Picklesburgh 2024 Gives Pickle Fans Plenty to Relish in Downtown Pittsburgh

PA’s biggest foodie festival exceeds expectations again, with newly expanded festivities, a surprise visit from Governor Josh Shapiro, and many more dill-ightful moments.

Picklesburgh, the three-time winner of USA Today’s ‘#1 Specialty Food Festival in America,’ celebrated its ninth year with epic enthusiasm. From Thursday, July 18 to Sunday, July 21, Downtown Pittsburgh was transformed into a pickle paradise, hosting 65 vendors, exclusive culinary delights, exhilarating contests, performances by nearly 50 bands and artists across two stages, and the iconic 35-foot Heinz pickle balloon soaring above PPG Plaza.

Created by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) and presented by Kraft Heinz, Picklesburgh has continuously grown since its inception in 2015, invigorating the local economy and drawing pickle enthusiasts from across the nation. Last year’s event attracted a record-breaking 200,000 attendees, including over 50,000 tourists. With the festival extending an extra day and expanding into Market Square, this year’s attendance numbers are expected to surpass previous records.

New champions named in three ‘brine-tingling’ contests

The games were a highlight of this year’s festival. Held on the new stage in Market Square, the expanded competitions featured Pickle Juice Drinking, Bobbing for Pickles, and Pickle Eating. The winners, crowned in three highly anticipated championship rounds on Sunday, received $500 each in prize money, a life-like pickle trophy, and prestigious titles.

• Ryan Thompson of Lilitz, PA, was named the ‘Duke of Drinking’ after chugging a quart of Pittsburgh Pickle Company’s Picklexir in 5.91 seconds
• Mike Arcuragi of Portage, MI, earned the title of ‘Earl of Eating’ after consuming three pounds of pickles in three minutes.
• Ashton Burgess of Biverfield, WV, bested the competition to become the ‘Baron of Bobbing’ after retrieving 6.34 pounds of pickles using only his mouth.

Welcome to Picklesburgh, Governor Shapiro!

On Saturday evening, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro made a special appearance at Picklesburgh, becoming the first governor to attend the festival. He co-hosted a round of Pickle Bobbing with local talk show hosts John Chamberlain and Rachael Rennebeck of YaJagoff Media. “We were extremely honored to welcome the Governor to Picklesburgh this year,” said PDP President and CEO Jeremy Waldrup. “His attendance highlights the significance of this event for our region and showcases Pennsylvania’s pickle passion.”

Fermented fun for all ages

Families and children enjoyed the new Li’l Gherkins Kidsplay area in Market Square, presented by Jenny Lee Swirl Bread. Activities included creating pickle-shaped jewelry, buttons, and puppets, led by Arts Excursions Unlimited.

For adults, the exclusive pickle beer offerings were a hit, featuring a new brew from
IC Light alongside festival favorites from Southern Tier Brewing and Great Lakes Breweries.

The tastiest ‘Taste of Picklesburgh’ yet

This year featured a newly expanded of A Taste of Picklesburgh, which included both restaurants and retailers, expanding to 27 businesses. This initiative encouraged visitors to explore Downtown Pittsburgh’s vibrant business community throughout the festival.

Thank you to our sponsors and partners on making this year’s Picklesburgh one for the briny books!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and event partners for their support in making Picklesburgh 2024 a tremendous success. Their contributions have helped create an unforgettable weekend of food, music, fun, and community.

We’re also immensely grateful to the Pittsburgh EMS, Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, and Crossing Guard personnel who provided increased service throughout the event. They responded swiftly to a number of heat-related ailments and other incidents, helping ensure that this year’s Picklesburgh was a safe, fun, and uniquely Pittsburgh experience for the thousands who attended.