Contests

Compete in the pickle eating contest!

Easily the highlight of the Cleveland Pickle Fest®, the Pickle Eating Contest is a test of true love for pickles! We have two subdivisions – adults and little gherkins (youth 12 and under) starting at 2 PM.

These pickle-loving people will be competing for the honor of Champ in adult and youth divisions. The test is which competitor can eat an entire jar (16oz jar) of pickle spears the fastest.

Pickle Pup Pageant

🐾 NEW THIS YEAR: The Pickle Pup Pageant! 🥒👑

Think your dog has what it takes to be crowned royalty? Dress up your four-legged friend in their finest pickle-themed attire and enter them in our very first Pickle Pup Pageant at Cleveland Pickle Fest®!

Whether they’re a dill-lightful diva or a brine-time top dog, your pup could be crowned the Prince or Princess Cleveland Pickle Fest® 2025! The lucky winner will not only earn the title of Cleveland Pickle Fest® royalty but will also take home some tasty treats!

Open exclusively to dogs—sorry, humans! Maximum of 15 contestants, one pup per household. Costumes must be safe, respectful, and festival-ready. The winner is crowned by the roar of the crowd—so rally your friends and family to cheer on your pup as they vie for their royal title!

Every Pickle Pup Pageant entry helps power Greater Cleveland Volunteers’ programs!

Pickles. Music. Fun.

Cleveland Pickle Fest® is a celebration of pickles and volunteerism in Cleveland. Volunteers are a BIG DILL. Proceeds from the event support Greater Cleveland Volunteers programs and services to volunteers and nonprofits in Cuyahoga County. Cleveland Pickle Fest® attracts thousands of people to Downtown Cleveland. The event includes pickle companies, food trucks, restaurants, pickle items, and pickle beer. Pickle lovers might enjoy many different flavors of pickles, pickles on a stick, pickle candy, and even pickle ice cream.