{"id":224234,"date":"2026-06-21T05:39:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-21T05:39:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/224234\/"},"modified":"2026-06-21T05:39:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T05:39:22","slug":"south-side-street-fest-opens-to-largely-positive-reviews","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/224234\/","title":{"rendered":"South Side Street Fest opens to largely positive reviews"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pittsburgh’s South Side Street Fest is officially underway, aiming to create a safer and welcoming South Side.<\/p>\n

The South Side has developed a reputation for chaotic weekends during the summer. That was not the case on Saturday night.<\/p>\n

Most people who spoke with KDKA-TV offered largely glowing reviews of the event, adding that they feel safe, and that is the hope. Leaders hope that this event goes a long way to change the behavior and perception of the area.\u00a0 <\/p>\n

The South Side Street Fest aims to fill East Carson Street on Friday and Saturday nights this summer from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. between 12th and 18th streets. Of note, the event is only for those ages 21 and up, and IDs will be regularly checked.<\/p>\n

At the entrance, metal detectors were in use, like those at PNC Park or Acrisure Stadium. There were some lengthy lines to get into the festival, and like a sporting event, you can’t bring in guns, oversized bags, or outside alcohol.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Festivalgoers can, however, buy alcohol inside the permitted area, such as a bar, but they are not permitted to openly bring alcohol in the street. There are specific places on the street where you can buy alcohol and walk around with it.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Multiple vendors were also out for the late-night festivities.<\/p>\n

“It’s been great. Very peaceful, very relaxing. Got a little bit of sugar, so sweet,” Beth Burton said.<\/p>\n

“This is definitely a bigger turnout than I expected, but this is just great. Vibes are great out here,” Joey Fitzhenry said.<\/p>\n

Justin McCord, however, was one of the few who said he wasn’t the biggest fan of the event layout.<\/p>\n

“It’s chaos, but it’s controlled chaos. Like, there’s no fighting. But I don’t know. We are kind of barricaded in. It’s a little awkward, you know?” McCord said.<\/p>\n

McCord added that the long lines and repeated need to show IDs were two things he took issue with. If those could be rectified, he said, he might return to a future edition of the festival.<\/p>\n

\n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n

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