When is Picklesburgh?
Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23 in Downtown Pittsburgh.
Hours:
Friday, July 21 | 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Saturday, July 22 | 12:00pm – 10:00pm
Sunday, July 23 | 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Where is Picklesburgh?
The 2023 festival will be held in a new location on one of the city’s major thoroughfares, the Boulevard of the Allies, from Stanwix St. to Smithfield St. The signature centerpiece, the 35’ Heinz pickle balloon, will fly high above PPG Plaza.
Visit our “Getting Here” page for helpful parking resources, accommodations, and tips to get around the neighborhood.
What is this? Is this… a real thing? A pickle… festival?
Yes, it is! Picklesburgh is very real, and we’re about to celebrate its eighth year, which is kind of a big dill! This annual festival showcases Downtown Pittsburgh’s pickled history and culinary ingenuity.
It’s a celebration that goes beyond the dill pickle to include international dishes, prepared foods, and artisan cocktails that feature pickled ingredients; an embrace of the farm-to-table movement and the rising popularity of canning; a selection of handcrafted foods and artisan cocktails from local restaurants; merchandise such as pickled goods, books, and DIY products.
Do I need to buy tickets?
Nope! Admission to the festival is totally free. Food, drinks, and merchandise are available for purchase at the event.
Do the vendors accept credit/debit cards?
It’s up to vendor discretion as to whether they accept cards, and while ATMs are available on-site (and there are numerous banks Downtown), we do recommend bringing some cash just to be safe.
Are all vendor items available all day during the festival?
Cocktails are only available after 4:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and all day on Sunday. Otherwise, food, beer, and other vendors are available all hours of the festival.
Will there be the Li’l Gherkins Kidsplay Activity Area this year?
Yes! The Li’l Gherkins Kids Activity Area will be returning this year!
Where can I park?
No matter where you’re coming from there are lots of convenient parking options for Picklesburgh.
New this year! Advance reserved parking: Picklesburgh Parking with iParkit. Be sure to select the date and time that suits your plans.
Bargain Parking is availble for only $6 after 4p on Friday and all weekend at the First Ave. Garage with more than 1,000 spaces!
Just a couple of blocks to the Picklesburgh entrance at Smithfield Street!
Park near Picklesburgh or across town to avoid Festival traffic. Real-time parking availability all around Downtown https://parkpgh.org/
You can also take public transit – there are multiple lines that get you very close to the festival footprint!
When is the pickle juice drinking contest? What’s the prize? How do I sign up?
The 2023 Pickle Juice Drinking Contest presented by Pittsburgh Pickle Co. includes 10 rounds throughout the festival. The winner of the championship round will become the new Mayor of Picklesburgh and receive a $500 prize!
Registration for the 2023 competition has now closed. Walk-up entries may be available as space allows during the festival.
Where can I see a list of all the dill-icious food? Can I apply to be a vendor?
View last year’s vendor listing here. The deadline for vendor applications was May 22, 2023, but late applications are being considered on a space-allows basis. Apply here.
Are dogs allowed at the event?
Pups are not prohibited, but we do caution attendees as there may be significant crowds and it’s usually quite hot, so it may not be the ideal spot for dogs. Service animals are always permitted.
Is there music?
Yes! Every day is programmed with free live music on two stages to bring even more live music to the festival. Music and performance are available here.
Is the festival happening rain or shine?
Yes! Picklesburgh is a rain or shine festival. A few sprinkles never hurt anyone. In the event the weather is severe, we may need to close temporarily. Please keep an eye on our social media for any weather-related updates: @DowntownPitt.
Is the event kid-friendly?
Yes! Li’l Gherkins can enjoy the Kidsplay Activity Area along with the festive atmosphere, Picklesburgh balloons, food, and more.
Didn’t this use to only be two days long?
Yes! In 2016, we expanded the festival to a full weekend Friday through Sunday to allow for even more pickled fun.
Are there restrooms on-site?
Yes – portable restroom areas are available within the footprint.
Do I need a wristband to drink alcohol?
Wristbands are not required this year, but you must be 21+ to buy and consume alcoholic beverages. A valid ID will be required for all alcohol purchases.
I want to get involved! How can I help out?
Check out our Get Involved page here! There are opportunities for everyone from pickle-pros to the pickle-curious!
I have thoughts, comments, or feedback. Where can I share that?
Leave us a message at our contact page here!
Who produces the event?
Picklesburgh™ is brought to you by The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP), the non-profit organization behind some of Pittsburgh’s most successful, popular, and imaginative events including Highmark Light Up Night®, the Market Square Farmers Market, Friday & Saturday Night Markets, Yoga in Square, Move it Mondays, Allegheny Overlook, and the Peoples Gas Holiday Market™ among many others.
The PDP is a dynamic, non-profit consortium of Downtown stakeholders including corporations, professionals, civic organizations, foundations, and residents. PDP serves as a catalyst for fostering the economic vitality of Downtown and improves the quality of life for Downtown residents and businesses.