If you love the city of Pittsburgh’s rivers, bridges, and hidden gems, we have the perfect event for you! The Party at the Pier this August is Riverlife’s annual themed fundraising event, returning for its 14th year with a new location and theme.

About Riverlife

If you don’t know Riverlife, they’re a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. They center their work on the belief that the riverfronts belong to everyone. They say that “world-class riverfront experiences can be created for all using community-driven, equitable development and high-quality, regenerative design.”

Over the last 15 years, Riverlife has led a $150 million investment in carefully curating the riverfront experience in Pittsburgh. The investment has brought about nearly $4.2 billion in riverfront and public space development in downtown.

In 2022, Riverlife released their “Creating the Loop” plan that showcases how they plan to close any remaining gaps in Pittsburgh’s 15-mile, 1,055-acre loop of riverfront parks, trails, and public spaces. They’ve been working on improving the loop since 2000. They work directly with the community, land owners, and elected officials to connect Yinzers and visitors with Pittsburgh’s downtown riverfront experience. The 2022 plan continues up their decades-long efforts and maps out even more improvements to make over the next decade.

If you love long walks around the rivers of Pittsburgh, running with your dog on Pittsburgh trails, or biking safely to work downtown, then you have Riverlife to thank! Another one of their riverfront events is Chalk Fest, which was a huge hit this past Memorial Day weekend.

Pittsburghers can expect the best from this organization, as they’ve been transforming riverfronts, parks, trails, and green spaces since 1999! Their hard work and dedication makes Pittsburgh a happier and healthier place for everyone.

About Party at the Pier

Riverlife’s Party at the Pier: Hidden Gems, presented by Peoples, will illuminate the Golden Triangle on Friday, August 18th, 2023. You are invited to discover a whole new view of Pittsburgh’s beautiful riverfronts from the Rooftop Terrace at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

On the rooftop, take in the views of the city’s riverfronts while raising funds for Riverlife’s riverfront initiatives, including the new Sister Bridges Experience. You’ll have a great view of the three Sister Bridges from there – the Roberto Clemente bridge (6th St.), the Andy Warhol bridge (7th St.), and the Rachel Carson bridge (9th St.). Take in the sights of the shining city lights and the sounds of the flowing rivers while participating in making the city a better place.

Event chairs, Megan and Michael Quatrini, will host the Party at the Pier. Matthew Galluzzo, President and CEO for Riverlife, said, “The 360 views of rivers, the Sister Bridges, the North Shore, and downtown are breathtaking and make the perfect backdrop to celebrate Riverlife’s mission and highlight upcoming projects. People will be truly blown away by the beauty – you experience the city and our rivers in a whole new light on the Rooftop.”

The dazzling Party at the Pier will put on full display the reputation of Pittsburgh being a “hidden gem” of a city. You’ll be greeted by pop-up performances as you make your way to the rooftop, all while sipping on jewel-inspired cocktails. There will be plenty of Instagram-worthy moments!

But first, you’ll want to dress for the occasion. The Party at the Pier has become widely known as the Burgh’s “fashion event of the year,” so make sure you’re dressed to impress! Creative cocktail attire in rich jewel tones will be in style at this fashion-forward party.

We also expect palettes of blacks and grays with sparkling accents and shimmering details Embrace this fashion tradition and make it an all-day event by getting ready with your friends, family, or colleagues!

From 6:30 – 7:30pm, join the VIP Cocktail Hour, presented by Legacy Sponsor PNC Bank. You’ll get first access to the Rooftop Terrace at this exclusive event. The VIP portion of the night will feature specialty cocktails and mocktails and plenty of fresh bites! Be sure to take advantage of the special Rooftop Boulevard Lounge Access through 8:30pm.

The main event starts at 7:30pm, when you’ll be greeted with a glittering atmosphere. The rooftop has an incredible, wide-open view of the city, which will be great for a summer sunset! Listen to amazing life music, and dance with your pier party partners. You’ll also experience a variety of special performances and a number of surprises throughout the evening.

You’ll enjoy delicious food and drinks, all centered around the theme of the night. Some of the food and drinks will even be crafted with fresh crops. The Convention Center grows a variety of plants on the Rooftop Terrace and North Terrace! Look for their garden boxes growing edible and medicinal plants while you sip on a refreshing cocktail or mocktail.

Party on until 10:30pm when the main event wraps up. You’ll be bejeweled by such an amazing night under the city skyline!

Tickets for Party at the Pier: Hidden Gems

Tickets for the vibrant Party at the Pier go on sale June 9th. Get your tickets now because they WILL sell out! The Party at the Pier has sold out in advance of the event since 2010. Plus, a 15% Early Bird ticket discount is available to all guests and ticket levels until June 20th! Ticket purchases directly support Riverlife’s mission.

Stay tuned in to Riverlife’s Facebook and Twitter for ticket sale announcements and news about their riverfront initiatives. You can also sign up for their email list to stay up to date on all their projects and events!

Video via Jordan Lee

This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.
Caitlin McDonough

Caitlin is a native Pittsburgher who helps out with Made in PGH behind the scenes. She loves to thrift and antique hunt, always looking for hidden gems in the Burgh. She's a lover of pickles and pierogies, ciders and sours, and of course, the Pirates and Pens.

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