A Pickle Festival is Coming to Eastern Iowa This Summer

Pickle lovers... this one's for you! This September, the 1st annual Picklebash is coming to the Quad Cities, and the best part is that admission is FREE!

Picklebash 2025

On Saturday, September 20th, the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport will host the first ever Picklebash, a day full of pickle-related fun! The free event will kick off at 11 a.m. and end at 7 p.m.

Before the doors for Picklebash officially open, you can also check out the Back the Blues Car Show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for "a diverse display of classic and modern vehicles."

Picklebash Events

Picklebash will kick off at 11 a.m. with the "In a Pickle Fun Run." The route will take you through the fairgrounds with "several fun beverage stops along the way." The fun run is $25 for adults and $15 for kids. To register in advance, you can call the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds at 563-326-5338.

Also kicking off at 11 a.m. is "Pickle Happy Hour." Attendees will be able to enjoy pickle-infused brews from local breweries like Bent River Brewing Co., Adventurous Brewing, Wake Brewing, and Twin Span Brewing for $2 off until 1 p.m.

There are number of contests and tournaments happening throughout the festival that offer cash prizes, including a pickup pickleball tournament at 1 p.m., a pickle juice chugging contest at 3:30 p.m., a pickle hurling contest at 4 p.m., and a pickle eating contest at 4:30 p.m. And, don't forget to enter your pet in the Animal Costume Parade!

Other activities at Picklebash include live music, a vendor fair with pickle-related products, and a kids' zone with games and inflatables. The event promises to be a "big DILL."

For more information on Picklebash 2025, you can follow the official event page from the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds HERE.

READ MORE: These Are the Best Things I’ve Eaten in Eastern Iowa So Far This Summer [GALLERY]

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