Page's Dairy Mart kicks off 75th season with exciting day on East Carson Street

Pittsburgh ice cream shop opens for the season after a long, cold winter.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After a winter that hit the Pittsburgh area hard with heavy snow and record cold temperatures, Page's Dairy Mart opened for its 75th season on Monday, marking a welcomed taste of spring on the city's South Side. Customers lined up around the block to enjoy the shop's classic soft serve ice cream and specialty treats on the perfect, clear and warm day.

Why it matters

Page's Dairy Mart is an iconic Pittsburgh institution, serving the community for 75 years. The opening of the shop each spring is seen as an unofficial signal that winter is over and the city is waking up. The long lines and enthusiastic crowds show how much the shop means to locals and visitors alike.

The details

On opening day, the line wrapped around the building from the front end on East Carson Street all the way around to near Becks Run Road. But the crowd didn't seem to mind the wait, with customers enjoying classic soft serve, specialty ice cream treats like the 'Black and Gold' with brownies and fudge, and the lively atmosphere with music and dancing.

  • Page's Dairy Mart opened for the 2026 season on Monday, March 10.

The players

Page's Dairy Mart

A historic Pittsburgh ice cream shop that has been serving the community for 75 years.

Nellie Downie

A local resident who was excited for the shop's opening day.

Jadyn Perry

A customer who made the 35-40 minute drive from the Natrona Heights and Lower Burrell area to visit Page's on opening day.

Brenda Briley

A customer who ordered a specialty 'Black and Gold' ice cream treat with brownies and fudge.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This feels like the city is finally waking up after being asleep all winter.”

— Nellie Downie

“We just figured, why not on opening day because it's a beautiful day and we have to take advantage of that in Pittsburgh.”

— Jadyn Perry

“It's worth it.”

— Brenda Briley

“I was in the line, I think, for about 30 minutes. I decided to go for a small, vanilla soft serve with rainbow sprinkles, keep it simple.”

— Nellie Downie

“I think it was only like 25 or 30 minutes, but clearly, it's worth it. We're from like Natrona Heights, Lower Burrell area, so like 35 minutes, 40 minutes. But everybody says it's so worth it – and who doesn't want ice cream?”

— Jadyn Perry

What’s next

Page's Dairy Mart will continue serving customers throughout the spring, summer and fall seasons, with the shop typically closing for the winter in late October or early November.

The takeaway

The opening of Page's Dairy Mart each spring is a beloved tradition in Pittsburgh, marking the end of winter and the arrival of warmer weather. Despite the long lines, customers eagerly wait to enjoy the shop's classic soft serve and specialty treats, showing the enduring appeal of this 75-year-old local institution.