The time of year has come again to celebrate patriotism, eat hot dogs and watch colorful balls of fire explode in the sky.
Pittsburgh knows how to do the Fourth of July.
The City of Pittsburgh Independence Day Celebration is set to begin at 4 p.m. Thursday (July 4). There will be live music at Point State Park and food trucks along Liberty Avenue.
On the North Shore, a DJ will perform on the PNC Great Lawn. The fireworks will begin at 9:35 p.m.
Here are some spots to catch the city’s fireworks show during the annual Independence Day Celebration.
Point State Park
Of course this is going to be a spot on the list. Viewers are advised to come a bit early to get a good spot. Despite likely being there for most of the day, it’s an opportunity for a picnic on the grass and to see the colors up close.
North Shore Riverfront Park
Right across the river from Downtown, the North Shore is a place to get a peek at the fireworks closer to the water. However, it’s also a location that’s usually pretty crowded on the Fourth, but it should make for some great pictures.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail — Station Square
Getting through the traffic and past the crowd in Station Square may be the biggest challenge to get to this watch spot, but the work is worth the view. Right across the water from the Point, this location gives an unobstructed view to the light show in the sky.
Duquesne Incline parking lot
Another popular spot, this one will likely be packed with people and cars as well. With a little less elbow room, it provides a pretty clear view of the point despite being a little down the river from the launch spot.
Mt. Washington overlooks
The overlooks atop Mt. Washington are not only a well-known spot for marriage proposals and photo-ops — the position gives a breathtaking view of the city’s skyline, the Monongahela River and, you guessed it, firework shows. Like many previous on the list, this spot will be crowded. Viewers should be prepared to find parking or to walk a bit to find their preferred spot.
West End-Elliott Overlook Park
A spot that gives almost a panoramic view of the city’s North Shore and Downtown area, this overlook is well-loved by Pittsburghers, especially on the Fourth. In the past, it’s been reported to have attracted nearly 1,000 visitors. Like Mt. Washington, attendees should be prepared to scope out a good parking spot or to walk a bit.
Lake Elizabeth – Allegheny Commons Park West
An often overlooked spot, the park is a less crowded option to watch the show. With space to spread out, viewers may miss out on some of the smaller, lower to the ground explosions, due to the surrounding treetops, but won’t miss out on the high bursts.
Fineview Lookout
Named for the neighborhood it’s located in, the Fineview Lookout is a bit farther away from the Point. However, its elevated position over the Point gives an unobstructed view of the show. Parking is a bit more generous than the previous two locations, but take the holiday overflow into account when deciding what time to head there.
St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery
Also known as the Spring Hill Cemetery, the hills in this spot serve as great outlooks to watch the fireworks. The tree line along the cemetery’s edge also frames the skyline of Downtown for a fantastic photo. Add in the pops of color that will be in the sky, it will make for a Snapchat story that perfectly depicts the holiday.
Frank Curto Park
Right along Bigelow Boulevard, this park attracts a lot of through traffic, but not many stay to enjoy the view. Looking out across the Allegheny River, the park positions viewers at a solid angle to watch the show.
40th Street Bridge
This spot is a very long way off from the center of the action, but some people like it that way. The fireworks may look like fizzles of color in the distance from that far away, but there will be plenty of room and plenty of opportunities to say “oooh” and “aaah.” If viewers want to see the action but don’t like all the noise, this is a great option.
St. Michael’s Cemetery
Yes, yes, another cemetery but Pittsburgh has some beautiful ones that provide great views of the night sky. Located in the South Side Slopes, this location is another one that’s a ways off from the action. Quiet and not usually busy, the cemetery provides a peaceful view of the bursts in the sky.
Looking for other Pittsburgh fireworks viewing spots around the city? Here's a map of places to catch a different angle of the show.