City Announces New Attractions, Entertainment, Community Partnerships
Published on July 01, 2026
City of Pittsburgh Announces New Attractions, Entertainment, and Community Partnerships for 2026 Independence Day Celebration
Pittsburgh, PA – Today, Mayor Corey O’Connor joined the City of Pittsburgh Department of Parks & Recreation (CitiParks), Piatt Companies and the Veterans Leadership Program for the grand opening of the Independence Day Celebration’s newest attraction – the Piatt Companies Salute to Service Wheel on the North Shore.
The City of Pittsburgh is gearing up for America’s 250th birthday on Saturday, July 4, 2026, a milestone celebration that will see the event’s most robust lineup of programming and partnerships to date. With plans for performances by local and nationally recognized musicians on five stages across the city, family-friendly activities, resources for veterans, and a fireworks spectacular launching from four locations, Independence Day festivities will offer Pittsburgh residents and visitors alike a variety of options to mark the special occasion.
Partnering for the event’s newest attraction, the Piatt Companies Salute to Service Wheel is located on the city’s North Shore, with 50% of ticket sales benefiting the Veterans Leadership Program. Rides will open to the public on July 1 at 2:00 PM, and tickets are on sale now at www.pittsburghpa.gov/july4. The PNC Great Lawn will offer additional North Shore activities including a DJ and a red, white and blue hot air balloon.
"We're proud to present the Piatt Companies Salute to Service Wheel as part of Pittsburgh's Fourth of July celebration, with 50 percent of ticket sales going directly to Veterans Leadership Program. Giving back to those who've served our country is at the heart of what this is about,” said Piatt CEO Lucas Piatt. “For us, this is also a meaningful prelude to what's ahead—our 200-plus-foot observation wheel coming to the Esplanade. This Fourth of July gives Pittsburghers a taste of the kind of landmark experience we're building just up the river, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with the community."
The 2026 celebration will feature two stages inside Point State Park that will highlight local talent in the music industry. The BNY Main Stage features national touring artist Plain White T’s as the event’s headliner, with all opening acts hailing from the Pittsburgh region. The Western PA Chevy Dealers Celebrate the USA Stage will feature additional local performers celebrating American music and culture through patriotic and classical compositions.
Returning event partner Trulieve dispensary, with strong ties to local Pennsylvania veteran’s organizations, will once again present the Veterans Wellness Corner within the main event footprint at Point State Park. Attendees will find opportunities to connect with initiatives offered by non-profit partners, while also offering a place to take a break from the day’s commotion, including sound bath and light yoga sessions.
Rounding out the entertainment in Point State Park will be the CitiParks Family Fun Zone, “Made Here” handmade market, and line dancing sessions at the fountain.
The fun will extend to Liberty Avenue, where the Sargent Electric Solar Stage will feature even more local bands to entertain throughout the day, and the Peoples Natural Gas Food Truck Corral will provide a variety of local cuisine and refreshments. The Food Truck Corral will also offer options to eventgoers on the North Shore.
Pittsburgh Brewing Company will present entertainment at the Grandview Park Bandstand, with musical acts on stage throughout the night and local food on site. Visitors to the bandstand events can catch the Burgh Bus shuttle provided by Bottlerocket Social Hall in Allentown. Grandview events are supported by the Allegheny Regional Asset District.
This year’s landmark Independence Day Celebration begins at 4:00 PM in all locations, with the biggest fireworks display in decades capping the day of events at 9:35 PM. For full entertainment schedules and more information on the City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration, please visit www.pittsburghpa.gov/july4.
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Molly Onufer
Press Secretary
molly.onufer@pittsburghpa.gov