City of Pittsburgh Office of Special Events

Chag Urim Sameach!

Tonight - the City of Pittsburgh celebrates the first night of Chanukah and the lighting of the menorah with Chabad of Pittsburgh! 🕎✨

Celebrate Chanukah with the City of Pittsburgh!

Tonight--Thursday, December 7th at 5 PM

Join Mayor Ed Gainey and community leaders in lighting the giant 12-foot Menorah located in front of the City County Building. The Menorah serves as a beacon of light, symbolizing freedom and peace for all. The celebration includes live music and Chanukah refreshments of latkes and donuts.

Did you know?

The annual Gingerbread Display and Competition moved to the City-County Building in 2019, following a Highwoods Properties announcement that it was renovating the Wintergarden area in PPG Place as a banquet and conference facility. PPG Place had hosted the display since 2002 when it began as a fund-raiser for UPMC Children’s Hospital.

The City of Pittsburgh is honored to ensure the continuation of what has become a treasured holiday tradition! Visit this year's display through January 5, 2024 in the City-County Building Grand Lobby, and online at the event's official website. Details on display hours and voting for the People's Choice Award are also available at pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread.

“It’s a beaut, Clark!”

Two weeks ago, we lit the City of Pittsburgh’s 108th Christmas Tree - thanks to Dave DiCello Photography for capturing it so beautifully!

Pittsburgh Department of Public Works

This morning I went out in search of some new ways to capture the holiday decorations around the city, and am really excited to share two specific images...this is the first one.

I've shot the tree in front of the City County Building a million times. And I've shot it from this particular angle half a million. But until this morning I had never thought to shoot a panorama, and man, I am really happy about how it turned out.

When I walked up the stairs to check out the scene, I happened to look up and notice the ceiling. I don't know why I had never thought to include it in the image before, but it was the perfect addition to the tree. The frame isn't the normal 2:3 ratio that I normally shoot in and is more square, but I'm okay with that.

I love that you can see the colors on the Oxford Center as well. Makes the already festive scene a little more festive.

Look for another unique perspective of a popular Pittsburgh holiday scene soon...

Also I had this idea to do a 25 days of Christmas countdown, starting yesterday, where I would share some of my favorite holiday images from years past. But then I got slammed at work, we went to the movies, had family over last night...and I forgot. So I'll double up today, so look for #25 and #24 later.

In case you missed it, I've added all kinds of bundles to my website:
https://prints.davedicello.com/gallery/portfolio/home

You can bundle large prints, small prints, metals...there are all kinds of pre-set combinations if you are looking to decorate or give them as gifts. There is a little bit of a price break on them as well.

https://www.davedicello.shop/shop/16096117/matted-printscards

Due to required utility maintenance in the City-County Building, the 21st Annual Gingerbread Display will be CLOSED on Saturday, December 2.

The display is set to reopen on Sunday, December 3, from 10:00am - 5:00pm.

Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday today, no matter how you spend it!

A reminder that the 21st Annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread Display is CLOSED today and Friday, November 24th for the holiday and building closure.

Weekend hours will resume Saturday at 10:00am and guests are asked to please enter on Ross Street for display access. Visitors to the City-County Building are subject to a light security screening upon entrance.

The City of Pittsburgh's 108th Christmas Tree is officially lit!

We had such an amazing time with you as we listened to tunes from Louie Castle, welcomed Santa to light the tree, took in some amazing gingerbread creations, and danced the night away with Uptown Rhythm & Brass! Thanks for coming out to celebrate the start of the holiday season with us!

The tree and 21st Annual Gingerbread Competition will remain on display through January 5, 2024. Visit pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread for more information and to view the online gallery!

It’s Light Up Night in Pittsburgh!

We’re kicking off the festivities with the lighting of the City of Pittsburgh’s 108th Christmas Tree!

The fun starts at 4:00pm in front of the historic City-County Building as Louie Castle takes the stage, with Santa’s arrival and the official lighting beginning at 5:00pm. Uptown Rhythm & Brass will continue the celebration following the lighting of downtown’s only live holiday tree!

Don’t forget stop by to see the 21st Annual Gingerbread Display and Competition, now open for the holiday season! Today’s hours are 10:00am - 7:00pm, and online voting for the People’s Choice Award is live at pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread.

Join us in the City-County Building grand lobby tomorrow, Friday, November 17th, for the official opening of the 21st Annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread Display and Competition! 🏠

Come for the holiday music from Pittsburgh CAPA students and stay for the cookies - we also hear Santa himself may be making an early appearance! 🎅

This year's grand opening will include the presentation of two new awards brought to you by Pittsburgh's own Audacy radio stations and Carnegie Museum of Art. Two of this year's entries will be the inaugural honorees of the Audacy Award and the Curator's Choice. See you there!

