Greening up the Square

We hear it's your Earth Day. And on this 43rd celebration of the wonders of this spinning orb we call home, the City of Pittsburgh welcomes you to a week-long series of events in Market Square during the first-ever Earth Market, April 23-27. Every day from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., more than two dozen green vendors will sprout up in the Square to promote sustainable practices that will reduce the size of the carbon footprint we all leave on this third rock from the sun. According to our intergalactic grapevine, the other planets are just, well, green with envy over our status as the most livable place in the universe. 

The Earth Market just happens to be part of a program Mayor Ravenstahl developed called "Green Up Pittsburgh." We like the clever word play and Hizzoner's determination to help everyone in the city and region realize how they can pitch in to protect Mother Nature, because she really does have the toughest job in the world. And the big reason why Earth Market will take root in the Square is because of the Square's central location and fast-growing reputation as one of the coolest places to spend time in Downtown.

Photo courtesy of Coca-Cola

One big takeaway of Earth Market is that it really IS easy is being green. Especially when experts will be on hand to point out how to reduce your utility bills with a simple energy audit — which Duquesne Light will be on hand to provide for free. Earth Market visitors can also find out exactly what days recycled materials are picked up in their neighborhoods and  exactly what type of things can be recycled. Now that tax time is over—whew!—you might have a pile of confidential papers to dispose of. Just bring those receipts, checks and other bits of paper to the Earth Market on April 27 to shred them into tens of thousands of hundreds of unreadable strips that will be reused again and again — for just $5 a box of documents. That same day, the sweet folks of Coca-Cola will be passing out vouchers to anyone who would like to transform one of the company's 55-gallon syrup drums into a convenient, economical barrel for catching rain that can be used for watering gardens. And speaking of gardening, the city will be giving away 1,000 free baby evergreens as part of an initiative to plant 20,000 trees throughout the city.

Photo courtesy of CMU

Now there's a lot of practical info to learn at Earth Week — like where to find "safe" car pooling buddies to cut down on the number of cars on the road. But there's tons of fun stuff happening, too. We're looking forward to the creative artist who makes new outfits from discarded clothing and plastic grocery bags. And we'd really love to take a spin around the Square in the "Charge Car," a Honda Civic transformed to an all-electric vehicle by some innovative CMU students. We bet they got a lot of green credit for this gas-saving, class project.

These days Pittsburgh is deservedly earning all sorts of accolades for being a great place to live, work and visit. And if you've been paying attention, we're also one of the greenest cities around. In fact, when you stand in the middle of the Square, all you have to do is turn your head a little to the northeast to see the glimmering green glass facade of Three PNC Plaza, one of the biggest, LEED-certified, mixed-use building in the United States. So join us in the Square all next week for the greenest celebration since St. Patrick's Day.

Take The "T" Train

People get ready there's a train a comin' to the new Gateway T Station on March 25. And you don't need a ticket to climb aboard for a free ride from Downtown to destinations on the nearby North Shore. Yes, it's true, this upcoming Sunday morning the Port Authority's long awaited T-Plus extension of the subway will forever link Downtown with the city's North Side with a two-minute tunnel trip under the Allegheny River.

Stretching 1.2 miles from its glass cocoon at Gateway Station in front of Fifth Avenue Place, the new line goes underground and underwater to reach the North Side Station just across the street from the Honus Wagner statue in front of PNC Park.  It then emerges from the earth to rise above street level towards its final stop at the elevated Allegheny Station next to Heinz Field. Along with two of the city's favorite sports palaces, the new line pulls attractions such as the Carnegie Science Center, Rivers Casino, National Aviary, Children's Museum, Stage AE, hotels, restaurants and other must-see tourist destinations on the North Shore closer than ever to Downtown.

Now, besides the fun side of the T-Plus, the North Shore extension will help ease the daily parking crunch commuters face in Downtown garages, which often turn on their "full" signs by 8:30 a.m. Thanks to support from the Stadium Authority and ALCO Parking, all rides between the North Side Station and all Downtown T stations will be free. Convenience is the word! The stop is located under the West General Robinson Street garage and trains running every four minutes during morning/evening rush hours. Considering that drivers won't have to circle around town looking for a open garage or lot, we expect drive time to be shorter than ever.


