By Diya Singh

After a two year break, the Deutschtown Music Festival made its return on July 22-24. The festival came back from its pandemic hiatus better than ever, boasting upwards of 400 performances at several different venues all over the area. It offered activities for children, a variety of different food truck options, and a fun way to engage in the community after a long period of event dormancy. The festival aims to be “fostering economic and community development in the central Northside”, according to their website.  

Photo: Erin Powers. By Diya Singh.

The Northside Chronicle spoke to a few festival goers to see how they felt about the event. There was a resounding sentiment that the Deutschtown Music Festival succeeded in enhancing the feeling of togetherness in a community previously forced to be aloof. 

Northsider Erin Powers told us why she decided to attend the festival this year. She said, “I come down to these festivals every year and I always enjoy it, so I wanted to do my part to make sure that this stayed a part of our neighborhood.” When asked about the return of the music festival after its break, she said “I think this is just about the biggest that it’s been with the number of bands that are here this year.” She continued, commenting on the feeling that in a post-covid world, being a part of community events is nothing short of a thrill. She explained what she enjoyed most was “the enthusiasm of coming out and being a part of something again.” Her view on the festival demonstrates just how much of an impact it had on restoring the feeling of unity in the Northside. 

Photo: Representatives from Hallelujah Hot Food Express. By Diya Singh.

We also spoke with a gentleman who was representing Hallelujah Hot Food Express. When asked about his favorite part of the festival, he said “Just the community…engaging with one another, enjoying music… and [the] hot summer day.” 

The Deutschtown Music Festival gave Northsiders a great way to absorb the Pittsburgh music scene, while simultaneously doing its part to rebuild community connection after the pandemic’s devastation of the past two and a half years. Charles Sweeney, a festival goer, says “I think that the festival brings a lot more than music to the Northside, although it is really cool to hear all of the different genres.” Saying neighbors were excited for festivals to follow would be an understatement. 

Photo: Charles Sweeney. By Diya Singh.