If there’s one Arkansas festival you don’t want to miss this summer, it’s the 45th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival, happening July 24–26, 2025. It’s the kind of event where locals call you by name, the music is free, the watermelon is cold and sweet, and the memories stick long after the juice stains fade from your shirt.
So what makes this festival so special? It all starts with melons—but not just any melons. Cave City is home to the “World’s Sweetest Watermelons,” a title earned from generations of family farmers who’ve perfected their growing methods in this unique corner of Arkansas. Families like the Johnsons, Carters, Carpenters, Wilson Farms, and others have been lovingly planting, tending, and harvesting melons here for decades. Their fields aren’t just full of fruit—they’re full of pride, heritage, and hometown hustle.
When the festival rolls into town, it’s a full-blown celebration of these local growers, the fruit of their labor, and the tight-knit community that supports them.
Thursday, July 24 – Local Flavor and Hometown Talent
The fun kicks off in Cave City Park with local vendors, food trucks, and the annual “Sweetest Voice” singing competition, showcasing the vocal chops of area talent. Kids can dress up and ride in the always-adorable Kiddie Parade, complete with wagons, bikes, and plenty of watermelon-themed outfits.
Friday, July 25 – Food, Games, and Live Country Vibes
Friday turns up the action with the Kids’ Fishing Derby, Wiffle Ball Home Run Derby, and an epic Food Truck War—because even die-hard melon lovers need a good taco or fried pie. The Cave City Cruisers Vintage Car Cruise rolls through the park that evening, showing off classic wheels before the music kicks into high gear with performances by Mary Beth Byrd and rising star Casey Chesnutt.
Saturday, July 26 – Parades, Pancakes, and Diamond Rio
The grand finale starts early with the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast and the Melon Dash 5K. Then, it’s time for one of the festival’s most beloved traditions: the Watermelon Parade. Floats, local royalty, vintage tractors, and—of course—those legendary watermelon growers all roll through downtown Cave City in a celebration of community spirit and agricultural pride.
Saturday also features a Dog Show, a massive Classic Car Cruise, and the Watermelon Auction, where the season’s top melons are sold to benefit the local community food pantries. Think of it as a sweet way to give back—literally. And don’t miss your last chance to enter the Watermelon Crawl, a shop-local challenge that can earn you prizes, including a meet-and-greet with Diamond Rio.
Then, as the sun sets, the main stage lights up with The Dixon Street Band, followed by the headliner performance from country legends Diamond Rio. That’s right—a free concert under the Arkansas sky, with sweet melon in hand and your favorite people nearby. What could be better?
Plan Your Visit
Admission to the festival is completely free, including all concerts, games, and watermelon slices. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, there’s always something new to love at the Cave City Watermelon Festival.
Bring your lawn chairs, wear your stretchy pants, and prepare for three days of small-town fun, Southern flavor, and watermelon memories that’ll last all year.
For full event details, visit: www.cavecitywatermelonfestival.com
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.