Travel is also free when you head the other way. From any Downtown stop you can head to Allegheny Station for some gridiron action, an educational field trip or a date with "lady luck," and the trip is on the house courtesy of the Steelers and Rivers Casino. Though it might be the last stop on the T-Plus, Allegheny Station is just the beginning of all sorts of fun for nearly everyone.

Now, here's another big plus about the  new subway line.  While the T-Plus is a big benefit for daily commuters, the extension pays some pretty nice dividends for the after-work crowd. For instance, since the ride doesn't cost a dime, the new line is the perfect way to save significant cash on "special rate" parking for sporting events and concerts on the North Shore. Many Downtown garages offer flat rates as low as $5 after 5 p.m. Park, then jump on the T for a free ride to the other side of the river. With four Downtown stations to choose from, our very walkable Downtown just got a whole lot easier. What we really mean to say is it just got a lot easier to spend a little extra time and money in Market Square!  It's just one block from the new Gateway Station. Market Square: the new best place for your pre-game snack, or your post-show drink.  Even better, afterwards you'll beat traffic congestion around the ball fields and concert venues. That's a win even if the home team doesn't score a victory.

There's a new day coming in Pittsburgh transportation. And the train leaves the station this Sunday morning. All aboard!

Sham-Rocking the Square

Ah, it certainly will be a great day for the Irish — and just about everyone else — this Saturday during St. Patrick's Day. Of course, all the fun starts with the city's St. Paddy's parade, second only to New York City's. Along the parade route, which starts at the Greyhound station on 11th Street and ends at the Boulevard of the Allies and Stanwix, more 150,000 revelers will line the streets to watch nearly 200 marching bands, floats, Irish-heritage groups and mounted police. Overall, more than 23,000 people march in this greenest of green parades.

No matter the weather, the world will seem bright and gay when Miss Smiling Irish Eyes Queen Mary Kate Gallagher steals your heart away with her Gaelic gaze. Another extra special guest for this year's parade is Vice President Joe Biden, who will review marchers as they pass by the Grand Stand. And if that isn't enough to make the rest of the U.S. green with envy, we're inviting everyone to join us in Market Square for an all-day celebration of the Emerald Isle's favorite snake charmer.

The festivities start with a family-friendly Irish Fair in the Square from
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This alcohol-free event's activities include music from the Celtic Shores, Montour High's Drum Line, the River City Brass Band and the McDonald Pipe Band. Now, if that doesn't make you get up and do a merry little jig, a band of buskers will be performing magic tricks to delight and mystify the wee ones and paint shamrocks and four-leaf clovers on the faces of all the little leprechauns in the crowd.

Once the kids stuff is done for the day, the adults in the crowd can party on with a glass of green beer as the Market Square Merchant's Association hosts the St. Patrick's Day Street Party. Of course, there will plenty of entertainment by the likes of the Bearded Irishmen, Wizard Bomb and Pittsburgh's very own Stickers, who will sham-rock the Square from 2-6 p.m. And as the sun goes down on everyone's inner Galway Bay, you can navigate the sea of green partiers to check out the indoor entertainment around the Square, from NOLA to the Fairmont Hotel and even Little E's on Liberty.

Now, we don't have to tell you that the Square is always a great place for a bite to eat or beverage or two. But when it comes to St. Patrick's Day, nearly all the eateries go that extra step or two to up their Irish a notch with special drinks and eats that will leave you thinking you're in old Killarney! Of course, from 2-6 p.m. every Irishman and woman 21 years or older will be able to responsibly consume an alcoholic brew outdoors in the Square itself on this day when every Pittsburgher has a more than bit of Irish in them.

