Leave it to Pittsburgh to continue to make an even bigger big dill out of pickles.
The annual pickle-inspired event — Picklesburgh — is produced by the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and presented by Kraft Heinz. This year, there is a new competition and an extra day for the event voted the No. 1 food festival in America by USA Today for three consecutive years.
Picklesburgh, which began in 2015, invites ideas of creative pickle things — for people to think outside the jar.
“In less than a decade since its inception, Picklesburgh has transformed into an increasingly regional phenomenon, with attendees coming from around the country and looking for similar crowds again this year,” Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, said in a statement. “But no matter how big this festival gets, it’s all about staying true to our Pittsburgh roots and showcasing the best our city has to offer.”
All the pickled things
Pittsburgh Brewing Co. created IC Pickle, an Iron City beer developed in collaboration with Pittsburgh Pickle Company.
“The crisp taste of cucumber balanced with fresh dill makes this lager most refreshing when spending the day trying the best pickles Pittsburgh has to offer,” Brandon Mayes, director of brewing and quality assurance at Pittsburgh Brewing, said in a statement. “IC Pickle will be exclusively on tap at Picklesburgh and is sure to be a hit among beer and brine enthusiasts alike.”
Will Patterson, co-owner of Pittsburgh Pickle Co., said they’ve been doing business with Pittsburgh Brewing at The Coxcomb in Monroeville and The BeerHive in the Strip District, so collaborating on a beer was the next step.
“This event is really the only substantial pickle festival in the country,” Patterson said. ”People love it because it’s so unique. And there are people who are truly obsessed with pickles.”
Pittsburgh Pickle will be serving different pickle options they make as well as launching their mustard and ketchup condiments made with pickle brine and smash burgers with pickles.
Turner’s will once again offer its Pickled Iced Tea in addition to classic iced teas and lemonades.
A grilled cheese-and-gherkin sandwich is on the menu from Jenny Lee Bakery, which includes two buttered-up slices of garlic and herb savory bread, Swiss cheese and pickles from Erie-based Flippin’ Pickles.
Mancini’s will serve the PGH Roll 2.0, made with Silver Star cheesy bratwurst and pickled cabbage baked into an Iron City Beer roll.
DiAnoia’s Eatery has created cheese lasagna with provolone, mozzarella, pickled ricotta and pickled marinara.
Continuing to grow
According to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, the event continues to grow. Last year there was a record-breaking 200,000 attendees. The footprint this year spans the Boulevard of the Allies between Stanwix and Smithfield streets, PPG Plaza and Market Square.
Look for street closures in those areas. The Boulevard of the Allies between Stanwix and Smithfield streets will be closed until 4 p.m. Wednesday. Third Avenue between Wood and Stanwix streets and from Wood Street to Third and First avenues will be closed until 11:59 p.m. Monday.
Market Square will be closed until 11:59 p.m. Sunday.
Olympickle games, music, pickle pins and creative area
New this year are the Olympickle Games, an expanded competition that includes the well-known pickle juice drinking contest. There will be bobbing for pickles and pickle eating.
The preliminary rounds are on Friday and Saturday. The championships are on Sunday. Winners receive prize money and a pickle trophy.
Picklesburgh will have stages on the Boulevard of the Allies and Stanwix Street. Performers include Nash.V.Ill, Big Blitz, Soulful Femme, Miss Freddye’s Blues Band and Pickup Line.
The Li’l Gherkins Kidsplay area will be a place where children can create pickle-shaped jewelry and puppets in conjunction with creative staff from Arts Excursions Unlimited.
Parking/weather
There are lots of parking options. Advance reservation parking is available through iParkit.
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Parking is available for $6 after 4 p.m. on Friday and all weekend at the First Avenue Garage, which has more than 1,000 spaces. Real-time parking availability around Downtown can be found here. Pittsburgh Regional Transit is also an option.
The weather is going to be really nice temperature-wise, said John Darnley, meteorologist and observation program leader for the National Weather Service in Moon.
“It should be nice and comfortable all four days,” Darnley said. “I am not seeing any rain until Tuesday. It should be good weather for Picklesburgh. Hope they have a great turnout.”
Picklesburgh runs Thursday through Sunday in Downtown Pittsburgh
Details:picklesburgh.com
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region’s diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of “A Daughter’s Promise.” She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.