Del Monte building and the Rivers Casino Amphitheater.
Over Independence Day weekend, the venue becomes:
A Beach: The Beach 'Burgh recreation area sets the stage for summer fun, complete with sand, palm trees, and props along the Allegheny River steps in Point State Park. All three days, from Noon to 9 pm. Completing the beach motif is the largest sand sculpture ever to grace the three rivers, the "Sandsational" Sand Sculpture. This 15-foot tall, 40-foot long behemoth will have taken two weeks to construct beforehand by the current World Champion Sand Sculptor, Thomas Koet, and his team of sand sculptors.
A Viewing Lawn: Prefer a grassier vantage point? Try the "Great Lawn of Liberty," beside the Del Monte building on the North Shore. Bring a blanket or collapsible lounge chair to watch the water events and fireworks.A Kids' Zone: The Mr. Rooter "Calling All Kids" Zone is a fun pit stop where kids can get their faces painted, enjoy balloon artists, and more.
An All-Day Variety Show and Circus: The Main Stage at Point State Park is the site for a variety of acts and events all day each day starting at 1 pm, including dance teams and Polynesian drummers. At 8:45 pm each night, Circus Orange--which includes acrobats, dancers, and aerial performers--puts on a show, which also includes pyrotechnics.Other events occurring on all three days include performances by the OneUp "Skateboard" Team and "Over the Mountain" Bike Stunt shows, both repeating at various times each day.
Special events on Saturday, July 2
"Competitive Eating Contests" sponsored by KDKA, including a pizza eating contest and a popsicle eating contest. Main Stage, Point State Park, starting at 2:45 pmFrisbee Dog Show. Dogs catching Frisbees, of course. Starting at 4:30 pm.
Special events on Sunday, July 3
The "Anything That Floats" Race, featuring unique entries the competitors hope can keep from sinking. Allegheny River, starting at Noon.Red Bull "Bursting In" Air Force. Skydivers and "sky-yak'ers"--those are skydivers who dive out of a plane while in a sort of kayak--will be descending on the Golden Triangle at 2 pm, 4 pm, and 7 pm.
"Salute to Speed" F-3 Powerboat Superleague North American Championships. Allegheny River. Time Trials start at 2pm; qualifiers start at 4 pm; finals start at 7 pm.
Beatlemania Magic, "A Tribute to the Beatles" concert. This Fab Four tribute band plays a concert at the Rivers Casino Amphitheatre at 6 pm.
Special events on Monday, July 4
"Regatta Cup" Bass Fishing Tournament. Anglers compete for a $3,000 grand prize in this contest to catch largemouth, smallmouth, and spotty bass. Allegheny River, from 6 am until 2:30 pm."Cadence on the River" Pittsburgh Dragon Boat Races. Watch a race powered by human muscle, featuring 44-foot boats with signature dragon heads. Allegheny River, starting at 11 am.
"Salute to Speed" F-2 Powerboat Superleague North American Championships. These are the muscle boats. Allegheny River. Time Trials start at 2pm; qualifiers start at 4 pm; finals start at 7 pm.
Asbury Fever Concert. A concert in tribute to the Jersey sounds of Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Little Steven, and more. Rivers Casino Amphitheatre, at 6 pm.
Red Bull "Bursting In" Air Force. Skydivers and "sky-yak'ers" return from Sunday, performing at 7 pm and at 9:35 pm.
Fireworks! Specifically, the EQT "Flashes of Freedom" Fireworks Fantasia, known as one of the top 10 fireworks shows in the country. At the Golden Triangle, starting at 9:35 pm.
Don't forget:
Plan to bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a blanket or lightweight lawn chair to watch the races. The Regatta is handicap-accessible. You can bring food and drink, including a cooler, but there will be a variety of reasonably priced food concessions at the park. No alcohol is permitted. Dogs are permitted, if leashed. Keep in mind it's going to be hot, so make sure Man's Best Friend has plenty of water and shade.
Visit ThreeRiversRegatta.net for a detailed schedule of all of the events -- including:
