Skip to content

About/FAQ

Cleveland Pickle Fest

About Cleveland Pickle Fest®

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.

The festival attracts thousands of people to Downtown Cleveland. Pickle lovers typically enjoy many different flavors of pickles, pickles on a stick, pickle pizza, pickle candy, and even pickle ice cream.

Live music plays throughout the event and is a great way to spend a summer Saturday. Stay tuned for more information about the 2024 bands!

This year’s festival will be Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Mall C in Downtown Cleveland. This festival is for everyone. Families, children, millennials, older adults, and pickle-lovers alike.

Remember, by attending Cleveland Pickle Fest®, you’re not only treating yourself to a day of pickle-infused bliss, but also supporting a cause that promotes volunteerism and community engagement. Your participation directly contributes to the success of Greater Cleveland Volunteers programs and services.

nonprofit partner

About Greater Cleveland Volunteers

Since 1972, Greater Cleveland Volunteers has been dedicated to engaging individuals age 18 or older in meaningful volunteer service to address the evolving needs of our community. Our volunteers contribute their time and talents to a variety of one-time, short-term, and ongoing projects at local nonprofit organizations. From offering job coaching for adults, providing food for those in need, comforting patients in hospitals and hospice care, and assisting visitors at arts and cultural institutions, our volunteers make a lasting impact in countless ways.

We oversee the Cuyahoga County chapter of the national RSVP program, which empowers adults age 55 and older to volunteer their time and talents in support of critical community needs. Additionally, we manage the Cleveland area affiliate of the AARP Foundation’s Experience Corps literacy tutoring program, where dedicated volunteers help young students in the Cleveland and Euclid School districts enhance their reading skills.

In addition, we oversee Chat Pals, a phone and video-based program that connects adults aged 55 and older with companionship, emotional support, and a sense of community. We are also proud to partner with the Greater Cleveland Encore initiative, which encourages individuals aged 50 and older to actively contribute to their community through volunteerism.

Greater Cleveland Volunteers is proud of its more than half-century of service, and is always looking for new volunteers who want to be part of making our community a better place.

FAQ

What is Pickle Fest? Is this a real thing??

Yes, it is! Cleveland Pickle Fest® is very real, and we’re about to celebrate its fifth year, which is kind of a big dill. This annual festival showcases Cleveland, and surrounding areas pickled history and culinary ingenuity.

Do I need to buy tickets?

Yes!  Cleveland Pickle Fest® requires tickets. This nominal fee helps Greater Cleveland Volunteers make Pickle Fest the best it can be while supporting its nonprofit programming. Purchase a ticket HERE.

Is Cleveland Pickle Fest® family friendly?

Cleveland Pickle Fest® is designed for everyone to enjoy – from a family outing, a romantic date, or coworker get-together. We will have a kid’s tent with games and activities for kids. There will also be a pickle eating contest for kids!

Are pets allowed into the festival?

Well-behaved pets on short leashes will be allowed entry to the grounds at the discretion of the festival director supervising the gates. Owners are responsible for any injury or property damage the dog causes.  Please do not bring your pet if you know they are not comfortable in crowds.

Will the festival occur if it rains?

Cleveland Pickle Fest® is a rain or shine event.

Is alcohol available at the event?

A variety of alcohol, including specialty Pickle Beer is available for purchase in the event. 

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.

Copyright © 2022. Cleveland Pickle Fest® is owned and organized by Greater Cleveland Volunteers, a 501(c)(3) organization.