The very popular North Carolina Pickle Festival is returning on April 25, 2026, with some events the night before. It takes place in nearby Mount Olive, North Carolina, the home of Mt. Olive Company.
- Friday, April 24, 2026: 6 to 9 p.m.
- Saturday, April 25, 2026: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
This is a free event, but some activities might have a cost.
Check out a big list of spring festivals in the Triangle!
Mount Olive is just about an hour’s drive, to the southeast, from Raleigh, and is a little closer for those along I-40 East, like Garner, Benson, and Willow Springs.
This annual event is a big deal. Or as they say, a big “dill.” Ok, now it’s been said.
If you love pickles, it’s definitely worth the drive, as there will be more kinds of pickles than you can even imagine.
North Carolina Pickle Festival Highlights
There will be a LOT of pickle-themed activities going on, including a pickle eating contest, a costume contest, games, tours, and much more. There will also be live music and dancing on multiple stages.
Schedule
Friday, April 24, 2026:
- 7:00 pm: Friday Night Concert Featuring Spare Change at R&R Brewing – 541 NW Center Street
- 7:30 pm: Cuke Patch 5K Glow Run
Saturday, April 25, 2026:
- 9:00 am: Opening Ceremony at Main Stage
- 9:00 am: Carnival Rides (9am – 6pm) Next to Library
- 9:00 am: Tour de Pickle at Mt. Olive Pickle Company Walker Warehouse
- 9:00 am: Free Park & Ride Shuttles (9 am – 6:30 pm) at Shuttle Locations
- 9:00 am: Open House at Mount Olive’s History Museum (9am – 5pm) at Mount Olive History Museum
- 9:00 am: Classic Tractor Show (9am – 4pm) on James Street
- 9:00 am: Beer, Wine, Distillery Garden (9am – 6pm) at Southern Bank Parklet
- 9:00 am: Pickle Train (9am – 6pm) Next to Library
- 9:00 am: Merchandise Booth (9am – 6pm) on Center Street
- 10:00 am: Sponsor Hospitality Suite (10 am – 4 pm) at Sponsor Hospitality Suite
- 12:00 pm: Pickle Eating Contest at Pickle Eating Contest Stage
- 1:30 pm: Ollies Costume Contest (no preregistration needed) at Pickle Eating Contest Stage
Double-Check Before You Head Out!
We make every effort to make sure that everything on Triangle on the Cheap is 100% accurate.
However, sometimes things change without notice, and it’s also possible that we can make a mistake.
Please verify all deals and events with the venue or organizer before you go.
More Festivals
Take a look at a few upcoming festivals:
