Relish the Moment: A Journey Through the NC Pickle Festival
If you’ve never sipped a pickle margarita or watched a grown adult wrestle with a fifth dill in a pickle-eating contest, you haven’t truly lived. Welcome to the NC Pickle Festival in Mount Olive, where the brine runs deep, and the fun is as sharp as a crisp kosher spear.
This festival began in 1986 with a simple idea: Mount Olive is home to the iconic pickle company, so why not celebrate it? But before pickles took center stage, the town hosted a flower festival. It was pleasant, but let's face it—flowers don’t get people as excited as a good, crunchy pickle. Then, someone had an idea: “We have a pickle company. Why not a pickle festival?” And with that, the North Carolina Pickle Festival was born.
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The inaugural festival took place in both Mount Olive and Faison, home to another pickle company at the time. Festivities included a Friday night kickoff in Faison and a Saturday street fair in downtown Mount Olive. One of the early festivals even featured a live wedding—because nothing says “forever” like committing to a lifetime of love in Pickle Town.
Fast forward nearly 40 years, and what started as a local event has grown into a full-fledged national festival. Before 2019, the event drew around 8,000 attendees, but post-pandemic, that number skyrocketed to nearly 60,000. What was once a charming local gathering is now a must-visit destination for pickle lovers nationwide.
Mt. Olive Pickle Company: The Briny Backbone of the Festival
Mount Olive, NC, isn’t just a dot on the map—it’s the pickle capital of the South. The Mt. Olive Pickle Company, founded in 1926, is one of the largest pickle producers in the country. As Lynn Williams, a festival organizer and Mt. Olive Pickle Company public relations manager, explains, “We’re not a division of a company that also makes light bulbs and tin foil. All we do is pickles, peppers, and relishes.”
Next year marks the company’s centennial, a milestone that further cements Mount Olive’s reputation as America’s pickle haven. The company’s long-standing commitment to quality and community is a big part of what makes the festival so special.
There's fun for everyone at the NC Pickle Festival. Point your GPS to Mount Olive, NC, on April 26.
Pickles, Puns, and Playful Competitions
Pickles are the undisputed stars of the festival. From pickle cotton candy (yes, it’s green and oddly delicious) to pickle popcorn and pickled peanuts, the festival proves that if it can be pickled, it probably has been. Don’t miss the pickle slushy—a tart, icy concoction that cuts through the spring heat better than lemonade ever could. And, of course, nothing beats a basket of golden-fried pickles.
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The pickle-eating contest is a highlight of the weekend. Julie Beck, the local Chamber of Commerce president and a festival organizer, has previously participated in the competition, and recalled that one hopeful competitor squeezed the juice out of each pickle to make them smaller. The reigning champion? They managed to down 13 whole kosher dills in five minutes. Contestants come from as far as California and West Virginia, with some even training at home weeks in advance.
Eat as many free Mt. Olive pickles as possible
The create and comical festival-goers get into the act with zany pickle-inspired costumes.
Other festival favorites include the Pickle Costume Contest, where entrants dress as everything from life-sized pickles to pun-based creations like “In a Pickle.” The Cuke Patch 5K lets runners earn their pickle bragging rights, while the Tour de Pickle bike ride offers scenic pit stops stocked with—you guessed it—pickles. This year’s mountaineering theme was inspired by festival organizer Julie’s travels to Germany’s Zugspitze.
Pickle slushies, pickle margaritas, pickle popcorn, pickle peanuts… If you can make it with pickles, it's at the NC Pickle Festival.
Dill-icious Bites and Briny Brews
If you think pickles belong only in sandwiches, think again. The festival offers everything from pickle margaritas and pickle beer to pickle-brined steak and pickle-flavored popcorn. Local breweries, including R&R Brewing, get in on the fun with Pickletown Lager, a crisp, refreshing beer brewed with kosher dills. And, of course, free pickles are available at the Mt. Olive Pickle Company’s booths.
As Lynn puts it, “We want everyone to have a good time, enjoy the hospitality, and eat as many free Mt. Olive pickles as possible.” With pickle-themed food, live music on four stages, and quirky competitions, the NC Pickle Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience.
So come early, wear stretchy pants, and prepare to relish every moment of the NC Pickle Festival—because nothing quite compares to a weekend spent in the briniest town in America.
Enter Daily to Win the Ultimate Pickle Swag Bag!
Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
- When: Saturday, April 26, 9 AM – 6 PM
- Where: Downtown Mount Olive, NC
- Cost: FREE (no ticket required!)
