Watch CBS News

Best Ways To Celebrate 4th Of July In Pittsburgh

By Janelle Sheetz

Independence Day is the ultimate summer holiday, and with a rich history and heritage, riverfront fun, and warm summer nights, Pittsburgh knows how to throw a great party to celebrate America. Why stay home? From family-friendly activities to an adults-only evening, here are the best ways to party this 4th of July.

Shopping & Style Flea Market, Jewelry
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Heinz Field
100 Art Rooney Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 697-7150
www.heinzfield.com

For the 17th year in a row, celebrate on the Steelers' field. The North Shore's Heinz Field will be hosting a free party for Independence Day featuring live music and multiple food vendors, offering summer staples like lemonade and funnel cake. A full list of performers, vendors and activities will be made available later in the summer.

EQT Celebrate America
601 Commonwealth Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 565-2850
www.celebrateamericapgh.com

The annual Three Rivers Regatta may not be until early August, but event organizers are still throwing a great summer party about a month prior with Celebrate America, starting at noon. Attendees can enjoy food, live music, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, with the full event schedule to be released closer to the event. At the end of the evening, enjoy a quintessential fireworks display from EQT. And best of all, the entire event is free.

Shopping & Style Flea Market, Jewelry
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Fort Pitt Museum
601 Commonwealth Place
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 281-9284
www.heinzhistorycenter.org

You can always count on the Fort Pitt Museum to present fun, educational events for just about any holidays. For the 4th, re-enactors will raise a 36-foot garrison flag, and spectators can enjoy 18th-century music, a scavenger hunt, and crafts, as well as learn about Pennsylvania's role in the Revolution. Chamber choir Yinzer Singers will perform the national anthem. Adults can enjoy an 18th-century tavern night before the big fireworks display, with food and drinks inspired by the 18th century.

Related:  Best Places To Picnic In Pittsburgh

Kennywood
4800 Kennywood Blvd.
West Mifflin, PA 15122
(412) 461-0500
www.kennywood.com

No summer is complete without a trip to Kennywood, so why not head to the amusement park for Independence Day? Best of all, with fireworks every night from June 30 until the 4th of July, you can easily work it into your schedule and hit other events -- or go more than once. Enjoy other entertainment like live music, magicians, a hot-dog eating contest and the beloved Wiener 100 dachshund races. Members of the military get free admission, while other discounts are available for their family and friends, as well as civilians.

Shopping & Style Flea Market, Jewelry
Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Gateway Clipper
350 West Station Square Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
(412) 355-7980
www.gatewayclipper.com

The only thing better than enjoying fireworks and fun along the river is enjoying them on the river. Take a cruise on the Gateway Clipper at 8 and enjoy snacks and drinks while the fireworks go off nearby. Tickets are $32.

Related: Best Water Parks In Pittsburgh

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.