Atkins Picklefest
Got a free weekend in May for RV travel and a passion for pickles? Don’t miss the family-friendly Atkins Pickle Festival in Atkins, Arkansas.
Event information
What is the Atkins Picklefest?
The Atkins Picklefest, officially known as the Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival, celebrates Atkins's unique place in Arkansas history as home to the Goldsmith Pickle Company. In 1945, local residents raised funds to help establish a pickle plant that sustained the town's economy for over five decades, processing cucumbers from hundreds of local farms and earning Atkins the title "Pickle Capital of Arkansas."
When the plant closed in 2002, the community's annual celebration continued—a testament to the lasting bonds formed during those productive years. The festival features pickle-eating and pickle juice-drinking competitions that draw competitors from across the region, alongside traditional small-town fair attractions like tractor pulls, a parade led by local dignitaries, and a rodeo. Multiple stages host live music throughout the weekend, from emerging local artists to established acts, while over 100 artisan vendors showcase handcrafted goods from woodworking to jewelry.
Families enjoy petting zoos, pony rides, games, and dedicated children's activity areas. The atmosphere blends nostalgia with celebration—honoring blue-collar heritage while creating new memories. Fried pickles, a culinary creation attributed to the Atkins area, take center stage among the food vendors.
For RV travelers planning your Picklefest adventure, explore Little Rock RV rentals about an hour southeast, or discover Russellville RV rentals just 15 miles northwest for the closest pickup location.
When and Where is the Atkins Picklefest Held?
Dates: Third weekend of May annually
Location: Downtown Atkins, Northeast 1st Street at North Church Street, Atkins, AR 72823
Hours: Friday 12:00 PM-10:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM-10:00 PM
Attendance: 10,000+ visitors annually
The festival runs along streets parallel to East Main Street in downtown Atkins, creating a pedestrian-friendly festival zone.
Tickets
How Much Does the Atkins Picklefest Cost?
Admission to the Atkins Picklefest is free, making it accessible for families and budget-conscious travelers. Individual activity fees apply for certain attractions like carnival rides, games, and specialty food vendors. Competitions typically have nominal entry fees ranging from $5-$20, with prizes awarded to winners.
Parking in downtown Atkins is free, though spaces fill quickly during peak festival hours. For updated information on specific competition entry fees and vendor pricing, check the official Atkins city website or contact the People for a Better Atkins committee.
Explore Atkins Picklefest RV Rentals
Transportation
Driving
Atkins sits directly on Interstate 40, making navigation straightforward from any direction. The festival location in downtown Atkins is easily accessible via Exit 94 (Highway 105). From I-40, take Highway 105 south approximately one mile to reach the festival streets around Northeast 1st Street.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation's IDrive Arkansas app or calling 511 provides real-time road conditions, construction updates, and traffic alerts for Pope County and surrounding areas.
Parking areas
Downtown Atkins offers street parking and several small public lots near the festival zone, but these spaces fill rapidly after 10 AM on festival days. Local businesses sometimes open their parking areas to festival visitors, though RVs typically exceed dimensional restrictions for these lots.
If day parking proves challenging, consider parking your RV at your campground and using a tow vehicle, or arriving early Friday to secure a spot before peak crowds.
Public Transportation
Atkins's small-town size means limited public transportation infrastructure. Most visitors drive personal vehicles or use ride-sharing services. If you're staying at an RV park 30-60 minutes away, plan to drive into town or coordinate ride shares with fellow campers.
Where to stay
Onsite
No on-site RV camping is available at the Atkins Picklefest, as the festival takes place on downtown streets and public areas. The compact festival footprint and urban location make RV accommodation impossible within the immediate event area.
Nearby
Arkansas River Valley's reputation as an RV-friendly destination means abundant camping options within reasonable driving distance of Atkins. The region offers everything from full-service RV resorts to rustic state park campgrounds.
Within 30 minutes:
Woolly Hollow State Park (23 miles east, 30 minutes) ranks among Arkansas's most picturesque state parks, offering 30 premium Class AAA campsites with full hookups (water, sewer, 50-amp electric) accommodating RVs up to 60 feet. Nestled in the Ozark foothills, the park features Lake Bennett for swimming and fishing, historic Woolly Cabin tours, and excellent hiking trails. Reservations available up to one year in advance—book early for May weekends.
Lake Dardanelle State Park (15 miles northwest near Russellville) sits on the massive 34,000-acre Lake Dardanelle reservoir. The Russellville Campground offers modern facilities, full hookups, and boat ramps, while the Dardanelle Campground provides 18 sites with water and electric in a more secluded setting. Both campgrounds welcome pets year-round and feature nearby fishing opportunities for largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie.
