Picklesburgh, the pickle-pun-inducing festival and three-time winner of USA Today’s reader’s choice “Best Speciality Food Festival”, is now in its 8th year – and it’s moving! No longer sandwiched on the bridges, it’s relishing its move to the Boulevard of the Allies in Downtown, from Stanwix St. to Smithfield St.
“The Destination for All Things Pickled”, Picklesburgh takes place Friday, July 21st from noon – 10pm, Saturday, July 22nd from noon – 10pm, and Sunday, July 23rd from noon – 6pm. Admission is free. This family-friendly event will happen rain or brine.
What to expect at Picklesburgh?
All things pickles and pickled. It’s enough to color you pickled pink! The pickle theme may be jarring for newbies so let’s go over the events if we can…
See a 35’ Heinz pickle balloon in PPG Plaza. Witness a round of the 10-round pickle juice drinking contest (the champion gets crowned Mayor of Picklesburgh!). Listen to live, local music all weekend long – bands from a variety of genres have been pick’d to play on two stages.
Food, drink, and merch vendors will be on site to satisfy all your pickle purchasing plans. The smallest pickle fanatics (age 14 and under) can head to the Li’l Gherkins Kidsplay Activity Area to decorate pickle necklaces, make puppets, and enjoy coloring pages.
Xmas in July
Naturally Picklesburgh has an “Xmas in July” component (it was ferment to be). Catch live music at the Xmas in July Stage. Sit on Santa’s chair. See a larger-than-life A Christmas Story leg lamp. Visit the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust booth to enter for a chance to win tickets and how to get exclusive early access and special offers to shows like The Nutcracker, A Christmas Story, and more.
After 4:30pm on Friday and Saturday and all day Sunday, you’ll find specialty on-theme cocktails at “A Pickled Christmas” pop-up bar. Cocktails include the HoliJuly (vodka, pickled cranberry, allspice, lemon, pickled ginger, and soda) and the Pickled Hollyburgh (pickled apple, bourbon, lemon and simple syrup). To purchase and drink alcohol, you’ll need a 21+ wristband. Wristbands are free and are available at the wristband tents and participating bars.
Taste of Picklesburgh
You also don’t have to wait undill the official start of the festival to feel all the pickle love. From Friday, July 14th – Thursday, July 20th if you purchase a pickle-based menu item at any of the 17 downtown restaurants participating in a “Taste of Picklesburgh,” you’ll receive a free Heinz Pickle Pin (while supplies last)!
Learn more at picklesburgh.com!
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.