Okay, keep in mind that tons of people will stream into Downtown for St. Patrick's Day. We highly recommend taking public transit for a safe and convenient celebration.  But if you're looking for a place to park your vehicle, most city garages offer all-day parking for $5. But remember that the third round of NCAA March Madness also will be taking place at Consol Energy Center, so you might want to get a space early in the day. And if you want to give your feet a break, just hail a green pedi-cab to safely shuttle you hither and yon around Downtown. The pipes are calling you, for sure, to celebrate a safe St. Paddy's Day in the Square.

This Cookie Won't Crumble

You didn't have to be a kid to enjoy Tuesday's party in Market Square for the 100th birthday of America's favorite cookie — the Oreo. But when the party started in the Square, this birthday bash brought out the kid in everyone. With multi-colored streamers, a dancing flash mob and plenty of free Oreos and milk for everyone, lunchtime in the Square was never sweeter.

The birthday buzz actually started humming on Monday evening, when a giant blue-and-white birthday present mysteriously appeared in the Square. By the time the Square filled with the curious and hungry during Tuesday's lunchtime, the surprise was out of the box as Mr. Oreo himself appeared for the festivities.

As one of the few cities around the world (one of only six American cities) selected by Nabisco, the Oreo's creator, to participate in this delicious centennial celebration, Pittsburgh showed that it could party with its global counterparts. Fueled by a midday sugar rush, partygoers boggied down with the flash mobbers who were decked out with "flaming" headpieces to resemble candles on a birthday cake.

In case you don't know your Oreo history, the first one popped out of Nabisco's ovens on March 6, 1912, in Manhattan and ended up being sold across the river in Hoboken, New Jersey. Since then, snackers around the world have bought more than 500 billion Oreos, with 95 million flying off store shelved every day. Now if you stacked all those Oreos on top of each other they would reach to cookie heaven and back — at least a couple times.

Now we don't know how you do it, but our preferred method of enjoying an Oreo is to remove one of those chocolate cake layers and oh so slowly lick away the filling. And, yes, you must wash it all down with a tall glass of white milk cold enough to almost make your teeth hurt. Even better when the milk comes from local award-winning, family-owned Turner Dairy Farms, as yesterday's milk was.  Turns out, there's no wrong way to enjoy an Oreo, as we found out from our fellow cookie fans in the Square. And though it's sold in more than 100 countries in the world to the tune of nearly $1.5. billion, the Oreo will always have a special place in the heart of Pittsburghers no matter how old they — or Oreos — might be.

The Skinny on Fat Tuesday in the Square

You don't have to miss New Orleans to be part of the Fat Tuesday fun at NOLA, which just happens to be celebrating its first Mardi Gras in Market Square. Even though the Creole-accented dining spot opened for business just about a year ago, NOLA's created such a strong buzz among its loyal and growing following that it seems to have been in the Square much longer. So as it prepares to celebrate its first anniversary, NOLA's also introducing a new tradition in the Square with its inaugural Mardi Gras party.

The fun starts early in the A.M. That's when members of the NOLA krewe will be passing out fresh-roasted Chicory coffee from its next door neighbor, Nicholas Coffee, and the Crescent City's favorite pastry — beignets — to passersby on their way to work or a even a Downtown Carnival party. Hey, we're open for invitations on that one. You can pick up a cuppa java and a sweet treat from eight in the morning until two that afternoon. Speaking of sweets, our good friends at Prantl's will get you in an office party mood with an assortment of Mardi Gras cupcakes, cookies and even that grand old New Orleans tradition, the King Cake. Now if you're not up to speed on your Mardi Gras customs and traditions, the King Cake is a tasty concoction that contains a tiny figure of a baby inside. Whoever is lucky enough to get a piece of the cake with the tiny toddler in it is said to receive special privileges for the rest of the year. Keep that in mind if you just happen to dine at NOLA.

Now, we don't know what you might "give up" during Lent this year, but until Fat Tuesday's over, why not stop by NOLA for one last night of feasting before the fasting starts. Before the Cajun classics come to the table, you might want to whet your whistle with one of the evening's specialty cocktails. Maybe you're in a frosty Blue Hawaiian mood or want to get artistic with a Toulouse Martini. And we're sure you'll be blown away by a Classic Hurricane. Or perhaps a Sangria Bloody Mary will put you in the mood for a Crescent City Stomp to the jazzy blues sounds of John Gresh's Gris Gris Band. And if you happen to stop by NOLA this coming weekend, your receipt will get a complimentary Mardi Gras sangria on Fat Tuesday.













