Lawn chairs will once again line the grounds at Palmetto Pickle on May 16 as the Palmetto Pickle Music Festival returns with a familiar mix of country music, local vendors and small-town fellowship.
This year’s event, set for 5 to 11 p.m. in New Zion, will feature multi-platinum 90s country group BlackHawk as the headliner, alongside performances from Taylor Richardson and The RJR Band featuring Jay Johnson, Aaron Rodgers and Brian Robinson.
For organizers Hunter and Dee Johnson, the festival has evolved far beyond what they originally imagined when it began as a way to kick off the busy season at the cucumber shed.
“Truthfully, we started this as a kickoff to our busy season at the cucumber shed, but it has grown to much more than that,” Johnson said.
Now entering another year, Pickle Fest has become one of those events many residents circle on the calendar early — a chance to spend an evening outdoors listening to live music and spending time with family and friends.
“It’s a local gathering where friends, families and neighbors come together to enjoy music, food and fellowship,” Johnson said.
The return of BlackHawk is expected to be one of the festival’s biggest draws. Known for hits including “Goodbye Says It All” and “Every Once in a While,” the group previously performed at Pickle Fest when the event was still much smaller.
“We had multiple requests for them to return from people who had no clue they were there, as well as the ones who attended,” Johnson said. “BlackHawk — and I don’t just mean the lead singers, but the entire group as a whole — was so easy to work with. Overall, they’re amazing.”
She said bringing nationally recognized acts to the New Zion area still feels exciting, especially knowing many residents may not always have the opportunity to travel to larger cities for concerts.
“Events like this bring a concert to us at home,” Johnson said.
That hometown atmosphere is something organizers have worked hard to protect as the event has continued to expand. Most attendees arrive with lawn chairs and settle in for the evening, moving between music, vendors and conversations with friends.
Supporting local businesses also remains one of the most important parts of the event. Johnson said sponsors, vendors and many of the people who help behind the scenes all have ties to the county.
“The festival gives local vendors and businesses an opportunity to connect with visitors, promote their businesses and be part of something that we feel brings positive attention to the area,” she said.
For Johnson, one of the most rewarding parts of the festival is simply watching the crowd have fun.
“We actually enjoy meeting new people and even the work of putting it on,” she said. “Seeing people of all ages having fun is the best part.”
The festival also maintains a strong focus on keeping the event family friendly. Organizers said they work closely with security and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for fighting, disturbances and inappropriate behavior.
“We want everyone to have a good time,” Johnson said. “It’s an event where memories are made.”
General admission tickets are $40 online and $50 at the gate. Gates open at 5 p.m. Chairs and blankets are welcome, though outside food, drinks, coolers and tents are prohibited. Food and beverage vendors will be on site.
The event will be held rain or shine.
The 2026 Palmetto Pickle Music Festival is presented by Carolina Eastern, Palmetto Pickle and Gielow Pickle with support from local sponsors and businesses throughout the community.
