Ferris Wheel

Purchase Tickets

Piatt Companies Salute to Service Wheel

This Independence Day, take a ride for a cause, starting July 1 through July 5. Made possible through the generous support of Piatt Companies and Piatt Sotheby's International Realty, 50% of ticket sale proceeds from the Salute to Service Wheel will benefit Veterans Leadership Program (VLP), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Veterans as they navigate life's transitions. VLP envisions a future where all Veterans of the United States Military reach their fullest potential as citizens of the nation they so proudly served. This 90 foot wheel offers breathtaking views of the Pittsburgh skyline, the Three Rivers, and the City's award-winning Independence Day Celebration. Whether you're looking for a family outing, a memorable date night, or the perfect photo opportunity, the Salute to Service Wheel is a unique way to celebrate while giving back. Note: Refunds will only be given if the Wheel is unable to operate safely due to weather conditions.

History of the Ferris Wheel

Pittsburgh engineer George Ferris Jr., designed and built the world's first Ferris wheel for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Ferris was a bridge builder and structural engineer living and working in Pittsburgh when he conceived the idea. The giant wheel stood 264 feet tall and carried more than 2,000 passengers at a time. It was created as America's answer to the Eiffel Tower, which had debuted at the Paris World's Fair just a few years earlier. More than 1.4 million people rode the wheel during the fair, making it one of the most popular attractions in the world.

In 1893, Ferris unveiled his 264 foot wheel as a celebration of American ingenuity and innovation. More than 130 years later, Pittsburgh is bringing a Ferris wheel back to the city as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary. Secure your tickets now!

Purchase Tickets

Independence Day Celebration

In 2026 the City's Independence Day Celebration returns to Point State Park, Liberty Avenue, North Shore Great Lawn, and the Grandview Park Bandstand. Please note that some locations will be subject to a security screen.

Partner Events

The City is proud to partner with the Downtown Partnership, the Cultural Trust, National Flag Foundation, Heinz History Center, Ft. Pitt Museum, the County, VisitPittsburgh, the Symphony, and America250 PA to bring you a week of programming.

Time Capsule

On June 4, 2026, Mayor O’Connor announced that a new time capsule will be sealed in the City-County Building and invited residents to share their hopes and ideas with the City Archives for what to put in the capsule for the Pittsburgh community 100 years from now. Ideas for “Pittsburgh’s Time Capsule of Tomorrow” can be submitted here from now until July 1, 2026.

Press & Awards

Named the Best July 4th Celebration in the Country by USA Today readers, Pittsburgh's Independence Day Celebration has become a nationally recognized destination for patriotic festivities. Discover the awards, media features, and stories that continue to put Pittsburgh in the national spotlight.

2026 Partners

The City of Pittsburgh extends a special thank you to our valued Independence Day Celebration 250 partners that make this event possible.

Pittsburgh's 4th of July 2026

In 2026, Pittsburgh joins communities across the nation in commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.