Night in the Tropics: Sunset Riviera

Night in the Tropics Sunset Riviera Logo

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Please Note: A 3.5% credit card processing fee applies to online payments. To avoid the credit card fee, choose “Pay by Check” when purchased online.

Raggiana Bird of Paradise

All aboard! Set sail on a Sunset Riviera getaway by booking tickets to summer’s hottest 21+ party, the National Aviary’s Night in the Tropics Presented by UPMC Health Plan

Transport yourself to a Mediterranean-style paradise with the Aviary’s crew handling your every need, complete with show-stopping live entertainment under the stars and featuring bridge deck favorites: No Bad Juju! Indulge in unlimited small plates from local restaurants and a signature cocktail, beer, wine, and seltzer. 

Go on excursions to gorgeous habitats full of lush greenery, like the enchanting Tropical Rainforest and steamy Wetlands, as unique bird species, like birds of paradise, fly freely overhead. Additional “off-yacht” opportunities include incredible interactions with Animal Ambassadors! 

A guest taking a photo of a Hyacinth Macaw that's on a perch being held by an Aviary expert.

Upgrade from General Admission to a first-class VIP experience, including two full hours of early party access, FREE valet parking, exclusive up-close experiences with National Aviary Animal Ambassadors, and access to a full bar with premium spirits! 

*NEW THIS YEAR: VIP Plus: Purchase your ticket to attend Pittsburgh’s hottest summer party AND donate $50 to the only Aviary with a “national” designation. And yes, the donation is tax-deductible! All VIP Plus party goers receive VIP Perks AND access to an exclusive, live experience in our Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone™ Theater.

An Aviary expert holding a Martial Eagle on his gloved hand while VIP guests look on

Stay tuned for up-to-the-minute details on live entertainment, Silent Auction and raffle prizes, and delectable restaurant additions for this event!

A guest holding out her arm as a Blue-crowned motmot lands on it

It’s going to be a spectacular “charter” featuring local entertainment that will blow your mind!

  • Set sail through the evening with Sunset Riveria headliner, No Bad JuJu!
  • Feel the rhythm of the tides with Grecian Odyssey Dancers (with the chance for guest participation!)
  • Enjoy a smooth voyage through the sounds of the ’70s and ’80s with Ezra Hamilton.
  • Groove to yacht rock and other retro favorites from Juan Vasquez.
  • Chart a course of creativity with a live painting by Maria DeSimone Prascak of Maria’s Ideas (mariasideas.com).
    • You can even bid on this one-of-a-kind masterpiece during our Silent Auction!
Maria live painting
Lead singer of No Bad JuJu

All guests will enjoy delectable food, a signature cocktail, wine, beer, or seltzer, PLUS bites from local eateries, including:

Savory

  • Atria’s Specialty Catering
  • BreadWorks
  • Community Kitchen
  • El Burro
  • Food for Thought Deli
  • Industry Public House
  • Juniper Grill
  • Pittsburgh Barbecue Company
  • Raising Cane’s
  • Off the Vine Pizza Pie
  • Pasto Too
  • Texas Roadhouse
  • 1930s by Atria’s

Sweet

  • Evanly Bakes
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream Wexford
  • My Favorite Sweet Shoppe
  • Pastries A-La Carte
  • Rita’s Italian Ice
  • Sarris Candies
  • Sidecar Coffee & Bake Shop
  • Spectrum Fudge
  • Sweet Tillies
  • Wise County Biscuits

Thank you to Signature Cocktail and Mocktail Sponsor: Lucky Sign Spirits. Beer generously provided by Frank Fuhrer Wholesale Co. and Penn Brewery.

Two people posing for a photo with an African Penguin

For just $5*, you can snag the most adorable photo (and video) opportunity ever! YES, you read that right! A National Aviary staff member will take a photo of you next to one of our African Penguins – in front of a photo backdrop – on your phone or camera for your use!

*Please bring cash night of. Proceeds from Photo with a Penguin help support the daily care for our flock, including our Penguin Point colony.

Pro tip: Bring cash to purchase raffle tickets to win a trip for two to Maui, sponsored by AAA Travel! Tickets are one for $10 or three for $25; learn more below!

A guest watching a Blue-crowned Motmot

COMING SOON: Get a chance to win amazing auction items while you’re at the party or from the comfort of your home during the Night in the Tropics Silent Auction.

Enjoy the convenience of bidding on your favorite items by texting tropics2026 to 843-606-5995. You may bid while you’re getting ready to set sail on our Sunset Riviera…or from the couch as you relax!

Don’t worry about having to stay near the prize(s) you’ve been coveting: Event.Gives will send you a text if you’ve been outbid. Bidding ends Friday, July 17, at 9:15 pm EST; winners need not be present.

Take Sunset Riviera to a whole new level with a trip for two to Maui*, sponsored by AAA Travel! The prize includes round-trip economy airfare from any United States city to Maui, Hawaii, and six nights of hotel accommodations. Purchase tickets at the National Aviary! Call 412-258-9465 or email [email protected] with any questions. 

*Please Note: Raffle prizes are considered taxable income under federal and state law. If the prize value exceeds Internal Revenue Service (IRS) thresholds, the National Aviary will remit required federal withholding tax on the winner’s behalf. Because of IRS reporting rules, the amount reported to the IRS may be higher than the stated prize value. The winner will be required to complete tax identification forms before receiving the prize.

Dress in your best yacht-inspired attire for this indoor/outdoor party! Bright colors are encouraged; leave your black tie outfits at home! Let loose with your best beachy sundress or paradise-inspired ensemble. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Two women posing for a photo in the immersive Wetlands habitat

VIP guests will arrive in style with FREE valet parking! Head to VIP check-in located at the National Aviary entrance at 700 Arch Street.

For General Admission ticket holders who like to walk, convenient parking is available at Nova Place for just $5 per car. Nova Place is located at 100 South Commons, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. Please enter the garage through Gate 3 or Gate 4– or look for our signage!

ADA-accessible drop-off will be available at the entrance of the National Aviary. Signage will be placed around the Aviary to help point you in the right direction!

Consider contacting the following local rideshare services:

Guests watching as an Aviary expert feeds Inca Terns
Two guests holding hands walking under papel picado at the National Aviary's Night in the Tropics

Proceeds from this 21+ event benefit the National Aviary’s work to save birds and protect their habitats. Please drink responsibly. You MUST bring identification for proof of age.

Presenting Sponsor

UPMC Health Plan logo

Diamond Sponsor

TribeLIVE logo

Gold Sponsors

Peoples Gas Logo
PPG Logo
Pipitone logo
The 1978 Collection logo

Silver Sponsors

Baird Private Wealth Management Fleming Rodgers Group
Dollar Bank
enkompas Technology Solutions
Federated Hermes
First Nonprofit
Jendoco Construction Corporation
Pittsburgh Magazine
The Wilson Group
Vitro Architectural Glass

Bronze Sponsors

Bank of America
C & G Strategies, LLC 
Charles Schwab
Cintas
Fairfield Landscaping
Faros Properties
FHLBank Pittsburgh
Harmelin Media
Koppers Inc.
Maher Duessel
McKamish, Inc.
PWWG Architects
Peter and Michelle da Silva
Priory Hospitality Group
S&T Bank
Tom Butch
Trust-Franklin Press Co.
Wesbanco

As the National Aviary’s largest annual fundraiser, Night in the Tropics is a full-scale production that transforms our entire facility in the blink of an eye! Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look into the making of 2024’s Night in the Tropics: Island Oasis Presented by UPMC Health Plan!

By purchasing Night in the Tropics tickets, you are giving the National Aviary permission to send you emails.

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