2 Pittsburgh bridges close Monday to make way for Picklesburgh

Picklesburgh, the briny three-day festival marking its 10th anniversary, returns to the city this week, commanding the closure of two Downtown bridges.

The Roberto Clemente Bridge (Sixth Street) will shut down at 9 a.m. Monday through 4 p.m. July 14.

The Andy Warhol Bridge (Seventh Street) will close at the same time but won’t reopen until 9 a.m. July 15.

Detours will be posted.

The quirky pickle-themed event from Friday to Sunday is expected to drive hundreds of thousands of people into the city and encompass an expanded footprint. It spans the two iconic Sister Bridges, Allegheny Landing, Fort Duquesne Boulevard, PPG Plaza, Market Square, Sixth Street and Heinz Hall Garden.

The larger space reflects the festival’s evolution from a kooky celebration to an economic driver for the city, according to event host Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

The event will feature art, food, and fun, including a giant pickle balloon floating above the Roberto Clemente Bridge.

And there’s a new amusement ride this year: Similar to a mechanical bull, a giant fake pickle will move and try to bump off the rider.

“This jarring twist on the classic mechanical bull is a test of dill-termination and skill,” the ride description says on the Picklesburgh website. “Climb aboard the giant gherkin and try to hang on as it bucks, spins and wiggles with unpredictable pickle power.”

It will be featured on Fourth Avenue, near PPG Place. Tickets cost $12.

According to Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the partnership, the event has raised Pittsburgh’s profile as a summer destination.

Since its launch in 2015, Picklesburgh has become one of the largest festivals in Western Pennsylvania. Last year, it drew more than 250,000 people with hotel occupancy climbing 27%, according to VisitPittsburgh.

Other fun facts over the decade— there have been 95,000 pickle beers poured, 14,000 pickle balloons sold and 800 quarts of pickle juice consumed.

For more, visit picklesburgh.com.