Get your tastebuds and camera rolls ready — Picklesburgh is back, and it’s crunchier, brinier, and more Instagrammable than ever. From Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13, the Rachel Carson Bridge in Downtown Pittsburgh will transform into a giant celebration of all things pickled — and trust us, this isn’t your grandma’s jar of gherkins.
Recognized by USA Today as the #1 Specialty Food Festival in America multiple years running, Picklesburgh is a quirky, bold, flavor-packed weekend that celebrates Pittsburgh’s pickle heritage with creative food, drinks, and festivities for all ages. And yes — there will be pickle beer. 🍻
🌟 Why You Have to Be There
Picklesburgh isn’t just about pickles — though if you love them, you’re in for a briny dream come true. It’s a festival that blends local pride with culinary creativity, complete with a giant flying Heinz pickle balloon soaring over the bridge and crowds of people proudly wearing green.
Expect:
- Wild and wonderful food trucks serving everything from pickle-topped pierogies to deep-fried pickle pops
- Live music performances all weekend long 🎶
- A lively marketplace of local artisans and small businesses
- Cocktails, beers, and even desserts with a pickle-y twist 🥒
- Family-friendly programming including a Lil Gherkins KidsPlay area
- The legendary Pickle Juice Drinking Contest (watch… or enter if you’re brave)
It’s funky, it’s fun, and it’s totally Pittsburgh.
👍 Top Tips for Picklesburgh Weekend
Arrive Hungry
This isn’t a snack fest — it’s a full-on foodie celebration. Come ready to taste and try everything from the bold to the bizarre.
Dress the Part
Green shirts, pickle earrings, pickle hats… it’s all fair game. The wackier the better — embrace the spirit!
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
With all the salty goodness, you’ll want to stay hydrated. There are free water stations across the venue.
Park Smart
Downtown lots will fill quickly. Consider parking in the Strip District or North Shore and walking over the bridge. Rideshare is a great idea too.
Watch the Weather
It’s July in Pittsburgh — hot and humid. Sunscreen, a hat, and a portable fan go a long way.
🏡 The Ultimate Pickle-Fest Stay: Rivers & Steel BnB
Once the bridge lights dim and the pickle juice wears off, come kick back in comfort with Rivers & Steel City Homes.
Our Pittsburgh-based vacation rentals offer:
- Stylish, modern interiors (pickle-free, we promise)
- Full kitchens — for those who want to pickle their own post-festival snacks
- Comfy beds and fluffy towels to refresh after a day on your feet
- Easy access to downtown without the chaos of staying right in the thick of it
Whether you’re coming with family, friends, or flying solo on a pickle pilgrimage, we’ve got a space you’ll love.
💡 Bonus: Make It a Weekend
Pittsburgh in July is buzzing with summer energy. If you’re coming in for Picklesburgh, why not:
- Catch a Pirates game at PNC Park
- Take a sunset ride on the Duquesne Incline
- Visit the Strip District for more local eats and farmer’s market finds
- Join a food tour or bike ride along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail
There’s so much to do, and staying with us puts it all within reach.
📣 Join the Briny Bunch!
Are you going to Picklesburgh this year? Got a favorite pickle dish or contest memory? Drop your tips in the comments below!
And if you’re staying with us, don’t forget to tag @riversandsteelcityhomes in your festival photos. We love seeing guests enjoying the quirky charm that makes Pittsburgh such a gem. 💚
🔗 Quick Links
🎟️ [Picklesburgh Festival Info – picklesburgh.com]
(All the juicy details, vendors, music lineups, and parking info.)
🏠 [Browse available stays – riversandsteel.com]
(Secure your Picklesburgh home base before dates sell out.)
See you on the bridge with a pickle in one hand and a slushie in the other. And when you’re all “dilled” out… we’ll have your bed made. 😉