Regatta returns Aug. 3-5

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The EQT Three Rivers Regatta, the largest inland regatta in the U.S., is returning to Downtown Pittsburgh Aug. 3-5 with events and entertainment on land, water and in the air.

New this year will be the Pittsburgh Paddlesports Championship on a 6-mile course on the Allegheny River on Aug. 5 and the Yuengling Beer Garden that will be set up each day outside Heinz Field on the North Shore.

“Whether you want to watch the high-octane powerboat races, catch a show with the high-flying Frisbee dogs, groove to live music or paddle board along the river, we have activities for all ages,” John Bonassi, chairman of the board for the Pittsburgh Three Rivers Regatta, said in a release.

Attendees should expect to see longstanding events, such as powerboat races, music performances and the Regatta Thunder Fireworks.

“The Regatta is the epitome of summer in Pittsburgh, and this year’s event won’t disappoint. All three days are packed with a mix of activities, entertainment, food and, most importantly, fun,” Derek Weber, president of LionHeart Event Group, said in a release. Among events on land: • Yuengling Beer Garden will be part of the regatta for the first time and will operate outside Heinz Field from 12:30 to8:30 p.m. each day.

• The theme of this year’s Sandsational Sand Sculpture pays tribute to the Pennsylvania Railroad. The sculpture, made of 150 tons of sand, willbe in Point State Park.

• Frisbee Dog Stunt shows, ALCOSAN 3 Rivers Proud, will be performed daily at 1 p.m. by the “K9 Crew Trick Dog Show” in Point State Park.

Among events in the water:

• NGK F1 Powerboat Tour will compete on the Allegheny River for the F1 championship. Trials will be on Aug. 3 and 4 at noon, and the championship is on Aug. 5.

• ALCOSAN 3 Rivers Proud Anything That Floats Race will commence at 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 4.

• For the first time, the Pittsburgh Paddlesports Championship will take place on the Allegheny River at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 5. Open to all ages and levels. Paddlers can register at main.acsevents.org/site/ TR?fr_id=91895&pg=entry.

• The USA Jet-Ski Freestyle Championships will hold daily shows each afternoon. In the air: • The Red Bull Air Force Skydive Team on Aug. 4 and 5 will perform shows at 6 p.m.

• On Aug. 4 at 9:30 p.m., the Regatta Thunder fireworks show will light up the Pittsburgh sky.

Entertainment in Point State Park:

• Sugar Ray, the American rock band that rose to fame in the ’90s, will be on the Bank of America main stage in Point State Park at 8 p.m. Aug. 3.

• The Commonheart, a Pittsburgh-based rock band, will take the stage at 8 p.m. on Aug. 4.

• Country artist Randy Houser will close the regatta at 8 p.m. on Aug. 5.

Front-stage pit tickets for the performances can be purchased on Showclix (www.showclix.com) starting Tuesday. Tickets are $10 for The Commonheart and $20 for Sugar Ray and Randy Houser.

Details, including a schedule of events, can be found at yougottaregatta.org.