The SLO Pickle Festival returns to San Luis Obispo on Saturday, October 10, 2026 — a family-friendly celebration of all things pickled, and a fundraiser for Meals That Connect, the Senior Nutrition Program of SLO County.
Date & time
Saturday, October 10, 2026. Early entry starts at 11:00 AM; general admission 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Location
Madonna Inn Expo Center, San Luis Obispo, CA.
What to expect
- Pickle sips and bites with free samples
- A pickle-eating contest with a prize
- Learn-how-to-pickle demonstrations
- Live music by Brass Mash Band
- Face painting and kid-friendly activities
- Local food and drink vendors
- Complimentary pickle-flavored lemonade and popcorn
Tickets
Tickets are available exclusively through the festival’s local ticketing partner My805Tix.com — get yours via the official festival site. Tickets are non-refundable. Children under 5 get in free; kids and young adults 17 and under receive a complimentary hot dog. Guests 21+ can purchase the ticket option that includes alcohol sampling (valid ID required).
Parking
Free parking is available near the venue but space is limited — carpooling and ridesharing are encouraged. Park in the expo center lot, not the main Madonna Inn lot.
Good to know
- No outside food or alcohol
- No pets (service animals welcome)
- The event is partially indoors and partially outdoors — dress in layers and bring sun protection
Official source
SLO Pickle Festival — http://www.SLOPickleFestival.org — contact events@mealsthatconnect.org, 805-541-3312.
Last verified: October 2026.