Celebrating 35 Years!

Get Ready for a Day of Seed Spittin’, Celebratin’ and Small-Town Fun!

The Hempstead Watermelon Festival is two days of festivities in honor of the crop that made our town famous! Join us July 18-19, 2025 for a family-friendly event that’s got something for absolutely everyone. It’s toe-tappin’ entertainment and awesome eats. It’s antique cars and old-time parades. It’s can’t-miss shopping, games for the kiddos and all sorts of other fun to boot. (In other words, it’s somethin’ you won’t wanna miss!)

Schedule:

Saturday, July 19, 2025

6:00 AM: Vendor Set Up - 12th Street

9:00 AM: Food/Arts & Crafts - 12th Street & Bremond St

9:15 AM: Parade - FM 159 to FM 1887

9:15 AM: Carnival Opens - 11th Street

10:00 AM: Quilt Show - Bldg North Side of Citizens

10:00 AM: Car Show - 12th Street

10:45 AM: WMF Opening Ceremonies - Clarke Gazebo Park

11:00 AM: WMF Queen Coronation - Clarke Gazebo Park

12:00 PM: Live Band - Cole Annoot - Clarke Gazebo Park

1:00 PM: Car Show Awards - 12th Street

1:30 PM: Watermelon Games - Bremond Street Behind the City Hall

4:00 PM: Watermelon Auction and Quilt Auction - Clarke Gazebo Park

5:00 PM: BBQ Cook-Off Awards - Clarke Gazebo Park

7:00 PM: Concert & Street Dance with Nigel Edison Band In front of Citizens Restaurant

9:00 PM: Raffle Drawing - In front of Citizens Restaurant

9:00 PM: Concert & Street Dance with The Spicolis In front of Citizens Restaurant