Pittsburgh Sees Surge in Visitors Thanks to Picklesburgh Festival
- Picklesburgh helped bring Downtown Pittsburgh's visitor levels back to pre-pandemic levels.
- The increase in visitors is attributed to the Picklesburgh event held in July.
- The event has positively impacted the tourism industry in Pittsburgh.
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Downtown Pittsburgh experienced a remarkable resurgence in visitor numbers in July, with a record-breaking 250,000 pickle enthusiasts contributing to nearly 1.8 million total visitors. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership reported that daily foot traffic exceeded 100,000, marking the highest levels since the onset of the pandemic in 2020. This influx is attributed in part to the popular Picklesburgh festival, which saw a 27% increase in attendance compared to last year. Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, emphasized the importance of such innovative events in revitalizing the area. He noted that the festival has positioned Downtown Pittsburgh as a must-visit summer destination, attracting visitors from across the region, the country, and even internationally. The event not only boosts local tourism but also encourages future visits, benefiting local businesses. Since its inception in 2019, Picklesburgh has seen a dramatic increase in attendance, moving from the sister bridges to the Boulevard of the Allies. The festival has garnered national recognition, being voted the best specialty food festival in America three times by USA Today readers. In addition to the festival's success, local tourism in Downtown Pittsburgh surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 16% last month. The partnership also highlighted that over 442,000 out-of-state visitors traveled from at least 150 miles away, further underscoring the city's appeal as a vibrant destination.