PITTSBURGH – Normal life was greatly changed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the Fourth of July celebrations. This year, the City of Pittsburgh will return to normal with their annual display of fireworks for Independence Day.

“The City of Pittsburgh is pleased to announce it will hold an Independence Day celebration with fireworks at the Point on July 4, and waive block party fees for neighborhood parties that day,” said a press release from the City of Pittsburgh.

The city will follow the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines to make its decisions moving forward.

“It’s time to get together and celebrate our life and independence – together,” said Mayor Bill Peduto. “After a year of suffering, there is no better way to do that than joining our neighbors for the most Pittsburgh of all things, which of course is a giant fireworks display.”

Pittsburghers are also welcome to celebrate with neighborhood block parties, in which single blocks of residential streets can be blocked off with two city-provided barricades. Block parties allow for exemptions from noise ordinances, though it must be stressed that setting off fireworks within the City limits is prohibited by law. The city asks that families register their spots to view the show by the end of June.

Registration for the 2021 Richard S. Caliguiri City of Pittsburgh Great Race and Dollar Bank Junior Great Race will open this week. One GREAT Weekend will take place September 25-26. More details will be available soon.

Further announcements on the City of Pittsburgh summertime resources and activities — including the reopening of swimming pools, Cinema in the Parks, and musical performances will also be made soon.