Independence Day fireworks in Greater Pittsburgh start June 28
Finch Walker- Pittsburgh will host its largest fireworks display in decades on July 4 for America's 250th anniversary.
- The main fireworks show is scheduled for 9:35 p.m. on July 4, following a drone performance.
- Multiple locations throughout Allegheny County will also have fireworks displays from late June through mid-July.
If you're in the Pittsburgh area, you can see fireworks at multiple locations commemorating America's 250th anniversary and Independence Day throughout the week leading up to July 4.
On July 4, what's expected to be Pittsburgh's biggest fireworks display in decades will go off from the three rivers and nearby rooftops in the Downtown and North Shore areas. Other areas in Allegheny County will also have firework displays, with events scheduled for the end of June, July 4 weekend and through the middle of the month.
Here's what to know about where to watch fireworks and how to set them off legally in Pittsburgh.
What time is fireworks show at Pittsburgh's 250th Independence Day Celebration?
Fireworks are scheduled to go off at 9:35 p.m. on July 4 as part of Pittsburgh's 250th Independence Day Celebration, with a drone performance to take place immediately before the fireworks.
The fireworks will be set off from six barges on the Ohio, Monongahela and Allegheny rivers, as well as nearby rooftops. The event is expected to be the city's largest firework display in decades.
Where can I watch Independence Day fireworks in Pittsburgh area?
July 4 fireworks can be seen from the Independence Day festival in Downtown or on the North Shore. Visit Pittsburgh also suggests viewing Pittsburgh's fireworks from the Kamin Science Center on the North Shore or aboard a dinner or firework cruise on the Gateway Clipper Fleet. Tickets to the science center or a cruise can be purchased ahead of time online.
Other spots throughout Allegheny County will have fireworks shows over the next several weeks. Here's when and where they'll be:
- Ross Community Center in Ross Township – June 28
- Recreation and Sports Complex at Leopold Lake in Findlay Township – July 3
- Hampton Park in Hampton Township – July 3
- Carnegie Park in Carnegie – July 3
- Kennywood in West Mifflin – July 4 through July 26
- Mt. Lebanon Park in Mt. Lebanon – July 4
- Crafton Park in Crafton – July 4
- Scott Township Park in Scott Township – July 4
- Fairview Park in South Fayette Township – July 4
- Pop Murray Field in Dormont – July 4
- Monroeville Mall in Monroeville – July 4
- Ohio Township Community Park in Ohio Township – July 18
Where is Pittsburgh's Independence Day celebration on July 4?
The city's Independence Day celebration will take place on July 4 in the Downtown and North Shore areas.
You can also visit the 90-foot Piatt Companies Salute to Service Wheel will be set up on the North Shore from July 1 through July 5. Tickets can be purchased online, with 50% of sale proceeds going to Veterans Leadership Program.
Are fireworks legal in Pittsburgh?
A 2017 Pennsylvania law explains which fireworks are legal.
Class C fireworks, also known as consumer-grade fireworks, are legal throughout the state. These fireworks, which can include items like firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and other items with a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material, must be purchased by adults age 18 and older.
Sparklers and novelty items like party poppers and snapper can be purchased at anytime throughout Pennsylvania and don't face the same age restrictions, as they don't fall under the category of consumer-grade fireworks.
The recreational use of bigger display fireworks, such as salutes that contain two grains – 130 milligrams – of explosive materials and professional-grade aerial shells with more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions isn't allowed. These fireworks can only be used by professionals with a permit obtained from the municipality where they'll be set off, according to Pennsylvania State Police.
Where can you set off fireworks in Pittsburgh?
Pennsylvania law and Pittsburgh both lay out restrictions about where residents can and can't set off fireworks.
Fireworks can't be lit on public or private property without the owner's permission, and fireworks must not be set off within 150 feet of a building or vehicle regardless of who owns the property, according to the city.
Fireworks also can't be set off at Pittsburgh's parks, ballfields and city-owned property.
Under Pennsylvania law, a person can't discharge fireworks in the direction of other people or toward buildings or vehicles, nor should they use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Finch Walker is the Pittsburgh Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Walker at [email protected]. Instagram: @finchwalker_. X: @_finchwalker.