Expanded footprint celebrates 10 years of briny bliss, underscoring festival’s role in Downtown revitalization, small business success, and national recognition
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) announced plans for the 10th Anniversary of Picklesburgh, returning July 11–13 with its most ambitious footprint to date. Spanning two of Pittsburgh’s iconic Sister Bridges, Allegheny Landing, Fort Duquesne Boulevard, PPG Plaza, Market Square, 6th Street and Heinz Hall Garden, this milestone year reflects the festival’s evolution from a quirky celebration to a nationally recognized economic driver for Downtown.
Expanded footprint supports event growth, crowd safety, and an enhanced festival experience
Over the past decade, Picklesburgh has drawn millions to the city’s core, elevated Pittsburgh’s profile, and provided a vital platform for local artisans, food vendors, and entrepreneurs, all reinforcing PDP’s ongoing work to revitalize Downtown through bold placemaking and cultural vibrancy.
“Picklesburgh brings tens of thousands of people to Downtown each year, and has raised Pittsburgh’s profile as a summer destination,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “With this expanded footprint, featuring two of our city’s most iconic bridges and beautiful PPG Plaza, we can’t wait to DILL-iver the best festival experience possible. As a signature event for Pittsburgh and the region, with fans from near and far, it’s exciting to see the festival continue to grow and evolve.”
Presented once again by Kraft Heinz, the festival will feature the company’s logo soaring above the 6th Street Bridge on the iconic Giant Pickle balloon. This playful nod celebrates one of the city’s most recognizable features while highlighting the festival’s uniquely Pittsburgh connection.
Picklesburgh 2025 celebrates a decade of briny bliss, community pride, and national recognition
Since its launch in 2015, Picklesburgh has become one of the largest festivals in Western Pennsylvania and a national sensation. Named the winner of USA Today’s Readers Choice Award for “Best Specialty Food Festival” four times, along with numerous other local accolades, Picklesburgh continues to break records for attendance year after year. The event has increasingly become a driver for summer tourism. In 2024 alone, more than 250,000 attendees joined in the briny celebration and Downtown hotel occupancy rose by 27% according to VisitPittsburgh, with 90% of rooms filled throughout the festival weekend.
Local food vendors and entrepreneurs have grown alongside the festival
Since 2015, vendor participation has grown by 114%, including dozens of independent, local businesses with unique offerings created specifically for the festival.
Pittsburgh Pickle Company has been a vendor and supporter of the festival since the beginning, offering a range of high-quality, all natural pickled products, including their signature crown cut pickles and Picklexir, the official drink of the annual Pickle Juice Drinking competition. “We started our company the same year that Picklesburgh began, and the festival’s yearly arrival has always kept us on our toes, forcing us to fine tune our approach and keep things fresh, new and exciting,” said John Patterson, CEO of Pittsburgh Pickle. “Picklesburgh has become a backdrop for the story that is our company. As I’ve said a thousand times before, there’s no more perfect place on the planet than Pittsburgh to start a pickle company. Pickles are made here.” Picklesburgh also provides an opportunity for vendors to put uniquely pickled spins on popular items. Gosia’s made-from-scratch dill pickle pierogies are only available at Picklesburgh and have become a sell-out hit with customers. “We are a proud woman- and Deaf-owned local business that has had the honor of participating in Picklesburgh since its inception 10 years ago. It is one of our favorite festivals and we can’t wait for this year’s special 10th year celebration!” said Terry Smith-Rawecki, owner of Gosia’s Pierogies. “We love seeing our regulars, have fun meeting those who traveled the farthest to see us, and truly appreciate the ever-growing support of our Pittsburgh community.”
From increased tourism to small business revenue, Picklesburgh plays a critical role in Downtown’s future
The festival’s impact can be measured in more ways than just foot traffic. In 10 years, Picklesburgh has racked up quite a few jarring stats, including:
- Nearly 1000% increase in festival attendance
- 114% increase in vendor participation
- 95,000 pickle beers poured
- 14,000 pickle balloons sold
- 800 quarts of pickle juice consumed
For those coming in from out of town for the festivities, Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel is offering an exclusive Picklesburgh Package for guests that includes festival merch and special deals. Rooms are expected to sell out fast – plan ahead and make your reservations today at Marriott.com
Join us July 11–13 to celebrate 10 years of all things pickled and experience one of the country’s most unique and beloved food festivals in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh.