Within 60 minutes:
Cove Lake Recreation Area (45 miles west near Paris) envelops a 160-acre mountain lake near Mount Magazine, Arkansas's highest point. This Ozark National Forest campground provides a peaceful mountain setting with hiking, fishing, and stunning scenic views.
Little Rock/Jct. I-40 KOA (60 miles southeast) offers a full-service private campground option with amenities including swimming pool, fitness center, Wi-Fi, cable TV, fishing access to the Arkansas River, and an ice cream parlor. Maximum RV length 70 feet with full hookups available.
For comprehensive listings of campgrounds throughout the region, explore Arkansas RV parks and campgrounds.
Booking Tips:
- State park campgrounds fill quickly for May weekends—reserve 2-3 months ahead
- Private RV resorts in Russellville offer amenities like Wi-Fi and laundry
- Many campgrounds operate first-come, first-served for primitive sites
- Weekly rates are available at most private parks for extended stays
Getting around
Once parked at your campground, plan to drive into downtown Atkins for the festival. The downtown area spans approximately 4-5 walkable blocks, with the festival concentrated along one main corridor. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, as you'll spend most of the day on your feet exploring vendor booths and attractions.
The festival takes place on asphalt and gravel surfaces, making wheelchair and stroller navigation manageable. However, crowd density can make maneuvering challenging during peak hours (Saturday afternoon).
What to pack
Clothing
Late May in central Arkansas typically brings warm, sunny weather with daytime temperatures in the mid-80s °F and pleasant evenings cooling to the low 60s. Pack:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (shorts, t-shirts, sundresses)
- Comfortable walking shoes with good support (you'll cover miles!)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Light jacket or sweater for evening campsite comfort
- Extra change of clothes in your RV (Arkansas weather can surprise)
Festival dress is casual—save the formal attire for other occasions. Many attendees wear pickle-themed shirts or vintage Atkins Pickle Company apparel.
Gear
- Sunscreen (Arkansas sun is strong, even in May)
- Reusable water bottle (hydration is key)
- Cash and credit cards (some small vendors prefer cash)
- Lightweight backpack or crossbody bag
- Portable phone charger
- Camera to capture festival memories
- Small cooler with ice packs for drinks (leave in vehicle)
Health & Safety
May weather in Atkins generally cooperates, but afternoon thunderstorms occasionally develop. Monitor local weather forecasts and have a rain plan. Stay hydrated throughout the day—water stations are available, but bring your own bottle to minimize waste.
Festival organizers maintain first aid stations and security presence throughout the event. For medical emergencies, Arkansas River Valley Regional Medical Center in Russellville is 20 minutes away.
Where to eat
Cooking
Most RV parks near Atkins allow outdoor cooking with portable grills (check individual campground regulations regarding open fires during dry conditions). Your RV's kitchen provides full meal preparation capability—a convenience store sits near downtown Atkins for last-minute grocery needs before heading to your campsite.
Restaurants
Atkins offers several family-friendly dining options along Highway 105 and Main Street, including regional chain restaurants and local favorites. For more diverse culinary experiences, Russellville (20 minutes northwest) features dozens of restaurants serving everything from barbecue to international cuisine.
Little Rock (1 hour southeast) expands options to include upscale dining, brewery scenes, and ethnic food representing numerous cultures.
Vendors
The Picklefest wouldn't be complete without sampling fried pickles—credited as an Atkins invention. Numerous food vendors set up throughout the festival grounds offering:
- Fried dill pickles (a must-try!)
- Pickle-flavored treats (pickle ice cream, pickle lemonade)
- Traditional fair foods (funnel cakes, corn dogs, turkey legs)
- Barbecue and smoked meats
- Fresh lemonade and cold beverages
Most vendors accept cash and credit, though bringing cash ensures faster transactions and supports small vendors.
Safety
Security
Festival organizers coordinate with local law enforcement to maintain safety throughout the event. You'll see uniformed police officers and security personnel throughout the festival grounds. Bag checks may occur at entry points.
Given the friendly, small-town atmosphere, violent incidents are extremely rare. However, keep your valuables secured in your RV rather than carrying them through crowded festival areas.
Weather
May in Arkansas brings generally pleasant conditions, though afternoon thunderstorms can develop. The festival continues rain or shine unless severe weather threatens safety. If thunderstorms approach, seek shelter immediately—Arkansas experiences frequent lightning during spring storms.
Temperature variations between day and night require layers. Morning temperatures in the low 60s warm rapidly to the 80s by afternoon, then cool again after sunset.
Medical
First aid stations operate throughout the festival, staffed by trained medical professionals and EMTs. For serious medical emergencies, Arkansas River Valley Regional Medical Center in Russellville provides full emergency services 20 minutes away.
Pope County EMS responds to emergency calls throughout the festival. Keep any necessary medications in your day bag, and inform festival staff immediately if you require medical assistance.