We'll be lighting the 108th City of Pittsburgh Christmas Tree in just 3 more days! 🎄

Join us this Saturday, November 18 as we kick off the evening’s festivities with great music and the official lighting of downtown's only live holiday tree at 5:00PM!

Talk Pittsburgh today, Pittsburgh Today Live tomorrow!

Catch segments with Heather Abraham and one of our contestant families at 3:00pm today, and Daisy Jade live from the City-County Building tomorrow morning as we talk about the 21st Annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread Display and Competition, opening this Friday!

The 108th City of Pittsburgh Christmas Tree has arrived at the City-County Building!🌲

We can’t wait to see it decorated for the official tree lighting at 5:00pm on Saturday, November 18th! Check our event listing for more details on the night’s celebrations, including entertainment from Louie Castle and Uptown Rhythm & Brass!

https://facebook.com/events/s/108th-holiday-tree-lighting/1014111886458436/?mibextid=RQdjqZ

For all 2023 City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread House Display and Competition entrants:

Be sure to check your emails for very important information regarding house delivery dates and times. Don't forget to include the identification form included in the information packet!

https://conta.cc/3Mze7KQ

Y108 100.7 Star WAMO 107.3 93.7 The Fan 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA

Just a few hours remain to register for the 21st Annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread House Display and Competition!

Don't delay! ⏰

There's only 7 days left to register for the 21st Annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread Display and Competition!

Join this treasured holiday tradition by visiting pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread before the end of the day on Sunday, November 5!

The countdown is on for the City of Pittsburgh's 108th Christmas Tree Lighting at the historic City-County Building! Join us for a night full of holiday cheer on Saturday, November 18, from 4-7:00PM

Catch Louie Castle and Uptown Rhythm & Brass on stage, with carriage rides and light shows throughout the evening, and of course the official lighting of downtown's only live tree at 5:00PM! 🎄

Don't delay! ⏰

There's only 7 days left to register for the 21st Annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread Display and Competition!

Join this treasured holiday tradition by visiting pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread before the end of the day on Sunday, November 5!

Pittsburgh Remembers David Rosenthal, Cecil Rosenthal, Richard Gottfried, Joyce Fienberg, Jerry Rabinowitz, Rose Mallinger, Irving Younger, Daniel Stein, Melvin Wax, Sylvan Simon, and Bernice Simon.

May their memories be a blessing today and every day.

The Great Race honors the life and legacy of Roland Ford, an inspirational man who encouraged everyone he met to keep active and follow their dreams.

As a co-founder of the Great Race’s ambassador program, Roland recruited runners and volunteers and often served as the "face of the race."

Our thoughts and prayers are with Roland's family during this difficult time. He will be missed by all.

We’re pretty excited too, Barbie! 🩷

Catch this summer’s blockbuster in Schenley Plaza tomorrow night! This movie is rated PG-13 and will begin at approximately 6PM.

Note: we’ll be diligently watching the forecast just like you.🤞🏼To keep up to date on any event changes or cancellations, follow on FB, IG, and X (Twitter).

Coming This Friday:

The Office of Special Events presents a very special edition of Cinema in the Park, bringing the hottest movie of the year to Schenley Plaza!

“Barbie” is rated PG-13 and will start at dusk (approximately 6:00PM on 10/20).

I am greatly saddened to learn about the passing of Roland Ford. He was an intricate part of our community who freely gave his time and talents to enrich the lives of everyone around him. I first want to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Mr. Ford’s family and friends in this difficult time.

Lovingly called the “Line Dancing King,” Mr. Ford often taught and led dances at Citiparks’ events for many years. Events like the Summer Soul Line Dancing in Highland Park and the City of Pittsburgh’s Great Race were always made better with a dance break led by Roland. He was committed to his part in improving the health and fitness of every resident in the city, with a special focus on our City’s older population through his invaluable partnership with Citiparks’ Healthy Active Living Centers.

I spoke with Citiparks Director Kathryn Vargas this morning, who said Roland’s passing leaves a void that will be hard to fill, and I couldn’t agree more. He took the time to speak with and uplift every person he came into contact with, and I know I speak for so many people when I say his warm and energetic spirit will be deeply missed. May his memory continue to be a blessing to all who knew him.

Have you heard the news?

Registration for the 21st Annual City of Pittsburgh Gingerbread House Display and Competition is now open!

Sign up through Sunday, November 5th at pittsburghpa.gov/gingerbread and be a part of this Pittsburgh holiday tradition!

