Pittsburgh sets New Year’s Eve party plans

 PITTSBURGH –  A full-on New Year’s Eve celebration returns to the Cultural District on Dec. 31, featuring live performances, a variety of family-friendly activities, and a countdown to midnight.

Presented by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2026 welcomes the entire community for arts-focused fun.

First-time visitors will discover a curated mix of attractions that invite attendees to chart their own course through the Cultural District based on interest—live music, magic, ice carving, a holiday market, film, hands-on activities, and more. Returning visitors may notice a few thoughtful updates to this year’s schedule.

“We refreshed this year’s schedule to make sure we’re truly offering something for everyone,” Brooke Horejsi, chief programming & engagement officer for the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, said. “The kid-friendly ‘early eve’ celebration offers families a fun night out while new events like the Dollar Bank Battle of the Bands will charge up the crowd all the way to midnight.”

 

All events are free and open to everyone except as noted (two indoor ticketed performances). The full lineup can be explored at this link by clicking here.

Highlights include:

 

 New Year’s “Early Eve” Celebration 

Highmark Stage (Penn & Stanwix)

 

  • Welcome & Kick-Off (7-7:05 pm) | Event organizers and elected officials provide brief welcoming remarks.
  • GBU Life SING-OFF Winner (7:05-7:15 pm) | A local student singer (TBA in late December), in grades 6-12, will be chosen by special guest judge Justin Wirick (cast member of the “Wicked” National Tour), and given a chance to kick-start the New Year’s Eve festivities on the main stage.
  • Family Dance Party (7:15-8 pm) | This “family rave” will keep the youngest revelers and their families on their feet. Featuring DJ Todd Griffin of Next Level Entertainment.
  • Dollar Bank Children’s Fireworks (8-8:15 pm) | Somewhere in the world it’s already midnight. Enjoy an early countdown and fireworks at 8 pm—celebrate the New Year with all your little ones, without having to keep them up way past their bedtime!

Live Music & Performances 

  • Dollar Bank Battle of the Bands (Highmark Stage, 10 pm-midnight) | Come see the four finalist bands live: Broom, NASH.V.ILL, Lindsay Liebro, and The Pit Crew. Experience them going head-to-head in this high-energy inaugural showdown hosted by the Queen of Emcees, Black Benatar, with special guest judges FRZY, Mike Canton, and Amy Kline.
  • Black Benatar’s Community Lip Sync Spectacular (Trust Arts Education Center, 7:30-8:30 pm) | This high-energy, interactive experience blends playful performance, audience participation, and the pure joy of moving your lips to your favorite bangers. Part tutorial, part show, the event invites folks of all ages and experience levels to step into the spotlight.
  • *New Years Eve Cabaret Soirée with FireWALL Dance Theater (Greer Cabaret Theater, 8-9 & 10-11 pm; ticketed, 18+) | Step into a night of glamour and glitter with sultry burlesque, plus acts that spark imagination and delight the senses. Sip champagne and experience a playful, seductive, and unforgettable evening. Dress to impress!
  • Megan Paullet & The HR Department (Lounge at the Greer Cabaret, 7-8 & 9-10 pm) | Come in from the cold for some bubbly, a bite, and to enjoy soulful grooves and vibrant pop-rock in an intimate cabaret setting as Megan Paullet celebrates the release of her debut single.
  • *The Harmon Brothers (Liberty Magic; 7, 8:30, & 10 pm; ticketed) | The comedy magic duo works together like a well-oiled machine, but it doesn’t stop them from butting heads. Join as they demonstrate the power of their fraternal bond, make connections with the audience, and settle their differences in some truly bizarre ways.
  • Pittsburgh Samba Group and Timbeleza (Highmark Stage, 8:15-8:45 pm) | Two of Pittsburgh’s premier Brazilian performance groups – Pittsburgh Samba Group and Timbeleza – bring the rhythm and spirit of Brazil to Pittsburgh.
  • Ping Pong Game Show with O’Ryan the O’Mazing (Trust Arts Education Center, 9:30-10:30 pm) | Enjoy a high-energy, immersive gameshow hosted by a despotic clown.

