Plenty of pickles are headed to a festival near you.
PickleStock, in Front Royal on Sept. 12, is more than just a pickle festival—it’s an event for the community, according to hosts at Petty Betty Treats. Music, food trucks, a vendor market, Kids Zones, contests, scavenger hunts, and appearances by mascot Pickle Pete are all part of the fun.
Fall Harvest Pickle & International Food Festival in Sterling returns Oct. 17–18 with its hybrid of pickles and fermented beverages showcases event partners, Crooked Run Fermentation and Blue Ridge Pickling. Jason Endres, Crooked Run co-owner, says they’ll pour two pickle goses—tart, salty German-style wheat beers: Pickle-O, “a lightly tart sour with fresh cucumbers, dill, and sea salt,” and Pickle-O Mala, “spicy with cucumbers, Szechuan peppercorn, and salt.” Plus, look for live music, family activities, a full lineup of beers and beverages, and international food vendors all rounding out the pickle plan.
The Pickle & Grilled Cheese Festival at the Fredericksburg Fairgrounds, Oct. 24, is where two food favorites team up: small-batch pickle makers and cheese artisans. Think pickle-themed drinks and food, tastings, and family friendly activities.
New on the pickle platter is the RVA Pickle Party on Nov. 6–8, presented by the Richmond Moon Market, Gallery 5, and businesses in the Richmond Arts District. Celebrate through the weekend at various arts district businesses, featuring special menus, events, classes, pickle pizza, and more.
This article originally appeared in the October 2026 issue.
