According to a press release from Mohegan Sun, the Connecticut Pickle Festival is coming back for its biggest and most flavorful year yet. The three-day celebration of all things pickle will take over the Earth Expo & Convention Center from Friday, August 21st through Sunday, August 23rd, bringing together pickle fanatics, food lovers, and families for a weekend full of unique flavors, entertainment, and some seriously creative pickle creations.

WRKI and WINE logo
Get our free mobile app

If you’re someone who thinks pickles belong on just about everything, this event might be your dream come true. Guests will have the chance to check out more than 40 vendors and food trucks while sampling unlimited pickle-inspired treats inside the famous Pickle Patch. The menu goes way beyond a basic pickle jar, with options like fried pickles, pickle pizza, pickle-flavored ice cream, dill pickle kettle corn, and plenty more unexpected combinations.

The festival will also feature live music throughout the weekend, with country, pop, and rock performances setting the stage for a full-on pickle party. Returning favorites include the legendary Pickle Eating Contest, the messy and hilarious Pickle Juice Challenge, Pickle Olympics, Pickle Wrestling, photo opportunities, and appearances from the festival’s mascot, Pickle Pablo.

New for 2026 is the Pickle Hoedown, a country-style dance party where guests can grab their boots, learn some line dancing, and celebrate alongside Pickle Pablo. It’s expected to add another fun twist to an already packed weekend.

For adults 21 and older, the festival will also feature pickle-themed drinks, including pickle cocktails, pickle martinis, pickle shots, and pickle-infused spirits.

Those looking for an upgraded experience can purchase VIP tickets, which include perks like a swag bag valued at more than $150, access to a private lounge, a private bar, restrooms, and early entry before the crowds arrive.

Whether you’re a pickle superfan or just looking for a weird and fun summer event, the Connecticut Pickle Festival is promising its biggest celebration yet at Mohegan Sun.

Who: Pickle lovers, families, foodies, and festival fans

What: Connecticut Pickle Festival featuring food, vendors, entertainment, and pickle-themed activities

When: Friday, August 21st through Sunday, August 23rd, 2026

Where: Mohegan Sun’s Earth Expo & Convention Center in Uncasville

Why: To celebrate all things pickle with a weekend of food, fun, music, and unique experiences

I LOVE PICKLES! They call me Petie Pickles in fact.

Love Connecticut? These 8 Bingeworthy Shows Belong on Your Watchlist

If you’re all about Connecticut—the vibe, the culture, the aesthetic—then these eight bingeworthy TV shows belong on your radar (if they aren’t already). Some were directly inspired by real places here in the Nutmeg State, others are set against our familiar backdrop, and a few just capture that unmistakable Connecticut feel we know and love. Put these 8 Bingeworthy Shows Belong on Your Watchlist

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

Connecticut On the Big Screen: Remembering 2008's 'Revolutionary Road'

Curious where Revolutionary Road was filmed in Connecticut? We’ve got you. First, a quick look at the movie itself, then we’ll hit some of the most iconic filming spots around the state.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

A Twenty-Eight Foot Spud From Idaho Landed in Torrington Today

It was glorious, but the way smaller spuds they were actually selling next to the beast were even better. The Big Idaho Potato was pulled up right in front of Zach and Lou's Barbeque in Torrington today, here's what I experienced

Gallery Credit: Large 'Mashed' Dave

More From WRKI and WINE