Pickles & Pickleball

An unexpected pairing to add to your Pittsburgh escape

In the heart of Pittsburgh, a unique culinary and sporting phenomenon has been quietly making waves—the delightful combination of pickles and pickleball. This unexpected pairing has found its way into the heart of Pittsburgh, adding a tangy twist to taste buds and recreation for both residents and visitors alike. Find out our favorite ways to add this perfect combo to your next trip.

Pickle beer? Why the heck not?

Pickle Paradise: A Culinary Delight

Pittsburgh has seen a surge in pickle popularity, with local restaurants and food trucks offering a variety of pickle-centric dishes. From classic dill pickles to gourmet pickle-infused snacks, the city has become a pickle paradise for enthusiasts.

Pittsburgh is Picklesburgh

The pinnacle of Pittsburgh's pickle passion is undeniably the annual Picklesburgh festival. Picklesburgh is a dill-icious weekend in Downtown Pittsburgh dedicated to the humble pickle. Headlined by a giant flying Heinz pickle balloon, the Picklesburgh festival is a true culinary celebration. Why pickles? Well, you may be surprised to know that Pittsburgh has a wonderful pickle history and enjoys celebrating with plenty of pickle nostalgia.

This free, three-day summer festival has garnered significant acclaim, clinching the top spot in USA Today’s 2023 reader’s choice for the "Best Specialty Food Festival." Notably, it also secured victory in the same contest in 2019 and 2021, solidifying Picklesburgh's status as a must-attend event for pickle enthusiasts from near and far.

Pickleball Fever Grips Pittsburgh

While the pickle culinary scene is flourishing, there's another pickle-related trend that has captured the attention of Pittsburgh—pickleball. This paddle sport, a hybrid of tennis, badminton and table tennis, has been gaining popularity across the nation, and Pittsburgh is no exception. For pickleball enthusiasts, Pittsburgh offers a plethora of local courts. From Schenley Park to Highland Park, these dedicated spaces provide the perfect environment for players to engage in friendly matches or organized tournaments. The city's commitment to providing accessible pickleball facilities reflects the growing popularity of this sport.

As Pittsburgh continues to embrace the pickle revolution, it's clear that this unexpected combination has added a zesty and active dimension to the city's culture. Whether savoring the latest pickle-infused creation or engaging in a friendly game of pickleball, Pittsburgh is reveling in the joy that pickles bring to both palates and pastimes.

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Courtney K.

Author

Courtney K.

Social Media Manager

Courtney is a Pittsburgh parking chair advocate and lover of all things Tik Tok, Twilight and travel. She can be found acting as a tourist in her own city or binge-watching reality TV from her home in Millvale.

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