One of the best parts about living in Pittsburgh is the ability to experience so many different cultures all without leaving the city. A Soulful Taste of the Burgh, Pittsburgh’s soul food festival, is one of those opportunities. It’s a welcome into a world of delicious comfort food that’s spicy, salty, smoky, and sweet, plus a whole lot of passion in every bite. From August 29-31, you can transport yourself to the south right in Downtown.
A Soulful Taste of the Burgh Festival 2025
A Soulful Taste of the Burgh has a long history of filling up people’s stomachs and souls. Starting in 2019, the event honors many of the city’s first Black-owned restaurants. The festival directly credits Benjamin Richards owner of the first Black butchery company, Charles Richards owner of the first Black restaurant The Negro Tavern, Rev. John C. Peck of the Oyster House and ice-cream parlor on Third Avenue, and John R. Pulpress as well as Benjamin Pulpress owners of the first Black fish stall. All this is even written into an official proclamation by the city, declaring September 1, 2019 as A Soulful Taste of the Burgh Day.
Today, the soul food festival provides attendees with over 100 small business vendors to explore and support. Of course, this includes the chance to savor some of the best soul food restaurants in Pittsburgh such as Preeti Pitt Bar & Grill, Cuddy’s Soul Food Restaurant, Ms. Vickey’s Soul Food Grill, Early-Mae Bakery, Leon’s Caribbean Restaurant, and many others. You can look forward to homemade dishes like fried chicken, ribs, mac and cheese, seafood, collard greens, cornbread, candied yams, sweet potato pie, and pound cake.
More Than Delicious Eats
This festival is about so much more than food though. On top of the delicious eats, it creates a thriving cultural atmosphere through live entertainment and activities. This year, to kick off the festival on August 29, Howard Hewitt of Shalamar takes to the main stage. A soul music legend, Howard Hewitt is ready to wow with classic hits that’ll take you back in time. Other than his performance, audiences will get to see cultural performances, other singers, and live food contests. Take it all in as you walk through local craft vendors providing handmade goods.
At the end of the day, A Soulful Taste of the Burgh is about togetherness whether that’s through food, music, crafts, or even just showing up. By coming out and showing support for each of the vendors and performers, you’re directly helping Pittsburgh’s soul food fest thrive. As attendee numbers and sales grow, so do the opportunities to bring the festival back year after year, better and better.
Story by Kylie Thomas
Food Courtesy of Cuddy’s Soul Food
Styling by Anna Franklin
Photography by Dave Bryce
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