While everyone's getting into the Mardi Gras spirit, chef Len Pisano will be busy in the kitchen creating some N'Awlins style dishes such as a spicy wild shrimp boil, duck and oyster gumbo, Louisiana crawfish étouffée and fried chicken with biscuits. And that sounds like a "croc" of good eats, there's no better way to start off than with a platter of crispy, spicy fried alligator that's got plenty of bite. And don't forget that King Cake on the dessert menu. If you happen to be the lucky one to get the baby, you'll enjoy some tasty discounts on future visits to NOLA.

Of course, there are plenty of places around the Square to dig in for one last culinary blast before the party's over. Whether it's a monster pastrami sandwich at Primanti's or a sampling of Italy at Bella Sera, there's a place for every taste in the Square. You might even get some beads tossed your way.

A Year to Remember

Okay, you have to excuse us if we want to hold on to 2011 for a little bit longer. After all, this past year marks the first full 12 months of the wonderfully transformed Market Square and it's new, inviting open piazza makeover.  And what an amazing 365 days it's been. From the opening of new restaurants and businesses to another electrifying, two-day Light Up Night to open a spectacular holiday shopping season, the Square really is at the heart of Downtown's newest renaissance. So as the final moments of 2011's 525,600 minutes tick away, let's take a look at just a few of the Square's more memorable happenings of the year.

The fun kicked off early in the year when more than 1,300 Black & Gold faithful huddled in the Square for the DIGIORNO'S "Go Pittsburgh" High Five Challenge. This early February competition pitted Pittsburgh fans against their cheesehead counterparts in Green Bay in a show of support for their favorite football teams before the big game. Though the Steelers came up short on the gridiron, their fans nabbed the pep rally championship during this showdown.

Just to prove that we are plenty willing to put our stomachs where our mouths are, hundreds of red-hots lovers turned out in late June for the local finals of the Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. As the competition chomped through scores of dogs, a pair of wiener winners emerged to represent the region in the grand finale at New York City's Coney Island on Independence Day. Juliet Lee, our local winner got second place in the finals with 29.5 dogs, beaten only by Sonya "the Black Widow" Thomas.

Most days, business casual is the typical fashion statement in the Square. But when a bevy of local models dressed to the nines and strutted their stuff on the catwalk during Pittsburgh Fashion Week's runway romp, the Square earned the title of Style Central. As the  hundreds of people who watched the tented show in the center of the Square will attest,  Pittsburgh Fashion Week — in just its second year — established itself as one of the premier events on the city's social and cultural calendar.

Speaking of stylish, Design Squared opened the doors on home decor trends as interior design professionals gathered in the Square for this primer on the latest trends in kitchen, bath and overall renovation and decorating. Sponsored by local businesses—including the Square's very own SPLASH! and PPG Paints—Design Squared offered free cooking demonstrations from the chefs at NOLA and continuing education credit courses for aspiring and working design pros. Not to mention the live music and gorgeous design items that could be installed in your very own home.

Normally, the Square is a fairly lively place. But every year around Halloween thousands of the walking dead stumble into our favorite spot for a day of spine-chilling, blood-curdling fun during ZombieFest. With costumes and makeup that's just might scare to death the faint of heart, these unborn again creatures fill the Square as part of a daylong fright festival that also benefits the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

With something happening nearly every day in the Square, we just have to mention these favorites such as the Farmers Market, the Carnegie Library's Tuesday Reading Room, Bike to Work breakfasts, the Salvation Army's Most Amazing Race, flash mobs of all sorts, YMCA exercise programs, the Vintage Grand Prix auto show, free concerts sponsored by the Market Square Merchants Association, scavenger hunts and much, much more. In fact, the nearly 50 officially permitted events scheduled during 2011 in the Square are almost twice the amount of permitted events that took place there in 2008— the last full year before the makeover. With 2012 adding an extra day to the calendar, we're not taking a great leap in saying that we'll find 527,040 ways to measure life in the Square next year.

