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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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
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 from 11AM-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.
TICKETS
Ticket sales will open shortly, check back soon!
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.
ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT
What kind of activities and entertainment will there be?
Live music, activities, a pickle eating contest, a best pickle themed costume contest, face painting stations for children, a children's outdoor play area, and 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.
PETS & RULES
Are pets allowed?
Only service animals are allowed due to food safety and crowd size. You must provide service animal documentation at least two weeks in advance to the event by emailing info@mealsthatconnect.org.
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 will be taking photos of the festival, if you don't want to be photographed or have your photo on social media, let the photographer know directly.
VENDORS
What kind of vendors are you accepting?
We welcome food vendors, alcohol vendors, craft/artisan vendors, pickle-related products, and local businesses.
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
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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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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