Pickles, Pastrami, and Pop

When: Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1:00pm

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Cartoon sandwiches, soda, and pickles

Join us for Pickles, Pastrami, and Pop, a festival celebrating three icons of New York City's food culture. Rooted in the city's rich deli tradition, the event will explore the stories behind these staples, from briny barrels of pickles to hand-carved pastrami and the ever-present fizz of soda and seltzer.  

The festival will feature discussions with restaurant owners and chefs, offering firsthand perspectives on the craft, history, and evolution of New York's deli scene. Guests can enjoy perfectly spiced pastrami and tangy pickle tastings, alongside a variety of festive, family-friendly activities that highlight the cultural significance of these foods. 

Event Schedule 

1:00 to 4:30 p.m.

Ongoing Activities		Pickle Tastings and Jarred Pickle Sales: Enjoy pickle tastings and shop jarred pickles from Pickle Licious.

Deli and Pastrami Tastings (1-2:30p.m.): Sample free pastrami tastings provided by the iconic Katz’s Delicatessen. (First come, first served while supplies last)

Free Flavored Sodas: Enjoy complimentary flavored sodas thanks to the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum.

Family Activity Tables: Drop in for hands-on activities exploring New York City food culture.
1:30 p.m.Seltzer History and Brooklyn Seltzer Artifacts Presentation: Learn about the history of seltzer in New York City and explore artifacts from the Brooklyn Seltzer Museum.
2:30 p.m.Jake Dell in Conversation with Jeff Ross: Experience a live conversation featuring Katz’s Delicatessen owner Jake Dell alongside actor and comedian Jeff Ross as they discuss deli culture, New York City, and the lasting impact of this iconic food tradition. (Limited auditorium seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.) 
3:30 p.m.Seltzer Challenge: Test your seltzer skills in this fun and flavorful challenge.


This program is part of our ongoing Global City Food Series. 
 

This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

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