2026 The Big Pickle
The Big Pickle is back and better than ever!
Our fourth annual pickleball tournament will be held on Friday, March 6, 2026, at The Picklr Austin West. Join us at one of Austin’s newest premier pickleball venues for a day of pickleball play, friendly competition, delicious food and drinks, amazing raffle prizes, and more!
When: Friday, March 6, 2026
Where: The Picklr Austin West (8201 N FM 620 Rd, Ste 130)
Co-Chairs: Lauren Smith Ford & Staley Moore
From January 14 until January 26, you can take advantage of early bird registration for the tournament. Capacity is limited, so act fast! You won’t want to miss the fun and action. Read below for more details about tournament registration and information.
THANK YOU TO OUR TOURNAMENT LEADERSHIP
Co-Chairs
Lauren Smith Ford ● Staley Moore
Host Committee
Shelby & Ben Barnes ● Mollie & Graham Brown ● Sarah Cain ● Anne & Cameron Campbell ● Anne Currie ● Marnie Duncan ● Rebecca Feferman ● Anna Margaret Hollyman & Michael Fojtasek ● Bennett Ford ● Genny Hill ● Chrissy & Jay Kleberg ● Whitney & Zach Knight ● Kelly Krause ● Claire Money ● Aly & James Page ● Audrey Pang ● Leslie Pitts ● Elizabeth Shands ● Jessica Sherrets ● Caroline Smith ● Margo Tate ● Sarah & William Teten ● Kate Waitzkin ● Jennifer Welch ● Margaret & Matt Williams ● Missy & Jack Zinda
Sponsorships still available. Contact Michelle Monroe at mmonroe@friendsaustin.org to explore opportunities.
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
Each tournament registration includes entry and tournament play for one team (two players), two Big Pickle swag bags, and access to complimentary meals, snacks, beverages, and on-site surprises.
A spectator ticket includes entry for one guest, Big Pickle swag, and access to complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages.
Teams who enter the tournament are guaranteed three games, with additional games for teams that advance. Tournament start times are listed below, but players and spectators are welcome to stay all day and enjoy the event beyond their play time.
You do not need to have your partner finalized at the time of registration.
Tournament Division Start Times
10:00 am - Women's Intermediate
11:30 am - Women's Beginner
1:30 pm - Mixed Beginner & Mixed Intermediate
4:00 pm - Social
If you choose to play in more than one division, please ensure you register under the Multiple Divisions tickets section (located at the bottom of the ticket form).
Tournament Divisions: Level Description
Beginner
Intended for players with limited pickleball experience who are looking to play in tournament-style competitions. Participants in this division may play a few times a year. Skills for this level should include familiarity with keeping score, the ability to serve, and basic capacity for a short rally. Available for women's and mixed teams.
Intermediate
Intended for players with moderate pickleball experience who play, on average, a few times per month, or more. Skills for this level should include the ability to volley and control shots, such as dinks (soft shots aimed at the opponent’s kitchen area), the ability to hit forehand and backhand with direction, and a more robust understanding of rules for play. Available for women's and mixed teams.
Social
Intended for those who want to have fun playing or learning pickleball without a strict focus on tournament-style competition. Some players in this division may be picking up a paddle for the first time or learning basic rules and techniques.
The Social division is also open to players who compete earlier in the day and want to enjoy a more relaxed round of play. All levels are welcome, beverage in hand optional. Available for women's, men's, and mixed teams.
Register today to secure your spot for The Big Pickle!
To learn more about how to support The Big Pickle, including sponsorship opportunities, follow the link below.