Festival Features BBQ Cook-Off, Classic Car Show, and Downtown Celebration

MOUNT OLIVE, N.C. — The aroma of slow-cooked pork barbecue will once again fill the streets of downtown Mount Olive as the community prepares for the fifth annual Pickles, Pigs & Swigs festival, scheduled for November 7-8.

The two-day event kicks off Friday evening with an N.C. Pork Council-sanctioned whole hog barbecue cook-off, followed by a full day of festivities on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New Additions for 2025

This year’s festival introduces a classic car show organized by the Southeastern North Carolina Chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America (AACA), with vehicles on display throughout the day.

“Having the car show adds a whole new dimension to the day,” said Julie Beck, president of the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce and member of the organizing committee. “The hours of the festival Saturday work really well with the timing for the car show, and we are dill-lighted to have them join us.”

The Mt. Olive Pickle Parlor, which opened to the public in June, will also welcome visitors on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Festival Highlights

Saturday’s festivities will include live music, craft beer from R&R Brewing, complimentary Mt. Olive Pickles, local vendors, and rides on the Pickle Train. The event offers families and friends a chance to enjoy authentic North Carolina barbecue culture in a festive downtown setting.

BBQ Competition Details

The Friday night barbecue competition begins at 6 p.m. in the Mount Olive Town Hall parking lot, with prize money totaling $2,100. First place takes home $1,200, second place receives $600, and third place earns $300.

Last year’s winners were Kevin Peterson of Showtimes Legit BBQ (first place), David Murray of Fired Up BBQ (second place), and Timmy Turner of Country Boyz Grilling (third place).

While cook team applications close October 17, organizers are still accepting sponsors and vendors for the event.

Supporting Downtown Revitalization

Proceeds from Pickles, Pigs & Swigs benefit the Mount Olive Community Development Corporation’s downtown revitalization efforts. In late 2023, the CDC established a five-year Downtown Strategic Plan with four active action teams working under the Community Round Table’s guidance.

Recent CDC-funded improvements include potted plants, benches, American flags, and pole banners throughout downtown. The organization also sponsored the second annual Downtown Block Party in August, drawing over 250 University of Mount Olive students and community members.

Other initiatives include an artist-in-residence program, a new UMO Trojan mural, and façade grants helping business owners improve their storefronts.

“Progress has been slow but steady, and it’s gratifying to see how far we’ve come,” said Melissa Kilpatrick, who works in Community Relations for Mt. Olive Pickle Company and serves on the organizing committee.

Community Celebration

For Beck and the organizing committee, the festival represents more than just food and entertainment—it’s about bringing people together to support and celebrate downtown Mount Olive.

“The underlying purpose of Pickles, Pigs & Swigs is to support downtown, and we hope that people will come enjoy a beautiful fall day with family and friends,” Beck said.

For more information about sponsorship opportunities or vendor applications, contact the Mount Olive Area Chamber of Commerce at 919-658-3113 or visit www.picklespigsswigs.com.