Access Pittsburgh (07/03)

Want the 411 on the 412? “Access Pittsburgh” has you covered with top stories, but this week, enjoy a special Fourth of July edition as we enter the holiday weekend!

Where to watch local fireworks

Fourth of July fireworks are a big tradition in western Pennsylvania, but because of the coronavirus, many fireworks displays and celebrations have been canceled.

Even though the city of Pittsburgh canceled its celebration at Point State Park, you can still get your dose of fireworks.

Click here for a full list of places around Pittsburgh still displaying fireworks.

Watch from home with Flashes of Freedom and Macy’s Fourth of July Firework Spectacular

If you still want to see those fireworks light up the Pittsburgh skyline, you are in luck. Channel 11 News will still bring Fourth fireworks to your television.

The annual Flashes of Freedom Fireworks show will air at 9 p.m. on Saturday. We’ll thank the heroes of 2020 and re-air last year’s downtown fireworks. You can watch on Channel 11 and in our WPXI Now streaming apps.

And the fireworks don’t stop there. From 10 to 11 p.m. you can watch one of the most iconic firework displays dazzle the New York City sky in the 44th annual Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular!

Hosted by “Today’s” Craig Melvin, the special will include multiple unique displays of fireworks that have been popping up in different boroughs of the Big Apple on different nights -- featuring performances from stars like John Legend, Brad Paisley, Lady A and more before the epic finale.

Click here for an inside look at the NBC special from Melvin and “Today” meteorologist Dylan Dreyer.

“Today Show” virtual plaza: Pittsburgh addition!

“Today” launched a special edition of #MyTODAYPlaza as they started a week-long count down to the Fourth of July.

The #MyTODAYPlaza has been celebrating America by highlighting cities from coast to coast, and Pittsburgh kicked off their cross-country tour Tuesday!

The Burgh did not disappoint as it was filled with smiles, Pittsburgh pride and a rising star who Melvin introduced as a “hometown hero fighting for social justice.”

Check out a full Pittsburgh plaza recap here.

Fourth of July Lunar Eclipse

Not a fan of fireworks?

Well, stay up a little later and watch a lunar eclipse because one is set to happen on the Fourth of July -- and should be visible in most of the US!

Let’s hope Pittsburgh is one of the places to watch this unfold.

A lunar eclipse is an event in which the moon appears darkened as it passes through the Earth’s shadow. According to space.com, the eclipse should begin at 11:07 p.m. ET, and the maximum eclipse should occur almost 30 minutes after at 12:29 a.m. ET.

Fish-for-Free across Pennsylvania

Mark your calendars and get those fishing poles ready!

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission announced July 4 will be a Fish-for-Free Day statewide.

This means anyone can legally fish anywhere across the state with no fishing licenses required.

CLICK HERE for more details.

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July weekend! For more on our top stories, look out for “Access Pittsburgh” every Friday on the WPXI “See and Be Seen” Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.

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