 

Variety & Roaming Entertainment 

 

  • Citizens Live Ice Sculpting (Magnolias for Pittsburgh, 8-11 pm) | Watch master ice carver Richard Bubin of Ice Creations sculpt the Pittsburgh skyline out of a 2,400-pound ice block. Perfect for an icy photo opp!
  • Peoples Gas Holiday Market presented by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (Katz Plaza & Trust Oasis, 7-11 pm) | Find one-of-a-kind wares from local makers along with beautiful and practical gifts created by artisans from around the world.

This year, the celebration comes to you. Instead of a single parade route (paused due to construction), guests can expect surprise encounters with roaming performers bringing music, magic, and joy to every corner of the Cultural District.

 

  • Pittsburgh Samba Group Roaming Dancers (7-8 pm) | Bringing the rhythm and spirit of Brazil to the streets of downtown Pittsburgh’s Cultural District.
  • O’Ryan The O’Mazing (7-8:30 pm) | Do some O’Mazing tricks with the tallest clown around!
  • Lovely Lady Lydia (9-11 pm) | Catch the stilt-walker and circus arts performer in an LED Ice Queen costume.

 

More Creative Fun & Holiday Activities 

 

Fifth Avenue Place (indoors) and the Benedum Lot (outdoors at 7th & Penn) flank the footprint, plus other locations offer engaging hands-on activities for kids and creatives in multiple locations throughout the night.

 

  • Highmark | (un)Hungry (Fifth Avenue Place, 7-10 pm) | As the event’s presenting sponsor, Highmark is showcasing its (un)Hungry initiative. This campaign aims to raise awareness and complement existing food and monetary donations during the holiday season, a time when individuals are more inclined to give and seek support. To promote the campaign’s animated film, Highmark collaborated with Canstruction Pittsburgh, and the Pittsburgh-based architectural firm AE7. Together, they constructed a “CANstruction” sculpture of over 2,000 cans of food, shaped like Montague the Dog (one of the film’s characters), located in the lobby of Fifth Avenue Place. Highmark encourages individuals to visit unHungry.org to watch the animated film, make a donation to a regional food bank, or find assistance.
  • Citizens Activity Zone (Fifth Avenue Place, 7-10 pm) | Warm up indoors and join local artists and organizations like Beanie Paints, Mike the Ballon Guy, Scouting America, TeraBridges, Pittsburgh Center for Arts and Media, and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Arts Education team for engaging activities for all ages.
  • Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Book Giveaway sponsored by PNC & Steel City Lego User Group (Benedum Lot, 7-10 pm) | These activities are located within the holiday market footprint across from the Benedum Center.
  • Tarot Card Readers (Trust Oasis, 7-10 pm) | An annual favorite, Dr. Amber Epps, owner of Arts & Crafts: Botanica & Occult Shop (Wilkinsburg), with Elizabeth Kivowitz and Maggie Negrete, return for free tarot card readings.
  • Caricature Artists (SPACE Gallery, 7-8 & 8:30-9:30 pm) | Another annual favorite, Vince Ornato and Sam Thong return for live sitting caricature drawings.
Fireworks are part of Pittsburgh’s New Year’s Eve celebration.

Visual Arts & Film 

 

  • Celebrating 45 Years of CAPA: Alumni and Faculty Exhibition (SPACE Gallery, 7-10 pm)
  • Fleischer Fairy Tales (Harris Theater, 7-10 pm) | Warm up and step back in time with The Cartoons of Max Fleischer, featuring beautifully restored classics with Betty Boop, Popeye, Koko the Clown, and more.

Countdown to Midnight & Future of Pittsburgh Grand Finale 

 

New Year’s Eve culminates with a Pittsburgh tradition. Above the Highmark Stage on Penn Avenue Place, the Future of Pittsburgh Ball will rise nearly 75 feet to its pinnacle position (symbolizing a city on the rise) as Fireworks sponsored by Visit PA fill the sky and the audience joins in harmony for a rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

 

Community Support 

 

Generous support for Highmark First Night Pittsburgh 2026 comes from Highmark, Allegheny Health Network, Dollar Bank, GBU Life, Citizens, Visit PA, PNC, PPG, and The Grable Foundation. Media partners include KDKA-TV. Operational support is provided by Flyspace Productions.

 

All events are subject to change. Explore the full lineup of events at TrustArts.org/FirstNightPGH.

Gerald “Jerry” Keiderling (1970-2025)

Gerald “Jerry” Keiderling, 55, of Plains, Pennsylvania, passed away on November 27, 2025 at Heritage Valley Beaver.

