10 Festivals In Pittsburgh That Food Lovers Should NOT Miss
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Spice up your weekends with good food, good company, and lively entertainment. Pittsburgh plays host to countless festivals throughout the year, including those festivals that beckon food lovers with their mouthwatering menus. Mark these dates on your calendar because here are 10 food festivals to hit in Pittsburgh:
Okay, pickle people, head on over to the Rachel Carson Bridge downtown on July 15 and 16 from noon to 10 p.m. both days for arguably one of the most unique food festivals in the city. Picklesburgh is all about the beloved pickle. Chow down on all things pickle-related: Pickles, pickle flavored popcorn, deep fried pickles, and even pickle ice cream. Then, if you dare, enter the pickle juice drinking contest.
Gone vegan? Thinking of going vegan? Just love good food? Then Pittsburgh VegFest is for you. The second annual one day festival features plenty of good food from such popular local vendors as White Rabbit Cafe, Franktuary, Pittsburgh Juice Company, and Piccadilly Artisan Yogurt. You'll also have plenty of opportunity to shop for non-food vegan products and to learn more about the vegan lifestyle. VegFest will take place on July 30 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Allegheny Commons East Park on the North Side.
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Indulge in delicious authentic Italian food at Bloomfield's Little Italy Days from August 18 to August 21. In between savoring Italian cuisine, enjoy free entertainment on one of the three states or participate in Italian Idol. A full schedule of events is available on the Little Italy Days official website. Click here.
Celebrate tomatoes and garlic at the Tomato and Garlic Festival, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 28. Hosted by Phipps Conservatory and benefiting the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the Tomato and Garlic Festival offers plenty of good food for the whole family. The day's menu includes cooking demonstrations, locally grown produce for sale, and activities for kids.
Say goodbye to summer and hello to fall and the football season at The Kickoff and Rib Fest at Heinz Field, which is tentatively slated for Labor Day weekend. The multi-day food and football festival, with free admission, includes plenty of ribs and other Pittsburgh favorites, concerts, rides, and games. Steelers fans will also want to take part in the Steelers Experience.
Explore all corners of the world at the Pittsburgh International Folk Festival on September 3 and 4 at the Schenley Tent Plaza in Oakland. In addition to plenty of entertainment and cultural activities, food lovers can try food from a dozen countries, including China, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine, and Vietnam.
Sandcastle Water Park transforms into an Irish wonderland for the Pittsburgh Irish Festival from September 9 to 11. Kick up your heels and dance to authentic Irish music, meet Irish authors, and take the kids to the Children's Area. And, of course, indulge in delicious Irish food from such Irish eateries Craig's Fine Irish Food, Mairin's Irish Kitchen, McCarrick's, and Kells Bay.
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Enjoy one of Pittsburgh's favorites – the pierogi – at the Pittsburgh Pierogi Fest, held annually in September. (No date for the 2016 event has been announced.) Local restaurants – such as Cop Out Pierogies and the Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck – typically participate in the event. Listen to polka music or watch other scheduled entertainment while feasting on your pierogies.
Spend a delightfully delicious fall day at the Heinz History Center on October 22 for the annual Hometown Homegrown Food Expo. The one day festival, which runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., invites visitors to taste good food, to watch cooking demonstrations, and to purchase fresh produce and other food products.
Add the St. Nicholas Greek Food Festival to your list of must visit food festivals in the Burgh. But, you'll have to wait until next spring to treat your taste buds to authentic Greek food. The festival, held at the church in Oakland, promises great Greek food and entertainment daily.
Mmmm….mmmm…Pittsburgh sure has some amazingly delicious festivals throughout the year. Of these 10 food festivals to hit in Pittsburgh, how many will you go to?
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