Picklesburgh Festival Announces 2026 Dates in Pittsburgh

The annual celebration of all things pickled returns to Downtown Pittsburgh for its 10th anniversary.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The organizers of the popular Picklesburgh festival have announced the dates for the 2026 event, which will take place from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19 in Downtown Pittsburgh. The 10th annual festival is expected to draw over 250,000 visitors and will feature an expanded footprint, closing two bridges to accommodate the growing crowds. In addition to the usual pickle-themed food, drinks, and merchandise, new attractions this year will include a mechanical "pickle bull" ride and a "Taste of Picklesburgh" promotion with 23 downtown businesses offering special pickle-inspired menu items.

Why it matters

What started as a quirky local event a decade ago has blossomed into a major Pittsburgh tradition and tourist draw. The Picklesburgh festival highlights the city's rich food culture and entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing local businesses and artisans while bringing people from across the country to celebrate the humble pickle.

The details

The Picklesburgh festival first launched in 2015 with around 20,000 visitors. Last year, the event attracted roughly 250,000 people, prompting organizers to expand the footprint by closing the Sixth and Seventh Street bridges. This year's festival will be the largest yet, with the additional bridge closures allowing for more vendors, activities, and space for the growing crowds. New attractions include a mechanical "pickle bull" ride and a "Taste of Picklesburgh" promotion featuring 23 downtown businesses offering special pickle-themed food, drinks, and merchandise.

  • Picklesburgh festival will take place from Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19, 2026.
  • The festival first launched in 2015 with around 20,000 visitors.
  • Last year, the event attracted roughly 250,000 people.

The players

Picklesburgh

An annual festival in Downtown Pittsburgh that celebrates all things pickled, featuring food, drinks, merchandise, and other attractions.

H.J. Heinz

The founder of the H.J. Heinz Company, which is headquartered in Pittsburgh and is known for its iconic pickle products.

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What’s next

The festival will take place from July 17-19, 2026 in Downtown Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

Picklesburgh has grown from a quirky local event to a major Pittsburgh tradition and tourist attraction, showcasing the city's vibrant food culture and entrepreneurial spirit. The 10th anniversary festival in 2026 is expected to draw record crowds and feature new attractions like a mechanical "pickle bull" ride.