Dec 24, 2004 3 min read

PITTSBURGH – Celebrate New Year’s Eve in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District with First Night Pittsburgh, a project of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. The event was planned and produced with the assistance of Three Rivers Arts Festival. The city will revel in a celebration of the arts – dance, music, comedy, theater, visual art, film, plus hands-on activities for children and adults and much more.

The festivities begin at 6 p.m. and end with the Grand Finale and Zambelli Fireworks display over the Allegheny River at midnight.

To join the celebration, purchase a First Night Pittsburgh 2005 Button, a passport to more than 100 performances, activities and art exhibits.

There is a small cost for a First Night button. Children age 5 and under are admitted for free.

The event will feature bright lights and fireworks illuminating the Cultural District.

“First Night is a large-scale celebration of the arts and a terrific way to start off the New Year,” said J. Kevin McMahon, CEO and president of The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. “The event showcases Pittsburgh’s talented artists and the diverse artistic and entertainment offerings of the Cultural District. First Night is a way for everyone, whether you are new to the district or a regular patron, to get a sampling of live music, dance, visual art, film, children’s activities and much more all in one festive evening.”

First Night buttons are available at any local Giant Eagle or The box office at Theater Square, located at 665 Penn Ave. between the O’Reilly Theater and Katz Plaza. Discounts are available at Giant Eagle stores only, with the Giant Eagle Advantage Card.

Due to their overwhelming popularity and limited seating in Cultural District theaters, a free general admission seating voucher is necessary to get into the performances by Pure Gold, River City Brass Band, Duquesne Tamburitzans, Chamber Orchestra with Members of the Pittsburgh Symphony, Amish Monkeys and Ultra Maroons.

Vouchers are available at the box office at Theater Square. Show your First Night button to obtain up to two seating vouchers.

The box office at Theater Square is located at 665 Penn Ave. between the O’Reilly Theater and Katz Plaza.

Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.firstnightpgh.com or call 412-456-6666.

First Night Pittsburgh was founded and incorporated in 1994.

After nine successful years, the First Night Board determined that it would be more efficient to have First Night become a program of a larger organization that could sustain a professional staff year round.

In February 2003, The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced that it would include First Night in its annual performing arts programming with planning and production assistance provided by Three Rivers Arts Festival

A Pittsburgh tradition for more than a decade, First Night showcases hundreds of simultaneous and continuous performances, exhibits and activities presented by the region’s diverse artists.

Held in the venues of the Cultural District outdoor plazas and indoor lobbies, as well as everywhere in between, First Night sites are practically “weather-proof” and conveniently located within walking distance of each other.