Picklefest 2025JACKSON — Thousands of pickle lovers are expected to descend on Jackson this weekend as the award-winning Mississippi Pickle Fest returns for two days of food, entertainment and family-friendly activities at the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum.
The festival, scheduled for June 13-14, is expected to draw even larger crowds than last year, when more than 7,000 people attended the event. Organizers say tickets are selling quickly and could sell out before the weekend.
Presented by the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum Foundation, the festival serves as a fundraiser for both the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum and the National Agricultural Aviation Museum.
Picklefest 2025Visitors can expect more than 55 food and craft vendors offering pickle-themed creations ranging from bacon-wrapped smoked pickles and pickle funnel cakes to candied pickles, pickled popcorn and pickle-flavored drinks.
Among the more unusual offerings this year are pickle lemonade, pickle-flavored shaved ice, pickle-scented candles, pickle jewelry and pickle bath salts.
The festival will also feature a variety of competitions, including pickle-eating contests, the popular “Pickle a Pickle” contest and Pickle Palooza. New this year is the “Dill-Lightful Disguises” costume contest, which still has spots available for participants.
For those interested in learning new skills, the Mississippi State University Extension Service will host canning and cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend.
Live music is also planned both days, with performances by Andrew Pates, Bubba Wingfield, Chad Perry, Clark & Steele, Doug Hurd, Rachael Phelps and Nic Bernard, Ruth Etc. and Travelin’ Jane.
Picklefest 2025Families with children can visit the Sweet Pickle Patch Kids’ Area, where young entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to create and sell their own pickle-themed items in a miniature farmers market setting.
Festival coordinator Jana Dear said the event’s growth has been fueled by strong community support and a steady stream of returning visitors.
“Pickle Fest would not be a success without the support of our community sponsors and volunteers as well as the visitors who turn out to enjoy this one-of-a-kind event,” Dear said in a statement.
Tickets are $15 per day for non-members and $10 per day for members of the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum Foundation. Children younger than 3 are admitted free.
Organizers are also seeking volunteers to help during the festival. Volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and meal.
The Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Museum is located in Jackson and is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the state’s agricultural and forestry heritage through exhibits, educational programs and special events.
