PITTSBURGH, PA ( November 16, 2022) – The Department of Public Safety is preparing for the annual Highmark Light Up Night festival on Saturday, November 19.
Large crowds are expected in the city center for the 61st anniversary celebration featuring live music, family-friendly entertainment, tree lighting and, of course, fireworks.
“There is nothing quite as ‘Pittsburgh’ as celebrating the annual Light Up Night tradition in the City. As the days grow darker earlier, this annual festival of light is a bright spot on the holiday calendar. I look forward to gathering Downtown with residents and visitors to help usher in the official start to the holiday season,” said Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt.
Pittsburgh Bureau of Police officers assigned to 12-hour shifts will be working closely with their local law enforcement partners – including Pennsylvania State Police, Allegheny County Police, and Port Authority Police to help provide security Downtown. There will be a Mounted Unit presence with as many as 17 horses from the Pittsburgh Police, Pennsylvania State Police and the Allegheny County Police Department. Temporary light towers will also be in place in high-traffic areas to ensure safe corridors.
Pittsburgh Outreach workers will also be on hand, working in cooperation with Pittsburgh Police. In addition, the Pittsburgh Bureau of EMS will be providing extra medic units, including motorcycles, in case of medical emergencies. River Rescue crews will be patrolling the rivers to provide added security for those enjoying the events on and near the water.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire will oversee the fireworks grand finale by Zambelli at 9:30 p.m. at the Allegheny Overlook on Fort Duquesne Boulevard, after which Pittsburgh Police will help direct attendees to the main egress route from the event along Liberty Avenue.
"We hope everyone enjoys the night in a responsible manner, taking advantage of all the great entertainment, shopping and restaurants Pittsburgh has to offer. We also urge everyone to assist our Public Safety personnel by remaining aware of road restrictions and following the traffic flow at the end of the evening to ensure a safe and efficient route home," said Director Schmidt.
Road closures and parking restrictions will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, November 18 in the areas bordering the main event corridor along Fort Duquesne Boulevard from Stanwix Street to Seventh Street, Stanwix and Liberty, Penn Avenue and Sixth Street, and Fifth Street at Liberty.
Pittsburgh Public Safety wishes everyone a safe and festive Light Up Night and holiday season.
For more information and event maps visit: https://downtownpittsburghholidays.com/highmark-light-up-night
