Pierogi fest to return to Kennywood Park

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Two of many Pittsburghers’ favorite reasons for living — roller coasters and pierogies -— are once again joining forces for an afternoon of fun in September.

The Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival is returning to Kennywood Park on Sept. 23, and if history is any indication, it’s sure to draw a crowd to the landmark amusement park in West Mifflin.

Established in 2013 at South Shore Riverfront Park at SouthSide Works, last year’s fest counted more than 6,000 guests who noshed on different variations of the stuffed dumpling. While this year’s menu has yet to be set, attendees can expect at least some of the vendors to follow in last year’s footsteps and dish up ’rogies that challenge the traditional definition of the popular Polish peasant food.

The Commoner, for example, offered a chicken picatta- stuffed pierogi topped with crab, asparagus and hollandaise sauce last year, while Allent o w n ’ s O n i o n M a i d e n channeled the funky, heavy-metal vegan experience the restaurant is known for with three kinds of pierogies — potato kimchi, curry vegetable and Chinese chive.

There also was a variety of dessert pierogies and other sweet treats such as Sinkers & Suds’ pierogi doughnuts. Pittsburgh Smokehouse, which won last year’s People’s Choice Award with its Smokey ’Rogi, will be back to defend its title as the festival’s best.

Of course, festivalgoers also will be able to sample traditional potato pierogies from the likes of S&D Polish Deli, Pittsburgh Pierogi Truck and Gosia’s.

The Pierogi Festival will be from 1 to 6 p.m. and will include an open beer garden for those of legal age who like to wash their dumplings down with something a little stronger than lemonade or iced tea.

In addition to access to all those pierogies, admission buys unlimited rides on Kennywood’s classic Merry-Go-Round, Thunderbolt, Jack Rabbit, Racer, Turtle and Noah’s Ark and also live entertainment. There also will be a pop-up pierogi marketplace featuring pierogi- and Pittsburghinspired art, clothing and keepsakes, and kids’ activities.

A limited number of early bird tickets, available through April 16 or until they sell out, cost $19.99 for adults and $9.99 for children 12 and under. After that, they’ll run $24 and $12, respectively. They can be purchased at www. showclix.com (search “Pittsburgh Pierogi Festival”) or up to noon at the door on Sept. 23 for $28/$12. It’s free for children ages 2 and under.

Discounts are available for seniors, veterans/military members and groups of 10 or more people. For details, email pghpierogifest@