He was born in Scranton on September 14th, 1970, the son of the late Gerald Thomas and Mary “Bonnie” (Liske) Keiderling.

In accordance with Gerald’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, Inc., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to care for Jerry and his family during this most difficult time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Megan Moroney to play PPG Paints Arena

PITTSBURGH — Country-pop singer Megan Moroney saved a Pittsburgh date for her forthcoming The Cloud 9 Tour.

Moroney will  entertain June 16 at PPG Paints Arena. Tickets go on sale 10 a.m. Dec. 12 at meganmoroney.com.

Launching on May 29 at Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH, the tour is named for her globally anticipated third studio album due out Feb. 20.

The tour announcement arrives as Moroney gets set to receive the Storyteller of the Year honor at Variety’s Hitmakers event this Saturday (12/6) in Los Angeles. As part of the ninth annual Hitmakers celebration, the Emo Cowgirl will join the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Tate McRae, Addison Rae, Rosé, and other elite honorees recognized for their breakthrough success in 2025.

Cloud 9″ will follow the gold-certified “Am I Okay?” — 2024’s third-biggest Billboard 200 debut from a female country artist and served up  hits like No Caller ID.”

Moroney sold out Pittsburgh’s Stage AE this summer.

Roseanne F. (Wolak) Farls (Passed on November 30th, 2025)

Roseanne F. (Wolak) Farls, 86, formerly of Monaca, passed away peacefully on November 30th, 2025, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh.

She was born in Rochester and was the cherished daughter of the late Anthony A. and Rose (Rubino) Wolak. Her life was a testament to the values she inherited from her parents. Roseanne’s devotion to her family was evident in every role she embraced, especially as the loving wife of Ronald A. “Pee Wee” Farls. Their marriage, which began on September 4th, 1961, at St. Titus Catholic Church in Aliquippa was a partnership that flourished over the decades. She was also survived by two daughters, Roberta L. (James) Gallagher of Stowe Township and Rona L. (Bernard ‘Dino’) Nanni of Monaca, who brought immeasurable joy to Roseanne’s life, her grandchildren, Sara B. (Sean) Regan and Katherine M. (Glenn) Marchione, her great-grandchildren, Sydney, Samantha, and Skeyler Regan and a brother, Robert (Bridget) Wolak of Audubon, Pennsylvania.

Roseanne served as a customer service representative for the former Century National Bank for thirteen years, where her warmth and professionalism left a lasting impact on her clients. She was a devout Christian and a woman of faith. She was a former member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Monaca and the church’s Christian Mothers, as well as a current member of St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Glenwillard, Pennsylvania. She was known for her Italian cooking, a skill she honed and shared with others through cooking classes at the Community College of Beaver County. Her talents extended to painting and ceramics, where she expressed her creativity and attention to detail. Her participation in both the Monaca Jr. Women’s Club and Monaca PTA showcased her commitment to civic engagement and education.

A private viewing and blessing service was held for Roseanne at Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services, 1119 Washington Avenue, Monaca, who was in charge of her arrangements.

The family has suggested to those wishing to make a memorial contribution to please consider the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Rd, Aliquippa, PA 15001 or the local Salvation Army.

To share online condolences, please visit www.simpsonfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Roseanne, please visit the floral store of Simpson Funeral and Cremation Services by clicking here.

Martha M. (Munroe) Simmons (1932-2025)

Martha M. (Munroe) Simmons, 93, of New Brighton, formerly of Wadenna, Minnesota, passed away on November 26th, 2025.

She was born in New Brighton on June 5th, 1932, a daughter of the late Milo and Ruth Nugent. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, John Munroe and Donald Simmons, her sister, Marion McConnell, her brother, Jack Nugent, her step-daughter-in-law, Karen Simmons and her step-son, Dave Simmons. She will be greatly missed by her sons, John (Donna) Munroe, with whom she resided with, Kevin (Nikki) Munroe and Keith (Amy) Munroe, her daughter, Deborah (Clifford) Sellers, her step-sons, Donald Simmons and Daniel (Terri) Simmons, her step-daughter, Diana (Doug) Anderson, her step-daughter-in-law, Janelle Simmons, her sisters, RuthAnn Drake, Phillis Spicer and Betty McWhorter, her grandchildren: Jake (Jenn) Munroe, Dakota Munroe, John Munroe, Frank Sellers, Vicki Sellers, James (Jessica) Sellers and Clifford Sellers; as well as her great-grandchildren: John and Samantha Munroe, Levi Sellers, James (Paityn) Sellers, Raeann Sellers, Haylee Sellers; alog with her great-great-grandchildren, Lucy and Greyson Komora. She will also be missed by numerous step-grandchildren, step-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Martha spent her life as a homemaker, loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