September has flown by, but it sure was fun!

Thanks for cruising in, tot trotting, diaper dashing and Great Racing your way through the month with us!

18 Perfect Great Racers in 2023 - incredible! 🤯👟

This year, 18 Perfect Great Racers continued to pave the way at the 46th Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. What an accomplishment to cross the finish line at every Great Race.

Tom Abbott
Ken Balkey
Gary Boyd
John Burnheimer
Bob Costello
Philip Ehrman
Paul Gaberson
Ronald Hannan
Wayne Jacobs
Marty Klanchar
Jack Marszalek
Roger McGuire
Tom Miles
Richard Monheim
Tom Murphy
John Richards, III
Rob Ruck
Don Slusser

We don’t know about you, but we’re still on a bit of a runner’s high this week from One Great Weekend!

Many partners in the City of Pittsburgh make this event GREAT, but a special thank you to our friends at P3rmovespgh - their amazing team’s hard work and support of this event make our annual Fall Fitness Classic possible! 👏🏼

Who else had a Great time running through the streets of Pittsburgh this weekend? 🙌🙋‍♀️ We are going to be riding the energy and excitement for quite some time. A huge thanks to everyone who helped make this weekend possible, the Great Race wouldn't be possible without you!

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield

It really was One 𝐆𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐓 Weekend, Pittsburgh!

Congratulations to the thousands of Great Racers on your accomplishments during the 2023 Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race 10k & 5k presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and Dollar Bank Junior Great Race!

Special thanks to all of our sponsors and partners who help make this annual Fall Fitness Classic possible!

We’ve got a feeling that it’s going to be a GREAT day!!

The Dollar Bank Junior Great Race kicks off the 2023 Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race Weekend today at 9:30am! 👟

rungreatrace.com

One GREAT Weekend is finally here! Can't wait to see you cross the finish line 🏁 There's still time to sign up and be a part of one of Pittsburgh's greatest traditions. Follow the link below and we'll see you on the course this weekend.

https://ow.ly/UsFv50POBTg

Two more days until the 2023 Great Race Weekend kicks off with the Dollar Bank Junior Great Race on Saturday, September 23rd!

There’s still time to sign up and join the One-Mile Family Fun Run, Tot Trot or Diaper Dash for $10 at rungreatrace.com!

🏆

"It's Great Race Week!" 👟🎉

There's still time to join the greatest weekend of the year at rungreatrace.com!

Caption this epic finish line moment! Best caption wins a prize!

Happy Friday, Pittsburgh!

We’re just one week away from kicking off one GREAT weekend! Sign up today at rungreatrace.com! 👟

Imagine your moment crossing the finish line at the Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race presented by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Describe it in one word below! Let's paint a picture of victory. 🏆💪

Hundreds of vehicles - old, new, car, truck and everything in between - once again cruised in to Allegheny Commons for 2023's Pistons in the Park!

Saturday's event presented by Western PA Chevy Dealers shined despite the clouds in the sky, along with this year's award winning entries. Stay tuned for more photos, including the recipients and their custom-made trophies from Misfit Autowerks LLC and Skeptik Innovations!

The first ever "Sharpest Chevy" trophy was handed out this weekend at Pistons in the Park!

Presenting sponsor Western PA Chevy Dealers selected this electrifying 2008 Corvette Z06 as the inaugural winner of this prize!

All trophies were custom-made by our partners at Misfit Autowerks LLC and Skeptik Innovations.

This weekend wrapped up the 2023 season of Reservoir of Jazz in Highland Park!

Thanks to all who came out to support the amazing musicians this year, as well as our partners who helped make the event possible: Highland Park Community Council Pittsburgh, WZUM The Pittsburgh Jazz Channel, and Allegheny Regional Asset District!

The final nights of Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park happen this week as we close out the month of August - don't miss another great classic flick, as well as more chances to catch one of the most popular films of the summer!

"Cool Hand Luke"
𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, August 30 - 𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒈𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒇𝒇 𝑯𝒊𝒍𝒍 (𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒌)

"The Super Mario Bros. Movie"
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, August 31 - 𝑻𝒓𝒐𝒚 𝑯𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝑪𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒛𝒆𝒏𝒔 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒌
𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, August 31 - 𝑺𝒄𝒊𝒖𝒍𝒍𝒐 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒌 (𝑩𝒍𝒐𝒐𝒎𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒍𝒅)

Hey, Schenley Plaza!

It's the last night of Dollar Bank Cinema in the Park at this location - come catch a classic with us TONIGHT!

"Sunset Boulevard", starring William Holden and Gloria Swanson, will start at dusk! 🌛