meals that connect pickle festival fundraiser
Save the Date OCTOBER 10, 2026
TICKET INFORMATION
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​General Admission ​
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Free pickle samples and beverages
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Complimentary pickle-flavored lemonade and popcorn
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Pickle eating contest with prize
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Best pickle themed costume contest
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Vendors will be providing food and drink
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Live music and entertainment
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Brass Mash Band
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Free parking, ride sharing is encouraged
Let's get social!
Follow Meals that Connect for updates and free giveaways to the festival!
FAQ
GENERAL
What is the SLO Pickle Festival?
The SLO Pickle Festival is a fun family-friendly event celebrating all things pickled! Enjoy pickle sips and bites, live music, local vendors, interactive activities, and more. It's kind of a big dill! Most importantly, the festival will benefit Meals That Connect - Senior Nutrition Program of SLO County. Don't miss this opportunity to relish in the fun and support a great cause!
When and where is the festival happening?
The festival takes place on October 10th at the Madonna Inn Expo Center in San Luis Obispo. Early entry to the festival starts at 11AM, general admission is noon to 3PM.
Is this a family-friendly event?
Yes, all are welcome. There will be kid-friendly activities such as a children's reading corner, face painting, live music, games, and kid-friendly food. Children aged 12 and under will receive a complimentary hot dog. Children under age 5 have complimentary admission.
TICKETS
Tickets are now available! Exclusive access via our local ticketing partner, My805Tix.com!
Are tickets refundable?
Tickets are non-refundable.
FOOD & DRINK
Will there be food and drinks besides pickles?
Absolutely! While we love pickles, we also have a variety of other vendors, sweet treats, and refreshing beverages for all tastes. There will also be a pickle eating contest.
Are food and drinks included in the ticket price?
No, some vendors will be giving away samples. Many other vendors will be selling food, so come hungry. In order to buy alcohol at the festival, you much purchase the ticket option that includes alcohol access. You will be allowed to access designated alcohol service areas. Vendors have the legal right to ask for a valid ID, you will also be asked to show a valid ID at check-in.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
What kind of activities and entertainment will there be?
• A pickle eating contest • Live music • Activities • A best pickle themed costume contest • Complimentary pickle-flavored lemonade and popcorn • Face painting stations for children • A children's outdoor play area • More surprises await!
PARKING & ACCESSIBILITY
Where should I park?
Parking options and maps will be posted closer to the event. Free parking will be available near the venue, however space is limited so carpooling and ride sharing are highly recommended. Guests need to park at the expo center parking, they won't be allowed to park in the main Madonna parking section.
Is the event ADA accessible?
Yes, the venue is ADA compliant, and we will have designated accessible restrooms and parking. Your safety is our top priority, we will have an ambulance, fire truck and police on hand.
PETS & RULES
Are pets allowed?
Unfortunately, we do not allow pets. But we do welcome service animals as designated by the ADA.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing sunscreen, water bottles, and comfortable shoes. No outside food or alcohol is allowed.
Is the event outside?
The event will be partially indoors and partially outdoors, so dress in layers and bring sun protection.
Please note that a professional photographer and videographer will be taking photos and videos of the festival. If you don't want to be photographed or filmed or have your image on social media, let the photographer and videographer know directly.
All attendees will be expected to sign a Photo Release allowing Pickle Festival Fundraiser and Meals That Connect to use any photos or videos that are taken for promotional purposes.
VENDORS
What kind of vendors are you accepting?
We welcome food vendors, alcohol vendors, craft/artisan vendors, pickle-related products, and local businesses.
VOLUNTEERS
We're looking for Volunteers!
Join us in making the 2026 SLO Pickle Festival a success! We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help create a fun, family-friendly event while supporting Meals That Connect's mission. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, parking, ticketing & check-in, vendor support, and load-out. Ready to join the fun? Sign up to volunteer today
event sponsors
We’d like to give a big dill-ightful thank you to our sponsors! Your support has us relishing in excitement for this year’s SLO Pickle Festival. You make a huge difference for Meals That Connect.
How can I become a sponsor?
View our sponsorship packages below or email our Executive Director Dr. Maryam D. Far at maryam@mealsthatconnect.org for more details.
Sponsorship tiers
• Billboard Sponsor $5,000
• Tote Bag Sponsor $3,500
• Live Band Sponsor $3,000
• Photo Booth / Cutouts Sponsor $2,000
• Kids Zone Sponsor (Face Painting) $1,500
• Lemonade Stand Sponsor $1,000
• Popcorn Station Sponsor $1,000
Corporate sponsorships
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Presenting Sponsor $50,000
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Diamond Sponsor $35,000
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Platinum Sponsor $25,000
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Gold Sponsor $15,000
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Silver Sponsor $10,000
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Bronze Sponsor $5,000
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Supporting Sponsor $2,500
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Community Sponsor $1,000