Friends will be received on Thursday, December 11th, from 4-6 p.m. at Noll Funeral Home, Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, who was in charge of her arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in Martha’s name to Life Beaver Senior Center located at 131 Pleasant Drive, Aliquippa, PA 15001.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Martha M. (Munroe) Simmons, please visit the flower store of the Noll Funeral Home, Inc. by clicking here.

Shelton “Skeet/Skeeter J” Jones (1948-2025)

Shelton “Skeet/Skeeter J” Jones, 77, passed away on November 20th, 2025 at Friendship Ridge Rehabilitation and Wellness Center in Beaver where he had resided for almost two years.

He was born in Aliquippa on April 19th, 1948, a son of the late Elbert and Louise (Jacobs) Jones. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Janice, Lillian and Alfreda and his brothers: Elbert, Taylor, Darryl, Calvin, Anthony, and Kevin. He is survived by his life partner, Enessa Jacobs, his special nephew, Omarr Jones, his niece, Louise Jacobs-Johnson, his brothers, Dexter (Mary), Ivan, and Oren, his sister-in-law, Bonnie Jones (Anthony, deceased), as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

Shelton, known affectionately by his family, as Skeet, was an adventurous and carefree person who never met a stranger, no matter where he traveled. Following his matriculation in the Aliquippa School District, he joined the Armed Forces. Upon his return, he went on to marry and father several children, who also survive him: Narvette Alise “Lisa” Gibbs, Lanette Hopes, Shon Owens (deceased), Shelton Cottrill, James R. Hopes, Kevin Jones, Taleisha Jackson, Travis Jackson, Shane McGee, and Mish’ellay Nakoa. He also helped in parenting Tia Jackson and Jasmine Jacobs.

His family would like to thank everyone for their cards, calls, food and prayers.

A memorial visitation will be held on Sunday, December 7th, from 1 P.M. until the time of a funeral service at 3 P.M. at Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC, 547 8th Street, Ambridge, who was in charge of his arrangements.

Roger Garth Cooling, Jr. (1945-2025)

Roger Garth Cooling, Jr., 80, of Baden, passed away on December 2nd, 2025, at Concordia at Villa St. Joseph in Baden. He was born in Beaver Falls on May 15th, 1945, the son of the late Roger Garth Cooling, Sr., and Wilma Jean (Liller) Eisenhute. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Ann (Bissen) Cooling. He is survived by his loving daughters, Jennifer (Christian) Dispigna, Marisa (Christian) Kebekus and Amanda (Larry Booker) Cooling, his grandchildren, Christian, Dorian, Derek, and Ava, a brother, William Cooling, his feline companion, Flynn, who was by his side for the past 7 years, as well as several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Roger began his lifelong love of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954 as a small boy which then opened up his passion for sports that became part of his identity for over seven decades. He was an avid baseball and autograph collector who found joy in stories, the history and simple nostalgia of it all. He received a bachelor’s degree in science from Slippery Rock University where he received his teaching certificate. He had a love for the English language, whether teaching it to High school students, writing poetry or listening to music with poignant lyrics. His favorite bird, the red winged blackbird, always brought him back to another favorite hobby, fishing. The sound of the bird calls brought him back to quiet mornings fishing along the streams. He also shared his love of fishing with his family. He was a devoted and caring grandfather (pap) he loved each grandchild for who they were and embraced them in their uniqueness. His booming voice and crazy excursions and sense of wonder, gregarious nature and overall zest for adventure in life is his legacy.

Memorial contributions in Roger’s honor may be directed to the Beaver County Humane Society, 3394 Broadhead Road, Aliquippa, PA 15001.
The GABAUER-LUTTON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 117 Blackhawk Road, Beaver Falls, was honored to provide care and guidance to Roger’s family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of his arrangements.

