Wildfire smoke and heat impact Pittsburgh as Picklesburgh festival gets underway
Updated: 7:08 PM EDT Jul 16, 2026
Picklesburgh began Thursday in Downtown Pittsburgh, as wildfire smoke clouded the city skyline. Some festivalgoers reported worsening air quality throughout the day, with haze visibly dulling downtown landmarks. Addi Olson, who attended the festival with her mother, said, “It’s been like super smoky, hard to breathe for me, so we went to Target and we got these masks.”Olson added, “It’s just like a lifesaver.”As the day progressed, the smoke thickened, creating a blurry view of the Northside from Arts Landing. Olson observed, “Every time we went inside and came back outside, it just got darker and darker and darker.”Earlier in the day, skies were clearer as the festival kicked off. “Nothing can stop me from pickles,” said Kelsea Mercier.Hannah McNerney, who took time off work to attend, said, “I took off work, and I’m here with my friends, and it couldn’t be a better day. Even the air quality can’t stop me.”Rhonda Johnson noted that the breeze helped mitigate the smoke, saying, “The air quality really hasn’t been bad with the breeze. We have a slight breeze, so with the breeze blowing, it’s not as bad as it could be.”For one younger festivalgoer, battling the heat was top of mind. “I’m doing really well. We had to take some breaks, and my little sister here, she’s holding up, luckily,” said Edie Altman.Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, which organizes Picklesburgh, said his team is closely monitoring the air quality and heat. “We’re monitoring the wildfires and making sure the people stay safe and talking to public safety and public health folks about that,” he said.“We’ll be here with EMS and anyone else that needs assistance. We’re here for you,” Waldrup added.The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership also released a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety, noting that the festival space includes misting stations, shaded areas, and on-site medical personnel to help attendees stay comfortable. “The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all Picklesburgh attendees. Air and weather conditions are closely monitored as part of the festival’s comprehensive safety protocols,” the statement said.Organizers are encouraging festivalgoers to take precautions and stay mindful of the conditions as they enjoy the event.
Picklesburgh began Thursday in Downtown Pittsburgh, as wildfire smoke clouded the city skyline.
Some festivalgoers reported worsening air quality throughout the day, with haze visibly dulling downtown landmarks. Addi Olson, who attended the festival with her mother, said, “It’s been like super smoky, hard to breathe for me, so we went to Target and we got these masks.”
Olson added, “It’s just like a lifesaver.”
As the day progressed, the smoke thickened, creating a blurry view of the Northside from Arts Landing. Olson observed, “Every time we went inside and came back outside, it just got darker and darker and darker.”
Earlier in the day, skies were clearer as the festival kicked off. “Nothing can stop me from pickles,” said Kelsea Mercier.
Hannah McNerney, who took time off work to attend, said, “I took off work, and I’m here with my friends, and it couldn’t be a better day. Even the air quality can’t stop me.”
Rhonda Johnson noted that the breeze helped mitigate the smoke, saying, “The air quality really hasn’t been bad with the breeze. We have a slight breeze, so with the breeze blowing, it’s not as bad as it could be.”
For one younger festivalgoer, battling the heat was top of mind. “I’m doing really well. We had to take some breaks, and my little sister here, she’s holding up, luckily,” said Edie Altman.
Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, which organizes Picklesburgh, said his team is closely monitoring the air quality and heat. “We’re monitoring the wildfires and making sure the people stay safe and talking to public safety and public health folks about that,” he said.
“We’ll be here with EMS and anyone else that needs assistance. We’re here for you,” Waldrup added.
The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership also released a statement emphasizing their commitment to safety, noting that the festival space includes misting stations, shaded areas, and on-site medical personnel to help attendees stay comfortable.
“The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership (PDP) is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all Picklesburgh attendees. Air and weather conditions are closely monitored as part of the festival’s comprehensive safety protocols,” the statement said.
Organizers are encouraging festivalgoers to take precautions and stay mindful of the conditions as they enjoy the event.