Double the pickles: What to know about Mississippi's two pickle festivals this weekend

If Mississippians are in a bit of a pickle when it comes to weekend plans, organizers of two festivals across the state have a solution.

The Mississippi Pickle Fest in Jackson returns for its sixth year, happening Saturday and Sunday, while the inaugural Mississippi Gulf Coast Pickle Fest will be held Saturday only in Pascagoula. Here’s what to know about both events.

Mississippi Pickle Fest (Jackson)

From spicy and dill pickles to pickled okra and onions, Mississippi’s largest pickle fest is yet again promising to be a big ‘dill.’

Over 100 vendors are expected to set up shop across Saturday and Sunday, 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, pickling how-to sessions, plenty of pickle paraphernalia shopping options, and even a pickle costume contest.

The pickle dog is a popular food at Mississippi’s Pickle Fest, featuring a hot dog stuffed inside a dill pickle before being breaded and fried. (Photo from the Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum)

What: Mississippi Pickle Fest
Where: Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum (1150 Lakeland Dr. in Jackson)
When: Saturday, June 13 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), and Sunday, June 14 (noon to 5 p.m.)
Admission: $10 per day for Mississippi Agriculture & Forestry Museum members and $15 per day for non-members. There is no charge for children under 3.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Pickle Fest (Pascagoula)

A group of small business owners and pickle-lovers realized that driving to Jackson, or even across state lines, wasn’t the best use of time when trying to find a pickle fest. So, they decided to create their own.

The Mississippi Gulf Coast Pickle Fest is the result of Mary Grant, Scott Lightner, and company, with their dream becoming a reality this Saturday in Pascagoula. The inaugural event will include Coast-based vendors selling a variety of pickles and pickle-themed foods – from pickle-flavored boiled peanuts to pickle-brined smoked meats and even pickle-flavored cupcakes with pickle frosting. Being held under the pavilion at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, the event will go on rain or shine.