Pucker up and celebrate all things pickled at the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum Foundation’s award-winning “6th Annual Pickle Fest 2025”, hosted at the museum! Scheduled for the weekend of June 6-8, the festival kicks off with the charming “Small Town Summer Soiree” Gala fundraiser on Friday, June 6, followed by two days of pickle-packed fun on Saturday and Sunday, June 7 and 8. Due to the event’s popularity, it will now be held on two days, with activities repeating on each day. Festival goers can also enjoy live music throughout the grounds and on the porches of Small Town. Don’t miss out on the fun and festivities – mark your calendars and get ready to relish in the joy of everything pickled!
All Pickle Fest activities are hosted by the Foundation to benefit the Mississippi Museum Agriculture and Forestry Museum and the National Agricultural Aviation Museum, both located at 1150 Lakeland Drive in Jackson. Tickets are on sale now through the Foundation’s website and are expected to sell out.
“Pickle Fest” tickets are $10 per day for MS Agriculture and Forestry Foundation Members and $15 per day for Non-Members. There is no charge for kids under 3. One ticket is required for each day and may be used once. Learn more about the benefits of Membership at https://www.msagmuseumfoundation.org/membership and get tickets at https://www.msagmuseumfoundation.org/pickle-fest.
“Small Town Summer Soiree” tickets are $50 per person and are available online now at https://www.msagmuseumfoundation.org/pickle-fest.
Sponsorship and Vendor Opportunities: The Foundation is currently welcoming sponsors and vendors to showcase their brand and their products while connecting with a vibrant community and visitors from throughout the southeast USA. Interested sponsors must secure their spots by May 2, 2025, while potential vendors have until April 18, 2025, to submit their applications. For event details, to become a sponsor, apply as a vendor, or to volunteer, visit https://www.msagmuseumfoundation.org/pickle-fest.
Why do we pickle things? What is it about fermentation that causes preservation? How can I start pickling? Find out at Pickle Fest!
With nearly 7,900 visitors to Pickle Fest 2024, the event almost doubled its prior annual average attendance. “The success of Pickle Fest grows each year, making it a fantastic opportunity for the community and businesses alike to get involved,” said Dr. Bill Herndon, Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors. “We are thrilled to invite sponsors and vendors to participate in what promises to be our best year yet!”
Pickle Fest is not just a festival; it’s an experience! Dive into a world of pickles with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, pickle-themed foods, and much more. Named the “Best Small Festival in Mississippi” in 2022 by the Mississippi Tourism Association, this unique event promises to deliver a weekend full of discovery, education, and enjoyment for pickle lovers of all ages.
“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. We look forward to welcoming everyone to what’s sure to be an unforgettable weekend,” says Theresa Love, Museum Executive Director.
Promoting Mississippi growers, producers, and makers is a key part of Pickle Fest. Be it a watermelon farmer from Smith County or pickled okra from the Delta, the festival highlights all of Mississippi’s amazing makers and doers, particularly those who participate in the pickling process! Festival goers can also enjoy demonstrations by the Mississippi State Extension Service on how to pickle items.
In addition to the popular Pickle Eating Contest, this year will also feature:
- “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, Pickle Fest is looking for the most inventive, mouthwatering dishes that incorporate the beloved pickle.
- Pickle Ball Exhibition – an exciting and friendly tournament held during the annual Pickle Fest for both seasoned players and newcomers to come together and compete for fun and glory.
Pickle Fest’s organizers are also excited to announce that this year’s event will feature an all-new, revamped “Sweet Pickle Patch Kids’ Area” where kids can explore pickle-themed arts and crafts and demonstrations, get their faces painted, enjoy story time with Uncle Story, and can take home seeds so they can grow their own cucumbers to pickle.
