Stage AE
September 19
1 – 6 p.m.
In Pittsburgh, “P” is not just for Pirates, Penguins and Panthers. In these parts, “P” also stands for that beloved and oft-consumed, semicircular dumpling packed with mouth-watering fillings.
No matter how you spell it (there are more than five ways)—or whether you prefer it boiled, baked or fried—the best place to enjoy this local culinary phenom is at this weekend’s Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival. Setting up its very big shop at Stage AE, the third annual Pierogi Fest returns to the North Shore with a bigger and tastier lineup.
Boasting five hours of all things pierogi, the delicious festivities will include 25 vendors, a pop-up marketplace, hands-on face painting, photo booth and balloon art activities and plenty of Turner’s Iced Tea and Yuengling brews to wash it all down. Attendees can shop for pierogi-themed wares and even design their own colorful pierogi with Lawrenceville-based studio, Paint Monkey.
Featuring top pierogi purveyors, restaurants and chefs—as well as a variety of local signature recipes and creative twists on pierogi-based dishes—this year’s expanded vendor lineup includes S&D Polish Deli, Cop Out Pierogies, Ohio City Pasta, Perla Pierogies, Dorothy 6, Grandma Cyl’s, Gosia’s and many others.
Feeling adventurous? Be sure to try Franktuary’s Pierogi Dog, Happy Camper Cakes’ pierogi-inspired cupcakes, Pittsburgh Smokehouse’s Smokey ‘Rogi, the PGH Taco Truck’s pierogi taco, sausage side dishes from Uncle Charley’s and cool dessert treats from Millie’s Homemade Ice Cream.
In between sampling all of the doughy fare, pierogi fans will enjoy live musical entertainment—from polka and folk, to world grooves and DJs—on the venue’s main stage. Feature performers include Southwestern PA polka sensations Mon Valley Push, five-piece Eastern European ensemble Ciganska Krv, Bloomfied-based country and honky tonk band The Beagle Brothers, University of Pittsburgh’s Carpathian Ensemble and DJ Pandemic.
A portion of the day’s proceeds will benefit local nonprofit Riverlife, which works to reclaim and restore Pittsburgh’s riverfronts for the public.
View a complete list of pierogi vendors and a festival schedule. The event is free for children ages 12 and under. Purchase tickets now.