Gerda M. Wall (1946-2025)

Gerda M. Wall, 79, of Pulaski Township, passed away peacefully on December 2nd, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospice House in Wexford.

She was born in Germany on October 11th, 1946, a daughter of the late Joseph and Marguerite Herzog. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Larry Macom, Sr., her second husband, Jesse R. Wall, Sr., a son, Larry Macom, Jr. and numerous brothers. She is survived by her children: Sandra (Mike) Zachodni, Wendy (Quent) Bachman, Melinda (Ray) Ball, and Jesse Wall, Jr.; along with a daughter-in-law, Lisa Macom, her grandchildren: Michael Zachodni, Casey (Jessica) Zachodni, Zachary (Kelli) Zachodni, David Bachman, Amber (Chucky) Russell, Cody Wall, Austin Wall, Ashton Spiegel, Kristin (Adam) Barnes, and Ryan (Cam Cam) Bogolea; as well as her great-grandchildren, Jordan, Tyler, Caleb, Maddison, Evan, Charolotte, Weston, Danny, Vanessa, Sabrina, Cooper, Evan, Leo, and Brody; along with her brothers, Stephan and Peter, her sisters, Ingrid and Heidi, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

After arriving from Germany, Gerda worked for the Beaver County Times for many years. In her free time, she enjoyed playing bingo and spending time with her family.

In accordance with Gerda’s wishes, she will be cremated and no services are being planned at this time.

The family wishes to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to Good Samaritan Hospice staff, nurses, and her aide, Ashley for their kind and compassionate care.

The GABAUER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 1133 Penn Ave., New Brighton, was honored to provide care and guidance to Gerda’s family during this time and was the funeral home that was in charge of her arrangements.

Amanda Lee Dunlap Parker (1979-2025)

Amanda Lee Dunlap Parker, 45, of Conway, passed away on December 1st, 2025, at Heritage Valley Beaver. She was born on December 7th, 1979, a daughter of John and Patricia Dunlap. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her husband, Kenneth Parker, her children, John Anthony Montini and Virginia Margaret Dunlap, her sisters, Wendy Marks and Heather Rodriguez, her Uncle Georgie and a good friend, William Murdoch. There will be a Celebration of Life for Amanda at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Corless-Matter Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LLC, 1133 Church Street, Ambridge. Her family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses at the Critical Care Unit at Heritage Valley Beaver for all their compassionate and technical skilled care.

Pitt football Heisman Trophy winning running back Tony Dorsett one of nineteen inductees for the 2026 National High School Football Hall of Fame

(File Photo: Source for Photo: ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips, right, visits with Hall of Fame running back Tony Dorsett before an NCAA college football game between Pittsburgh and Notre Dame in Pittsburgh, Nov. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Brook Park, OH) According to a release yesterday, former University of Pittsburgh running back Tony Dorsett is one of nineteen people that will be inducted into the National High School Football Hall of Fame on July 11th, 2026, in Brook Park, Ohio, during a special ceremony. Dorsett is the only player in Pitt college football history to win the Heisman Trophy as the best college football player in the country when he won it in 1976. Dorsett also played football at Hopewell High School and he will be part of the fourth induction class for the National High School Football Hall of Fame. All nineteen inductees are as follows:

  • Brian Bosworth – (LB) MacArthur High School
  • Henry Butler – (HB) University School
  • Channing Crowder – (LB) North Springs High School
  • Randy Crowder /P – (DL) Farrell High School
  • Tony Dorsett – (HB) Hopewell High School
  • Charles Follis – (HB) Wooster High School
  • Lou Groza /P – (OL) Martins Ferry High School
  • John Heisman/P – (OL) Titusville High School
  • Jim Kelly – (QB) East Brady High School
  • Vince Marrow – (TE) Cardinal Mooney High School
  • Terrence Metcalf – (OL) Clarksdale High School
  • Ozzie Newsome – (TE) Colbert County High School
  • Drew Pearson – (WR) South River High School
  • Greg Pruitt – (HB) B.C. Elmore High School
  • Sports Stars of Tomorrow – (Media)
  • Andrew Stockey – (Media) / (HB) Simsbury High School
  • Lee Tressel /P – (Head Coach) Mentor & Massillon High School
  • Joe Vadini /P – (Head Coach) Brecksville High School
  • Vince Young – (QB) Madison High School