CAVE CITY, Ark. — The Cave City Watermelon Festival is back for its 45th year, running from Thursday, July 24, to Saturday, July 26, at City Park. Here’s a detailed schedule of events for this beloved celebration of “The World’s Sweetest Watermelons,” packed with family-friendly activities, live music, and plenty of melons.
Thursday, July 24
- 5:30 p.m.: Kiddie Parade
Kids ages 12 and under can decorate their bikes, tricycles, scooters, or wagons and parade through the park, kicking off the festival with a burst of creativity. - 6:00 p.m. – Dark: Rides and Games
Johnson’s Rides & Concessions sets up family-friendly attractions, while 501 Family Entertainment offers GellyBall fun. The Royale Party Bus opens for video gaming. - 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Live Music on The Bank of Cave City Main Stage
The evening features free performances starting with a local family band, followed by a Southern rock group, and wrapping up with the “Cave City’s Sweetest Voice” Talent Competition.
Friday, July 25
- 8:00 a.m.: Kids’ Fishing Derby
Young anglers can cast their lines in a fun-filled derby at the park’s pond. - 9:00 a.m.: Wiffle Ball Tournament
Teams across multiple age groups compete in a lighthearted tournament. - 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Free Kids’ Activities
Bounce houses, waterslides, and a mobile video game unit keep the little ones entertained. - 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Food Truck Wars
Food vendors battle it out in the park, serving festival treats. Attendees can vote for their favorite, with the winner earning a free setup spot for the next festival. - 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Community Demonstrations
The Sharp and Independence County Extension Services, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, and Ozark Folk Center Craft Guild host live demonstrations. - 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Live Music on The Bank of Cave City Main Stage
The night kicks off with a Beatles tribute, followed by an ‘80s hits cover band, and closes with an Alabama tribute performance.
Saturday, July 26
- 7:00 a.m.: Melon Dash 5K and Cave City Melon Grind
Runners hit the streets for the classic 5K, while cyclists tackle a 13-mile gravel bike ride. - 9:00 a.m.: Watermelon Judging Contests
Growers compete for top honors in categories like size and sweetness, followed by a free watermelon feast for all attendees. - 10:00 a.m.: Car Show
Vintage and custom cars line up for display and judging in the park. - 12:00 p.m.: Prize Melon Auction
A charity auction benefitting Arkansas Children’s Hospital features the festival’s finest melons. - 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Speed-Eating and Seed-Spitting Contests
Festivalgoers test their skills in these watermelon-themed challenges. - 3:00 p.m.: Kids’ Wet Zone
Waterslides and splash zones offer a cool escape for children. - 5:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.: Live Music on The Bank of Cave City Main Stage
The festival closes with performances by a local opener, a regional country act, and a headlining country star, likely delivering hits reminiscent of past crowd-pleasers like “Watermelon Crawl.”
The Cave City Watermelon Festival remains free to attend, thanks to sponsors like the City of Cave City and the Batesville Advertising and Promotion Commission. For updates or vendor inquiries, contact Andrea at 870-283-2840 or visit the festival’s website.
