Riverlife

🎡 Skip the usual Friday routine!

Join us at Allegheny Landing for a fun-filled afternoon exploring how artful play transforms our urban spaces and strengthens communities. Register at the link below, and you can even grab a FREE ride on the Pittsburgh Oktoberfest Ferris Wheel! 🎟️

We'll be talking with Jane Werner from the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, Sallyann Kluz from Shiftworkspgh, John Peña, a Pittsburgh based artist, and Mindy Cooper from dwg., working on the redesign of Allegheny Landing. Riverlife's own president and CEO Matthew Galluzzo will be moderating a spirited conversation.

This event is your perfect excuse to break away, get inspired, and play—right by the river!

👉 Don’t wait—register now and make your Friday unforgettable!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_YglFgi5RyU7W8F2dheuqqbK1jb7eTp31owPSrEJJYoFhpw/viewform

Today, environmental nonprofits nationwide are joining together for the biggest day in eco-philanthropy. This Earth Gives Day Riverlife is raising dollars to support climate-resilient riverfronts that will benefit Pittsburgh for generations to come. Will you join?

By taking action now, you help ensure a bright future for the riverfronts tomorrow. Become part of the community of changemakers prioritizing the environmental work that matters most by making a donation today.

🔗 Give now at https://www.earthgives.org/organization/riverlifepgh

Earth Gives Day is tomorrow, but early giving is open today.

Riverlife is raising funds to support projects you care about, like ecosystem restoration, native plantings, and climate-resilient infrastructure along Pittsburgh's downtown riverfronts. These projects contribute an impact across communities and contribute to our collective future.

Riverlife is proud to join a network of partner organizations committed to preserving our environment for future generations. Give back to the earth this Earth Gives Day by donating to a bright future for Pittsburgh’s riverfronts.

🔗 Give now at https://www.earthgives.org/organization/riverlifepgh

🌏 Earth Gives Day is a nationwide initiative uniting a diverse community of nonprofits supporting the environment.

On October 1, generous donors like you come together to catalyze the biggest day of environmental sector giving, impacting our collective future.

Early giving is open now. Join Riverlife to become part of the community of changemakers committed to preserving our environment for future generations. Act now by donating to a bright future for Pittsburgh's riverfronts.

🔗 Give now at https://www.earthgives.org/organization/riverlifepgh

🎡 Experience Pittsburgh like never before!

The Ferris Wheel at offers a unique vantage point of our stunning city and its iconic bridges. Don’t miss this chance to see the best views from the sky!

Get your tickets today and elevate your Oktoberfest experience! 🎟️👇

📅 October 3-13
🌐 https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/oktpgh/oktoberfest-pittsburgh

🚨 We're hiring! 🚨

Riverlife is looking for two passionate individuals to join our team:

🌊 Community Engagement Coordinator – Help us connect with the community and bring Pittsburgh’s riverfronts to life through inclusive relationships.
Apply here: https://riverlifepgh.org/communityengagementcoordinator/

💬 Part-Time Communications Associate – Be the voice behind our mission, shaping the narrative that celebrates Pittsburgh’s world-class riverfronts.
Apply here: https://riverlifepgh.org/communicationsassociate/

If you're ready to make an impact, apply today!

Nestled between the Sister Bridges and just steps away from PNC Park, Allegheny Landing has long been one of Pittsburgh’s most photogenic riverfront parks. With stunning views of the city skyline and the river, it’s a favorite spot for locals, visitors, and Instagrammers alike. But decades of continuous use have left the park “loved to death,” and in need of revitalization.

That’s where Riverlife comes in.

In partnership with the City of Pittsburgh and our design team at dwg., we’re moving into the 60% design phase for a full-scale revitalization of Allegheny Landing.

This project is part of our broader vision for the Sister Bridges Experience, one that incorporates Allegheny Riverfront Park, the Sister Bridges, and Allegheny Landing into a cohesive riverfront experience. With decorative lighting being added to the bridges, and new elements of art, play, and design, this will become a hub where history, light, and community come together.

We’re privileged to hold the vision of thriving, world-class riverfronts where all are welcome, and we continue to engage with the community to make that vision a reality.

Learn more, catch up on community meetings, and view the most recent plans at https://riverlifepgh.org/riverfront-guide/allegheny-landing/

If you’ve recently joined us, you might be wondering—who is Riverlife, and what do we do?

We’re a small but mighty team working toward a bold vision: Completing the Loop. This plan aims to transform Pittsburgh’s vibrant riverfronts into spaces where everyone can connect, enjoy, and thrive.

