What started as a sour beer experiment has grown into one of the Greenbrier Valley’s most unexpectedly beloved spring traditions.

Picklefest, the briny, music-filled celebration born at Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, is heading to the West Virginia State Fairgrounds this April for its biggest year yet. If the past few years are any indication, the pickle people are ready.

The first event in 2024 was small and grassroots, but it grew quickly. “We brewed a sour beer here and decided to try a pickle sour,” said Jeff Frizsell, Event Coordinator for Picklefest. “To feature it and release it, we thought, maybe we should do a Picklefest.”

Last year, organizers expanded the music and vendor lineup, eventually capping out the brewery space. That growth led to a new opportunity: moving the festival to the State Fairgrounds. Frizsell and Josh Bennett, President of Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company and Hawk Knob Hard Cider, presented the idea of expanding the festival.

“The State Fair seemed like a perfect partner,” Frizsell said. “Bringing the festival there while keeping it a Greenbrier Valley event just made sense.”

A Festival on the Rise and the Party Kicks Off Friday Night

This year’s Picklefest will feature live music all day Saturday and Sunday, rooted in Americana and bluegrass, as the festival continues its fast climb toward becoming a must-attend spring tradition. Saturday night’s headliner is Volume 5, an IBMA Bluegrass Award-winning band.

“I’m really excited that Lewisburg gets to experience that,” Frizsell said.

Sunday highlights include mandolin standout Chandler Beavers, touring Nashville band The Los Swamp Monsters, and local favorite Richard Hefner.

But the music doesn’t wait for the weekend crowds.

The celebration kicks off Friday night with a high-energy pre-party at Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company, where “Appalachian born and raised power trio” Cheat Mountain Riders open the evening before festival favorite PANTS takes the stage. It’s part concert, part reunion, and the official debut of the brewery’s new Pickle Pale Ale.

“We want Picklefest to be the premier bluegrass festival in West Virginia,” Frizsell said.

Pickles, Vendors, and Plenty to Sip

The pickle contest returns Saturday with expanded categories. Turn-in begins at 10 a.m., with winners announced at 5 p.m. before the headliner takes the stage.

Vendor participation has nearly doubled, with approximately 45 vendors expected, including around 10 dedicated pickle vendors. Festivalgoers will find food vendors, craft vendors, family activities, and a dedicated beer area featuring Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company’s pickle beers. The brewery will debut its Pickle Pale Ale during Friday night’s pre-party. Drinks will also include offerings from Hawk Knob Hard Cider and the Smooth Ambler Whiskey Wagon.

A Festival for Everyone

While pickles may be the hook, community is the heart.

“After a long winter, Picklefest is a chance for everyone to celebrate spring and share the pickles they’ve been saving all year,” Frizsell said.

Festivalgoers span all ages. Kids 12 and under receive free admission, and a dedicated kid zone with inflatables and treats keeps younger attendees entertained.

Tickets are intentionally affordable. Advance two-day passes are $12 and include access to the Friday pre-party. Single-day pre-sale tickets are $5. Prices increase slightly closer to the event. Tickets can be purchased at https://events.statefairofwv.com/wv-picklefest/.

Serious Pickle Culture

Picklefest has grown well beyond novelty status.

“People show up in pickle shirts and hats. There’s a real culture among pickle fans,” Frizsell said.

Though Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company produces a wide range of craft beers, it was the pickle sour that sparked something bigger than anyone expected.

“All these fabulous beers, and it’s the pickle sour that’s really growing,” Frizsell said.

Looking ahead, organizers hope to continue expanding at the State Fairgrounds, possibly even adding an additional day depending on response.

“State Fair is a great partner. Bringing the festival there and keeping it a Greenbrier Valley event is exciting for us,” Frizsell said.

At its core, Picklefest is about joy.

“I just hope everyone takes away a good family day, a little of something for everybody, and a little joy from gathering together, getting out of the cold, and having a good time,” Frizsell said.

Picklefest 2026 will take place Saturday and Sunday, April 25–26, at the West Virginia State Fairgrounds, with the pre-party held Friday evening, April 24, at Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company.

So dig out that pickle-themed T-shirt, bring your best brine, and get ready for a weekend of music, flavor, and full-on pickle pride.