From spicy and dill pickles to pickled okra and onions, Mississippi’s annual Pickle Fest is yet again promising to be a big ‘dill.’
The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum in Jackson will host the sixth annual Pickle Fest on Saturday, June 13 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) and Sunday, June 14 (noon-5 p.m.). It’s the second year in a row that the event will span two days after previously being a one-day extravaganza. In 2025, a record 7,200 people attended from 24 states.
Over 100 vendors are expected to set up shop, with everything pickled for casual pickle lovers to try – the pickle dog, virtually a corn dog with a pickle inside, continues to be a fan-favorite. For the pickle lovers who have a competitive streak, the popular pickle-eating contest returns. Festival goers will also be able to enjoy live music throughout the museum grounds.
“Pickle Fest is both a celebration and an educational platform that highlights Mississippi’s agriculture and ag aviation story – and it’s a lot of fun,” Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum executive director Theresa Love said.
Other returning and new events taking place at the 2026 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 will be winners.
- Dill-Lightful Costume Contest (new): Festival goers are encouraged to dress in their most creative pickle-themed attire with the best-dressed receiving awards.
- Sweet Pickle Patch Kids’ Area: 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 later pickle.
The Pickle Fest also promises to be an educational experience for all ages. Local growers, along with professionals from the Mississippi State Extension Service, will be on hand with demonstrations on how to pickle items.
Proceeds from the Pickle Fest benefit the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum. Tickets are expected to sell out, per festival organizers, and can be purchased here. 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.
The Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum is located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson. The Pickle Fest was named the “Best Small Festival in Mississippi” by the Mississippi Tourism Association in 2025.