By the way, if you're still looking for that perfect place to bid farewell to 2011, you can check out the options in the Square by clicking here.

’Tis the Season in the Square

Now that the Duquesne Light Light Up Night(R) flipped the switch to "on" for an electrifying Downtown holiday shopping season, you can bet that the city's sidewalks will be busy sidewalks for the next few weeks during this most wonderful time of the year. Which means that every Saturday during the holiday season, Market Square will be at the heart of it all with special events and displays, carriage rides, and some of the newest and most exciting restaurants around town. So while you're checking your gift list a time or two, remember that Saturdays in the Square are a holly, jolly good way to add some cheer to the season.

Once you stash the Turkey Day leftovers in the freezer and recover from the rush and crush of Black Friday bargain hunting, a visit to the Square this Saturday is the perfect place for a little R & R. To help you unwind—and to entertain the youngsters —Eat'n Park's favorite cookie, Smiley, will turn just about any frown upside down this Saturday only, from noon-2 p.m.

  While the kids say hi to Pittsburgh's yummiest mascot, grownups can treat themselves to an al fresco concert with local musicians.  The Pittsburgh Scene and Salvation Army are teaming up make giving even groovier.  Instead of the normal ting-a-ling, the sounds of local musicians will harken ye over to the red kettles. We hope you'll join us as we keep this "pot boiling"— as they say in the Army— to make the season a bit brighter for a those in need.  This weekend they'll be providing come back up music for Smiley from noon - 2 p.m. On the following Saturdays, Dec. 3, 10, and 17, the live music will be an afternoon pick-me-up from 3 - 5 p.m.

We hope you don't have to go dashing through the snow to get to the Square this week. But once you do, there's no better way to rekindle memories of holiday seasons past than on a free horse-drawn carriage ride through one of the oldest sections of Pittsburgh.  Every Saturday up to Dec. 17, you can giddy up and go on a mini tour of the town from 4-8 p.m. The line forms just across from the Square near the PPG skating rink. For the early birds, another free carriage leaves the starting gate at Oxford Centre from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for a jaunt in the Grant Street area, the city's political and legal hub.

Speaking of getting around, the Holly Trolley rolls just the way we like— from one shopping and sightseeing destination to another. Circling around town every 15 minutes, the two trollies loop around Downtown from Fifth Avenue Place to the Creche at the U.S. Steel Plaza and back— with a convenient stop in the Square. It's all aboard for the holidays every Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Now, with free parking at city-owned garages on Saturdays for the holiday season, you can stay Downtown all day long. But even if they fill up, others are still only $5 all day.  Which means you'll have plenty of time to relax with a favorite beverage or two and hot meal in the Square, which is fast becoming the dining center of the city. From All-American burgers and a taste of New Orleans to authentic Italian cuisine and zesty Mexican dishes, the Square serves up something for nearly appetite.

And, yes, it's true that even stop lights blink a bright red and green this time of year, but you can catch one of the most dazzling holiday light shows right in the Square every evening from 5-10 p.m.  That's when nearly 150,000 environmentally friendly LED bulbs dance to the music of your favorite holiday songs during the the Eat'n Park Season of Lights. Specially designed for the Square, the 33-foot tall "tree" made of red and white balls flashes in tune with lights on nearby buildings and lamp posts during special shows on the hour and half-hour.

There's no better place to catch the spirit of the season than with special events in Market Square every Saturday through December 17. Let's make this a truly happy holiday season.

Sparkle and Shine in the Square

You better bet we're making a list — or two — and checking everything more than twice to get ready for the 51st annual celebration of Downtown Pittsburgh's Duquesne Light Light Up Night(R) this coming Friday and Saturday. Always the biggest, brightest and most joyous neighborhood party of the year, Light Up Night(R) officially opens the Downtown holiday shopping season with family activities, food, concerts and an awesome big-bang display by Zambelli Fireworks Internationale called The Pittsburgh Brewing Company 150th Anniversary Fireworks Celebration.  It'll fill everyone with the spirit of the season.