While today’s riverfronts are home to world-class parks and trails, challenges remain in creating a truly seamless experience that’s accessible to all. Completing the Loop is our vision for closing those gaps, linking every corner of the city’s riverfronts to create a cohesive, thriving public space that everyone can enjoy.

Over the past 25 years, we’ve been involved in nearly every major riverfront project—from the restoration of Point State Park and its iconic Fountain to the creation of South Shore Riverfront Park. We’ve tackled tricky trail connections to help realize the 15-mile riverfront loop, and we’re just getting started.

Our mission is to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts, and we work every day to make this vision a reality. From new parks to exciting community events and bold initiatives, we’re committed to making our rivers an essential part of the region—welcoming and accessible to all.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be reintroducing the projects we’ve been working on and giving you a glimpse into how we’re shaping the future of Pittsburgh’s riverfronts—and how you can be part of this exciting journey that will accrue benefits to generations to come.

See you at the riverfronts soon. 🌊

🎡 Prost, Pittsburgh! 🎡

We’re thrilled to announce that as part of Riverlife's 25th anniversary celebration, we are partnering with Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and Flyspace Productions to bring a one-of-a-kind Karnival experience to Pittsburgh!

From October 3 to October 13, enjoy a new twist on Oktoberfest, spanning from Market Square to the Clemente Bridge, featuring a 60-foot Ferris Wheel that offers stunning views of our beautiful riverfronts. We’re grateful for the support of Allegheny County and for the vision and leadership of our colleagues, who are dedicated to reimagining how we bring our public spaces to life.

Riverlife is excited for all the festivities but are especially looking forward to the Ferris Wheel, which will be positioned in a space that celebrates our vision for the Sister Bridges Experience. Tickets will go on sale soon!

Join us for this unique event where community and cultural celebration meet Pittsburgh’s iconic bridges and rivers.

We can't wait to see you there! 🍂🎠



https://www.oktpgh.com/about

Happy 50th birthday, fountain! You don't look a day over 29.

Last week, Riverlife joined the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, City of Pittsburgh, Visit Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy and many others to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this iconic landmark.

The fountain at Point State Park has been a symbol of Pittsburgh’s beauty and resilience for half a century, connecting our city’s rich history with the vibrant life along the rivers today.

"Together, we’ve created and cared for this. And the beauty is, the benefits of the investments that we made will accrue to our children, grandchildren, and people whom we never meet. That should motivate us all knowing that there is a longitudinal value to our work that is both unique and essential to the region and its future," said Matt Galluzzo, Riverlife President and CEO.

We’re proud of the role Riverlife played in the restoration of this public treasure and look forward to many more years of inspiring moments here.

Read more about this special celebration and its significance to Pittsburgh: https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/fountain-pittsburgh-point-state-park-50-years/

🌊 Celebrating Labor Day by Honoring the Collaborative Spirit That Shapes Our Riverfronts! 🌟

This Labor Day, we’re celebrating the power of teamwork and collaboration that drives the transformation of Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. It takes a village—community partners, advocates, construction & maintenance crews, and supporters all play a vital role in creating the vibrant spaces we cherish.

At Riverlife, we know that no one can do it alone. Every step forward is a collective effort, and together, we’re bringing our vision of thriving, world-class riverfronts to life.

Wishing everyone a safe and restful Labor Day! 🛶🎉 See you at the rivers soon!

Step back in time and explore a piece of living history! The USS LST 325, the only operational WWII Landing Ship Tank still afloat, is docked on Pittsburgh’s North Shore near Acrisure Stadium from Friday through Tuesday. 🌊⚓️

Don't miss your chance to tour this historic vessel that played a vital role on D-Day and beyond. Walk the decks, see original war artifacts, and imagine the bravery of those who served aboard.

📅 Tour Dates: Friday-Tuesday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 🎟️ Tickets are available in person (cash or card): $15 for adults, $7 for kids 6-17, and free for children under 5.

Come honor the legacy of our heroes and experience history firsthand!

"It began on a boat ride in 1999.

The trip on the river included captains of industry, real estate folks, public officials, philanthropists and Pittsburgh’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough.

“Make this a place where you want to bring the people you love,” McCullough told those on board.

That same year they created the Riverlife Task Force, which became Riverlife, an organization that creates, activates and celebrates Pittsburgh’s riverfronts."

