Pittsburgh’s most popular pickle party is moving across Downtown this year to accommodate the festival’s growing crowds.
Picklesburgh is moving to the Boulevard of the Allies for its 2023 festival, according to the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. The iconic 35-foot Heinz pickle balloon will fly over PPG Plaza, next to the Pittsburgh headquarters of Kraft-Heinz, which sponsors the event.
Last year, Picklesburgh was held along the Allegheny Riverfront, expanding beyond the original locations of one of the sister bridges that connect Downtown to the city’s North Shore.
Organizers said the festival has grown rapidly, with attendance jumping 60% from 2021 to 2022. That created logistical challenges, particularly on the bridge.
“Picklesburgh brings tens of thousands to Downtown every year, and those numbers are steadily growing. With the new location and footprint, we want to ensure we continue to DILL-iver the best Picklesburgh experience as possible for all the pickle-loving masses,” said Jeremy Waldrup, CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.
Boulevard of the Allies will be shut down for three city blocks between Stanwix and Smithfield streets. The festival is being held from July 21-23 this year.
Adjacent surface parking lots also will be brought into Picklesburgh’s footprint.
Organizers said the increased width of Boulevard of the Allies, a four-lane thoroughfare, and the surface parking lots should provide ample room for the expected large crowds.
More details will be released soon, organizers said.