And when you're asking everyone in Downtown to keep the lights on for the party, there's no better sponsor than Duquesne Light to trip the lights fantastic for this high-wattage blast that attracts hundreds of thousands people to just about every nook and cranny of the radiant Golden Triangle. Of course, Market Square will once again be party central during Light Up Night(R) with dozens of hot spots to grab a bite to eat or sip a beverage to help you get your glow on as Downtown transforms into the Center of the Season. If you haven't been back in a while, check out this video on some of the new places opened in 2011.

Since last year's two-day festivities left everyone yelling "Encore, encore," Light Up Night(R) 2011 is another doubleheader with a full slate of activities on Friday evening and all day Saturday.
The stars will be out over Pittsburgh this weekend as some of our biggest performers take the stage.  And one of the biggest is the big guy himself — Santa Claus. This year Jolly Old St. Nick will prove that Mr. Claus is quite the song and dance man during the Celebrate Santa! Stage Show in Market Square, starting at 8:30 p.m. on Friday. With a little help from his friends — including Eat'n Park's Smiley cookie mascot — the merriest elf of them all will entertain the crowd before switching on the Eat'n Park Market Square Season of Lights.  This holiday light show has nearly 150,000 LED lights and stars a 33-foot tall, one ton "tree" made of giant spheres that twinkle, blink and flash along with a synchronized soundtrack of beloved holiday songs.

For a different musical interlude, Etta Cox, Joe Negri, Billy Price, No Bad Ju Ju, Johnny Angel and the Halos and other hometown favorites will perform over the two days, on the Clemente Bridge on Friday evening and in the Square both days. And remember to bring your holiday shopping lists because Downtown's department stores, boutiques and restaurants will be open late just for you. So join us this weekend for Light Up Night(R) as we usher in the Spirit of the Season and Downtown's most wonderful time of the year. For a look a back at last year's 50th Golden Anniversary of Light Up Night, click on the video below.

"A Farewell To Farms"

We need your help to spread a very important message. The Farmers Market sets up in Market Square for its final 2011 appearance this Thursday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Which is why we need your  help in a couple of ways. First of all, we want everyone to crowd the Square to help us bid "Happy Winter" to all our good friends who've treated us to some of the best, freshest and most delicious locally grown and produced veggies and fruits, dairy products, meats, wines, desserts and other garden and kitchen delights. But the end is near. Very near. Which is why we need your help to get out the word that the Farmers Market's last day is here.

So, right now, grab your smart phone, press the home button on your iPad or just start pecking away on your computer. Because we need you to tweet, e-mail, text or reach out to your 100 very best Facebook friends forever so that they don't miss the Farmers Market 2011 curtain call this Thursday. Okay, you can hit the send button.

While the Farmers Market is packing up for the year, you can stock up on ingredients for all those cold-weather, comfort food meals that will be on your menu in the months ahead. For a quick and easy dinner after a long, winter's day, there's nothing faster than dried pastas and tomato sauce. You see, there's a little bit of something for everyone and every taste at the Farmers Market. Beets, carrots, potatoes, onions and other hearty veggies will keep for a long, long time if stored in a cool, dry, dark place. And beans, peppers and brussels sprouts keep their just-picked flavor even when you pop them in the freezer for a few months (just blanche first in boiling water).  It's a great way to enjoy the tastes of summer way past the season.

Let's talk about holidays. The Farmers Market is the perfect one-stop, shopping spot for your turkey day dinner table. From a smoked salmon appetizer to so many varieties of squash for side dishes, there's a cornucopia of choices to celebrate the many blessings of family and friends. Choices that will keep! If you're looking for an alternative to turkey, you can pick up a couple lamb steaks to toss on the grill. And if you're planning for holiday festivities a little further down the road, don't forget to take home some ground lamb for a slow-cooked pot of chili — topped off with some kicking goat cheese (it freezes great!) — for your New Year's Eve party. And while you're reaping the last of the season's harvest in the Square, fill up your reusable shopping bag with a true Pittsburgh favorite — peirogies! And, yes, it's the very last chance to satisfy your sweet tooth with some of the city's absolutely tastiest, freshest dessert table delights from All-American fruit pies to authentic Greek pastries.

