Pittsburgh is a huge city where different cultures come together and interact with each other daily. Every year, the city holds festivals and events that unite these cultures even further. The Soul Food Festival, held from August 30 to September 1, is one of those events.

At the Soul Food Festival held this past Labor Day weekend in Market Square, diverse culinary traditions and flavors from Southern cuisine and hand-crafted merchandise were brought together in a unique and engaging way. Vendors from all over the country arrive every year for this one event.

“We’ve been coming here for three years from Gary, Indiana,” Rod Robinson, a political clothing vendor at the event said. “It’s a great gathering of good people. You can have a laugh, hang out in a peaceful environment, and do some shopping, eating, or just listen to some [live] music.”

In addition to the food trucks, there were also merchandise vendors at the festival. Most of the merchandise was hand-crafted, ranging from clothing and jewelry to sculptures and fragrances.

Valerie Threets, another vendor at the festival, sold her hand-crafted clothing, jewelry, and other items based on African culture. “I am a great lover of African fabric,” Threets said. “I love making things. I started sewing at 11 and haven’t stopped since then.”

She said that the diverse range of cultures is what makes the Soul Food Festival so unique.

“It’s nice to see the different nationalities mingle,” Valerie said. “We can come together as Black, White, Asian, or wherever anyone is from and just enjoy each other’s company.”

In the heart of Downtown on the Boulevard of the Allies and Wood Street, the Soul Food Festival also attracted students from Point Park University. With the festival right down the road from dormitories, it introduced students to the various cultures of Pittsburgh and beyond.

“I heard it from my Lawrence Hall dorm and I thought it sounded fun, so I went down to check it out,” Alexa Waldron, first-year cinema production major, said. “I like being out in the city. I come from a quiet place about 20 minutes away but now I’m here.”

“It’s cool to see different ethnic groups coming together,” Kalibur Sharrer, a senior SAEM major, said. “Everyone comes together and it’s great to see.”

Living on Point Park’s campus gives students the opportunity to easily attend these events.. They not only enrich the cultural tapestry of Pittsburgh, but also foster a sense of community among residents and visitors alike.