- Website: NCPickleFest.org
Address: 123 North Center St., Mount Olive, NC 28365
Parking & Shuttle Info
To make your arrival as smooth as a freshly brined pickle, take advantage of the expanded Park & Ride Shuttle locations:
- Walmart Super Center
- Roses Shopping Center
- Bobby Denning Furniture in Mount Olive
- University of Mount Olive: Kornegay Arena, Scarborough Field, and the College Apartments across from the track
Handicapped Parking can be found at 111 N. Chestnut Street (at the Original Free Will Baptist denomination office).
Don’t get yourself into a pickle when parking! Be sure to follow the no-parking signs—violators WILL be towed! Several paid parking lots are also available downtown.
Schedule: The Juiciest Happenings at the N.C. Pickle Festival
This year’s North Carolina Pickle Festival is jam-packed with events and activities that’ll leave you tickled pink (or should we say green?):
- Cuke Patch 5K – Get your heart racing before indulging in all things pickle.
- Pickle Eating Contest – A festival favorite, where competitors devour as many pickles as possible in record time.
- Recipe Contest – Show off your culinary skills with creative pickle-inspired dishes.
- Tour de Pickle – A scenic bike ride with pickle pit stops along the way.
- Live Music & Dancer Stage – Toe-tapping fun for all ages.
- Car Show – Classic rides meet classic brines.
- Pickleball Tournament – Because of course there’s pickleball at a pickle festival.
- Beer & Wine Garden – Featuring local brews, including a special pickle beer.
- Special Guests – Stay tuned for surprise appearances!
- Pickle Princess Pageant – A chance for royalty to shine, one pickle at a time.
5 Tips for Winning the Pickle Eating Contest
- Pick Small Pickles – Choose the smallest pickles to minimize chewing time.
- Drain the Juice – Squeeze out excess juice to reduce weight and size.
- Pace Yourself – Start with a steady rhythm; don’t rush.
- Chew Efficiently – Take quick, small bites to avoid choking.
- Train at Home – Practice with similar-sized pickles to build endurance and strategy.
7 Pickle Costume Contest Ideas
- Classic Dill Pickle – A full-body green pickle suit with a bumpy texture.
- Pickle Jar – Dress as a giant jar filled with floating pickles.
- Pickle Fairy – Green tutu, wings, and a pickle wand.
- Pun-tastic Pickle – “In a Pickle” costume with a sign or props.
- Pickle Superhero – Cape, mask, and a “Brine Defender” logo.
- Pickle Burger – A walking cheeseburger with giant pickle slices as the hero.
- Baby Gherkin – Adorable baby outfit shaped like a mini pickle.
The Pickle Ornament Tradition
The tradition of hiding a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree is said to be a German custom, where the child who finds the pickle receives an extra gift from Santa. However, many Germans have never heard of it! Regardless of its origins, this quirky tradition is beloved in the U.S., and you’ll find plenty of pickle ornaments at the NC Pickle Festival to start your own family tradition.
Favorite Pickle Flavors of Pickle Festival Organizers
Melissa Kilpatrick, Mt. Olive Pickle Company community relations manager, says it’s challenging for her to pick a favorite. “I’ve never met a pickle I didn’t like,” she said with a laugh. “I have to say though, I've always loved the kosher dill, just a whole kosher dill.”
Lynn Williams told us she’s, “always been a bread and butter girl, hands down,” and that the Mt. Olive Premium Majestic Picklery’s Red Wine Vinegar Bread and Butter Chips are her absolute favorite. “I bring them out for every bridal shower I’ve helped host in the past year.”
Julie Beck’s all-time favorites are the Majestic Picklery’s Smoky BBQ Bread and Butter Chips.
Must-try festival food according to the pickle experts
- Pickle cotton candy (yes, it’s green!)
- Fried pickles
- Pickle-flavored peanuts
- Pickle-flavored popcorn
- Pickletown Lager by R&R Brewing
- Pickle margarita
- Pickle slushie
Get Ready for a Pickle-Perfect Day!
Whether you’re a lifelong pickle fanatic or just here for the quirky fun, the North Carolina Pickle Festival promises an unforgettable experience. So grab your brine-loving buddies, slap on some pickle-themed gear, and prepare to relish (pun absolutely intended) the best weekend of the year!
See you in Mount Olive—where the pickles are plentiful, and the memories are made one crunchy bite at a time!
About Mount Olive, NC and Nearby Hotels
Mount Olive, NC, known for its pickle prowess, offers small-town charm with Southern hospitality. While the local hotel is already sold out for the festival, nearby accommodations can be found in Goldsboro (20 minutes away) and Wilson (30 minutes away), with options ranging from budget-friendly motels to well-known hotel chains. Be sure to book early to secure your spot!
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