Happy birthday to the United States! This weekend commemorates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence right here in Pennsylvania. This 4th of July is called the “semiquincentennial,” or “half of 500 years.” Here in Pittsburgh, there are plenty of ways to commemorate Independence Day, as well as loads of non-patriotic family fun, too.
It’s a great long weekend in Kidsburgh. Find our America 250 guide here, and check out more of what’s planned below:
Friday, July 3-Saturday, July 11: Big Butler Fair
Kids will love seeing the animals at the petting zoo, as well as the competing livestock. The School Bus Demolition Derby, harness racing, and truck and tractor pulls are favorites among the grandstand events. There’s lots more – fireworks, country music concerts and all the delicious carnival food you crave. Admission is $9, free for ages 6 and younger. Ride-all-day carnival wristbands are $32.
Saturday, July 4: Anthrocon Fursuit Parade & Block Party, 2 p.m.
Larger-than-life furry creatures will be closing down Penn Avenue from the Convention Center for two public events: the Fursuit Parade that begins at 2 p.m., followed by the Anthrocon Block Party in front of the David Lawrence Convention Center. This event is free.
Photo courtesy of Anthrocon.
Saturday, July 4: Celebrate 250 Years of America with Fourth at the Fort, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Join costumed re-enactors, local veterans, scouts, elected officials, and museum staff to raise a 36-foot American flag as part of a moving patriotic ceremony at 11 a.m. to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The ceremony will take place in the Fort Pitt Block House yard, thanks to an ongoing partnership with the Fort Pitt Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. After the ceremony, step into the outdoor Artillery Park, presented in partnership with Fort Ligonier, and explore reproduction 18th-century cannons, mortars, and howitzers like those used at Fort Pitt during the French & Indian War and the American Revolution. Find details here.
Saturday, July 4: Fourth of July at the Heinz History Center, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Celebrate Independence Day at the History Center with patriotic, hands-on fun. Beginning at 10 a.m., build your own Moon rocket during an Artemis-inspired program. Kids and grownups will be imagining what the next 250 years of American innovation might bring. At 11 a.m., educator Lloyd Black will host The Two Revolutions of 1776, exploring how democratic ideals and industrial innovation helped shape Pittsburgh and the nation. After, families can participate in a moving flag ceremony at 1 p.m. featuring the unfurling and folding of a giant 36-foot American flag in the Great Hall. Find the full lineup of events here.
Courtesy of the Heinz History Center.
Saturday, July 4: Explosive Science at the Kamin Science Center, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday at Kamin Science Center with an evening of fireworks, entertainment and science-themed fun. Tickets include a reserved viewing area for Pittsburgh’s fireworks show, all-day guaranteed parking, live entertainment and access to special activities before the big display. This event is open to all ages and tickets are $79.
Saturday, July 4: City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration
The celebration will feature local food vendors, family-friendly activities, a veterans’ wellness space, stages with entertainment, a hot-air balloon and a vendor marketplace. As part of the National Flag Foundation’s Light to Unite, the city’s skyscrapers will be illuminated in red, white and blue at 9 p.m. A drone performance will take place prior to the fireworks spectacular at 9:35 p.m. Find more details here.
Photo courtesy of EQT Celebrate America and Fireworks.
Saturday, July 4: America 250 Celebrations at the Arts Landing, 4 p.m.
The new Dollar Bank Stage at Arts Landing (803 Penn Avenue) will be rocking with live music, including Hip Hip 250 featuring INEZ and the Hip Hop Orchestra at 4:00 p.m. and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra at 6:00 p.m. Find details on the concert here.
Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5: World Cup Fan Zone Day at Acrisure Stadium
The Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone brings soccer fans to Acrisure Stadium for a free, family-friendly World Cup viewing celebration. Fans have the chance to gather at the home of the Steelers and Pitt Panthers for big-screen match viewing, soccer energy and a festive atmosphere in the heart of the North Shore. This event is free, and info about each day’s activities can be found here.
Sunday, July 5: Liberty Day at Oliver Miller Homestead, 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This annual event recognizes the Miller boys’ involvement in the Revolutionary War. Raise a Liberty Pole to honor vets who’ve served throughout the years. A reading of the Declaration of Independence is followed by firing guns and a round of firecrackers. Admission is $2.
Photo courtesy of Oliver Miller Homestead.
Sunday, July 5: “Jurassic Park” at The Lindsay, 1 p.m.
The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center in Sewickley is continuing their Summer Series: Nine on ’90s this weekend. This weekend’s movie is Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster starring Sam Neill, Laura Dern and Pittsburgh native Jeff Goldblum as scientists on an island full of living dinosaurs. The Lindsay’s Summer Series: Nine on ’90s runs from June 4-Aug. 27. Nine of that decade’s most beloved films will each play twice throughout June, July and August. More details regarding dates, showtimes and ticketing are available online.
Sunday, July 5: “Superman” at the Rangos Giant Cinema, 7 p.m.
Come escape the heat with a few hours in front of Pittsburgh’s biggest screen. Join Superman and his quest for truth, justice and a better tomorrow. Tickets are $10
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