Pittsburgh's Downtown On The Rebound

PITTSBURGH, PA — Downtown Pittsburgh has fully recovered from the effects of the pandemic on visitor traffic, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership asserts.

Due in part to the nationally renowned Picklesburgh festival, more than 1.76 million visitors came through the Golden Triangle in July. On average, according to figures provided by the partnership, daily Downtown foot traffic consisting of visitors, employees and residents increased to 100,270 people - the highest number since the pandemic.

“Our organization is focused on supporting Downtown’s recovery and innovative events like Picklesburgh put Downtown Pittsburgh on the map as a not-to-be-missed summer destination for the masses,” partnership president Jeremy Waldrup said in a statement.

“It’s great to see hundreds of thousands of people from all over the region, the country, and even the world coming here to explore, shop, dine and experience the best our city has to offer, inspiring future visits into the triangle to support local businesses and enjoy our city.”

More than 250,000 people attended Picklesburgh between July 18-21, a 27 percent increase over last year's record-setting number. More than 25 retailers and restaurants participated in a Taste of Picklesburgh, a two-week-long Picklesburgh preview that continued throughout the festival, allowing these businesses to capitalize on the increased foot traffic.

“Events like Picklesburgh are what make our city so special and we feel so very lucky to be able to witness it year after year,” said Jen Grippo, owner of The Original Oyster House in Market Square. establishment. “During the summer months, when business is a bit slower, we see a significant increase in sales and foot traffic. We feel having Market Square as a part of the official blueprint for the event brought in many familiar faces and gave us the ability to make new friends.”