Quirky grassroots event grows into a national phenomenon, drawing 250,000+ attendees and $23.2 million in economic impact
PITTSBURGH, July 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — What began as a quirky ode to pickled foods has officially become a national phenomenon. Celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend, Picklesburgh returns to Downtown Pittsburgh, July 11–13, with its most talked about lineup yet, including the debut of a one-of-a-kind mechanical pickle ride. Bucking, spinning, and photo-ready, it’s the kind of moment made for headlines and hashtags.
A rider clings to the new mechanical pickle at the Picklesburgh festival’s 10th anniversary in Downtown Pittsburgh. The ride, modeled after a mechanical bull, is part of the festival’s milestone celebration and symbolizes its evolution from quirky local event to national cultural phenomenon. (Photo credit: Courtesy of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership)
“Picklesburgh has always been about more than just pickles – it’s about bringing people to Downtown Pittsburgh,” said Jeremy Waldrup, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. “Ten years later, it’s become a symbol of what’s possible when cities invest in public spaces. We’re drawing hundreds of thousands of people Downtown and reminding the country that Pittsburgh is a city on the rise.”
Since launching in 2015, Picklesburgh has grown more than tenfold, evolving from a quirky weekend celebration into a signature event on Pittsburgh’s summer calendar and a major driver of Downtown’s economic momentum. The festival has received national recognition from outlets including USA Today, Travel + Leisure, Food Network, Good Morning America, the Today Show,and Delish, and has been named USA Today’s Best Specialty Food Festival four times.
In 2024, Picklesburgh drew more than 250,000 attendees and generated $23.2 million in direct spending across Downtown restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions. According to VisitPittsburgh, hotel occupancy Downtown jumped nearly 30 percent during the weekend, with 90 percent of rooms booked, underscoring the festival’s growing role in summer tourism and local vitality.
A decade of dill-ightful data:
In 10 years, Picklesburgh has delivered both fun and financial impact:
- Nearly 1,000% increase in festival attendance
- 114% growth in vendor participation
- 95,000 pickle beers poured
- 14,000 pickle balloons sold
- 800 quarts of pickle juice consumed in competition
As Pittsburgh continues to revitalize its Downtown, Picklesburgh stands as proof of what’s possible when a city leans into its character, and shares it with the world.
This year’s festival features:
- The first-ever mechanical pickle ride—a headline-making twist on the classic mechanical bull
- An expanded footprint stretching across two Sister Bridges, Market Square, PPG Plaza, Allegheny Landing, and Fort Duquesne Boulevard
- Commemorative 10th anniversary merchandise
- New pickle-inspired food and beverage creations
- Family-friendly activities at the Lil Gherkin Kids Area
- The return of fan favorites like the Pickle Juice Drinking Contest and multiple live music stages
Media assets, including photos and video of the mechanical pickle ride, available upon request.
For more information, visit www.picklesburgh.com
About the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership:
Formed by Downtown businesses, professionals, civic organizations, foundations, and residents, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is a non-profit community development organization that leads Downtown’s transformation with innovative programs that drive growth, vibrancy, and engagement. For more information, visit www.DowntownPittsburgh.com and follow us on social (@downtownpitt).
Contact: Ashlee Wallace
[email protected]
SOURCE Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership
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