From spicy and dill pickles to pickled okra and onions, Mississippi’s annual Pickle Fest is yet again promising to be a big ‘dill’ as officials have announced the previously one-day event will now be held over an entire weekend.
The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum in Jackson will host the sixth annual Pickle Fest from June 6-8. The festival will kick off with the “Small Town Summer Soiree” gala fundraiser on Friday, June 6, followed by two days of pickle-packed festival fun on Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8.
Over 100 vendors are expected to set up shop, with everything pickled for casual pickle lovers to try. For the pickle lovers who have a competitive streak, the popular pickle-eating contest returns for those who want to test how many pickles they can eat within a set time limit. Festival goers will also be able to enjoy live music throughout the museum grounds.
Other events taking place during the 2025 Pickle Fest include:
- Pickle a Pickle contest: Celebrating the art of pickling, participants will enter homemade pickled items of any variety.
- Pickle Palooza contest: Participants will showcase their creativity and culinary skills with all things pickled. From savory to sweet, spicy to dill, the most inventive, mouthwatering dishes that incorporate pickles are welcome.
- Pickle Ball exhibition: Bringing the conveniently named sport to the Pickle Fest, tournaments will be held for both seasoned and novice players.
This year’s Pickle Fest promises to be an educational experience for all ages. Local growers, along with professionals from the Mississippi State University Extension Service, will be on hand with demonstrations on how to pickle items.
Additionally, event organizers announced an all-new kids’ zone called the “Sweet Pickle Patch Kids’ Area,” where the youngsters can explore pickle-themed arts and crafts, get their faces painted, enjoy story time, and take home seeds to grow their own cucumbers to pickle.
“Pickle Fest is more than just a celebration of pickles; it’s a showcase of the rich agricultural and ag aviation heritage of Mississippi, and it’s an educational platform for all ages,” Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum director Theresa Love said. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to what’s sure to be an unforgettable weekend.”
After welcoming nearly 7,900 visitors in 2024, tickets to this year’s Pickle Fest are expected to sell out. Admission for Saturday and Sunday is $10 per day for museum members and $15 per day for non-members. There is no charge for children under 3. Tickets for Friday’s “Small Town Summer Soiree” fundraising gala are $50 per person. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson.