The past few weekends—between the celebration above the rivers at Party at the Pier and the creativity and DIY spirit of the Flotsam River Circus—have been shining examples of Riverlife's vision in action, offering world-class experiences that deliver on that original promise. Behind these extraordinary moments is the day-to-day work of our team—steady, strategic, and focused on the people who use the rivers and riverfronts every day along with generations to come.

A heartfelt thank you to JoAnne Harrop for taking the time to speak with our President and CEO, Matt Galluzzo, during this milestone 25th-anniversary celebration.

As we look back, we also roll up our sleeves and keep our eyes on what’s next for Pittsburgh’s rivers.

Riverlife has been caring for Pittsburgh's waterways for 25 years It began on a boat ride in 1999. The trip on the river included captains of industry, real estate folks, public officials, philanthropists and Pittsburgh’s own Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough. “Make this a place where you want to bring the people you love,” McCulloug...

Pittsburgh, you made Party at the Pier: Galactic an out-of-this-world success! 🌟✨

Together, we broke fundraising records, raising nearly $420,000 to support our beloved riverfronts. Your love for the rivers shines brighter than ever! 💙💚

A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Peoples Natural Gas, and to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for hosting us on their stunning Rooftop Terrace. The night wouldn’t have been the same without First National Bank's chic VIP Lounge. Our thanks also go out to The Pittsburgh Foundation for sponsoring the bars and Allegheny County Sanitary Authority (ALCOSAN) for fueling the Late Night Bites.

We’re grateful to PITT OHIO for the valet service and UPMC Health Plan for the photo booth fun. 🎉 The beats were electrifying thanks to DJ Digital Dave, Jason Kendall Productions, and DC Synergy. Shout out to Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield for the Spotify playlist to get your party started before you even left the house.

To everyone who joined us and helped make this night unforgettable, thank you. We’ll see you next year! 💫

The stars are aligning for a beautiful evening on the Rooftop Terrace at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center for Riverlife’s Party at the Pier: Galactic, presented by Peoples!

Tickets are SOLD OUT, and will not be available for purchase at the door.

We look forward to a terrific evening celebrating our rivers and riverfronts! If you don’t have tickets, we look forward to seeing you in 2025, or at the riverfronts soon!

🎧 Get ready to groove! First National Bank Sky Lounge, which features unique vantage points and rooftop views, set to music by DJ Hypnotyza x Jason Kendall, will be spinning tracks all night long at Party at the Pier: Galactic, presented by Peoples.

Less than 48 hours to go before the event—and we are officially SOLD OUT! We are looking forward to celebrating the future of Pittsburgh’s rivers and riverfronts tomorrow night.

Celebrating 25 Years of Riverlife

25 years ago, Pulitzer Prize-winning author David McCullough delivered a speech that ignited the formation of what we now know as Riverlife. His words remind us of the tremendous responsibility and thrilling opportunity we have to shape Pittsburgh’s future through its rivers.

"I think this is an opportunity such as no city in the country has. And I think that it isn’t just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity — it’s a once-in-a-century opportunity. What can be done can change the character of the city, can improve the good life in the city for at least another century. And that’s a terrific, thrilling chance. It’s also a tremendous responsibility."

Today, Riverlife carries forward this vision, creating, activating, and celebrating Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. Just this past week, we witnessed thousands gather on our three rivers for Flotsam River Circus, a testament to the power of creativity and community. And in just a few days, we’ll continue our celebration at Party at the Pier: GALACTIC, presented by Peoples, our annual fundraiser that fuels our mission to make Pittsburgh’s riverfronts thriving, world-class spaces that belong to everyone.

As we reflect on our history and look ahead, we are reminded of McCullough’s call to action: "Make it a place where people want to bring those they love."

🎶 DC Synergy is set to bring the house down at Riverlife’s Party at the Pier: Galactic, presented by Peoples.

Get ready to dance the night away on the incredible LED Infinity Dance Floor, where the energy will be out of this world! 💃🕺

Catch Riverlife’s Matt Galluzzo and our event planner extraordinarre Alexis Allen on Pittsburgh Today Live as they dish on all things Party at the Pier: Galactic, presented by Party at the Pier: Galactic, presented by Peoples! 🚀✨ Don’t miss the inside scoop on this year’s out-of-this-world celebration.

Limited tickets are still available for Friday’s event (hurry over--A few last GA tickets just dropped!)—get yours before they’re gone!

🎟️

Riverlife's Party at the Pier going Galactic for 15th anniversary Twenty-five years of Riverlife. Fifteen years of Partying at the Pier! PTL's Daisy Jade is on top of the David L. Lawrence Convention Center where organizers are getting ready for a big Galactic-themed party later this week.