So, bring a big bag, maybe a freezer bag (or run to CVS) and join us in the Square this Thursday for the last call for the 2011 edition of the Farmers Market. And get ready to serve some local bounty this holiday season!

Bright Lights, Pretty City

Halloween is so last season. Which is why the Mayor, the King of Fireworks, a half dozen of Pittsburgh's favorite mascots, local celebs and Jolly Old St. Nick himself congregated in  the Highwoods/PPG Place Wintergarden yesterday to announce the electrifying details of the 51st Duquesne Light Light Up Night(R) in Downtown, November 18-19. Now we don't want to keep you in the dark any longer on all the high-voltage happenings that put a spark in the city's annual holiday shopping season, so let's flip on the switch to discover what's in store for Downtown's most brilliant street party of the year.

Just like last year's party, the 2011 edition of Light Up Night will be twice as bright with two days of fun-filled, FREE, top-notch family entertainment, parades, food and holiday shopping throughout Downtown. Of course, Market Square will be at the center of it all. Local musicians like guitar man Joe Negri and and vocalist Etta Cox with hit all the right notes on the Northwest Savings Bank Market Square Stage, where Jeff Jimmerson and Airborne and the Borelli Dance Gallery will get the season off to a rockin' good start. For a full schedule of events on the Northwest Savings Bank stage, just check our online performance schedule for Friday and Saturday. And the party continues with free concerts on the Clemente Bridge, where the NOMaD, Johnny Angel and the Granati Brothers kick out the holiday jams with a mix of country, doo-wop and rock ’n’ roll sounds all night long.

Back for an encore, the Eat'n Park Market Square Season of Lights will will join Carin Mincemoyer's Diamond Diamonds to glow all season long in the Square. Made possible last year through the vision of Colcom Foundation and this year sponsored by Eat 'n Park, once again, nearly 150,000 energy-saving LED bulbs will twinkle throughout the evening on a 33-foot tall sphere tree and decorations on buildings and lamp posts across the Square. From November through January, the Season of Lights will entertain with a synchronized light and music show every half hour. If you missed this multi-megawatt show last year, make sure you stop by the Square to be delighted by the creation of Blachere Illuminations, the same people who made the Eiffel Tower and Disney World's Magic Castle shine. Eat'n Park will light up the Square during the showstopping "Celebrate Santa!" musical extravaganza as the Jolly Old Elf himself takes center stage with the help of some high-kicking elves.

Now there's no better way to wrap up the evening of Light Up Night(R) than with the amazing pyrotechnics of Zambelli Fireworks Internationale. Presented by the Pittsburgh Brewing Company, this explosive nightcap will paint the sky with Roman candles, comets, rainbows and other sizzling signature special effects from the first family of fireworks.  Light Up Night is an alcohol-free event but it will also mark the day that Pittsburgh's own launches it's new Amber lager to join standards like Iron City and IC Light.


Okay, are you ready for more? Because there's more!  On Saturday you'll find more music, dance and other entertainment in the Square from Noon - 9 p.m. For the blade runners in the crowd, the second annual Mascot Skate at the Rink at PPG Place is a great way to break the ice, so to speak. One Oxford Centre, Fifth Avenue Place and PPG Place have plenty of activities and entertainers for some family-friendly fun. And holiday shoppers can ride for free on the Fifth Avenue Place Holly Trolley as it rolls along to Downtown's favorite shopping spots from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday will also feature the second annual Horse-drawn Candlelight Carriage Parade with celebrity riders clip-clopping along Grant St., Fifth Ave. and Liberty Ave. from 6 - 8 p.m.

Always a bright spot on the holiday schedule, Light Up Night(R) will help you get your glow on for one of the most joyful seasons of the year.