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 seventh year, which is kind of a big dill. This annual festival showcases Downtown Pittsburgh’s pickled history and culinary ingenuity.

It’s a culinary 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 an ATM is available on-site (and there are numerous banks Downtown), we 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 Kids Activity Area this year?

The Li’l Gherkins Kids Activity Area, presented by the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh will be returning this year!

Where can I park?

There are plenty of garages nearby; we recommend using ParkPGH to check availability before heading Downtown. 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 2022 Pickle Juice Drinking Contest presented by Pittsburgh Pickle Co. includes 10 rounds throughout the festival on Friday, July 15, and Saturday, July 16. The winner of the championship round on Sunday, July 17 will become the new Mayor of Picklesburgh and receive a $500 prize! 

Registration for the competition is now full, however, 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 this year’s vendor listing here. Vendor applications are closed for 2022, but check back later this year for details on the 2023 Picklesburgh festival.

Are dogs allowed at the event?

Pups are not prohibited, but we do caution attendees as the bridge does become crowded 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! Each day is programmed with free live music, and new this year is a second stage to bring even more live music to the festival. See this year’s lineup.

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 Kids 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 restrooms are available at either end of the festival footprint.

Do I need a wristband to drink alcohol? Does the wristband cost anything?

Yes, you need a wristband to purchase and drink alcohol. The wristbands are free and can be picked up at the wristband tents and bars located throughout the festival.

I want to get involved! How can I help out?

Check out our Get Involved page here! There are opportunities for everyone from pickle-fanatics to the pickle-curious, including volunteering with us under the giant pickle.

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 Comcast Light Up Night®, the Market Square Farmers Market, Rooftop Shindigs, Saturday Night Market, 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.