Watermelon Festival
Join us in Vincennes, IN for a juicy celebration of Knox County's thriving watermelon industry! The 2025 Watermelon Festival returns Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2 - featuring two full days of summertime fun, including delicious fair food, live music, arts & crafts vendors, and more.
A big thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Sparklight!
Vendors
The Watermelon Festival is home to a variety of vendors, ranging from delicious fair foods, children's toys, unique clothing, and more!
The 2025 Vendor Application is now available! We are very excited to welcome returning and new vendors to our festival. Vendor applications are due in the Chamber office by July 18th, 2025.
Pageants
About the Pageants
We're thrilled to welcome back the Watermelon Pageant as part of this year's festival! The pageant will feature three age categories:
- Baby/Toddler: Ages 0-4 years
- Tiny/Teen: Ages 5-15 years
- Queen Pageant: Ages 16-18 years
Pageant Details:
- Entry Fee: $30 per child - includes a commemorative t-shirt (distributed during Saturday check-in).
- There will be an opportunity to attend a rehearsal for all Tiny/Teen & Queen contestants on Wednesday, July 30th at 6 PM at Patrick Henry Square (weather permitting).
Pageant Schedule:
- Baby/Toddler Pageant:
- Begins at 10:00 AM
- Festival Stage (Check-in to the left of the stage; 15-20 minutes early)
- Tiny/Teen & Queen Pageants:
- Begin at 3:00 PM
- Festival Stage (Check-in to left of the stage; arrive 15-20 minutes early)
Lace up your running shoes and join us for the Watermelon Festival 5K Run/Walk - a fun, family-friendly event welcoming runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels!
Whether you're chasing a personal best or enjoying a casual morning stroll with friends, this 5K is the perfect blend of fitness, fun, and community spirit.
The Route:
Take in the beauty of historic downtown Vincennes as you make your way through scenic streets, past charming landmarks, and finish in the heart of the Watermelon Festival on Main Street. It’s a refreshing and picturesque way to start your festival day!
Registration Details:
- Cost: $30
- Start Time: 8:00 AM ET, Saturday, August 2nd
- Location: Patrick Henry Square, Vincennes IN
- Start at Patrick Henry Square and end in the 200 block of Main Street
- Pre-registration will be available soon, but day-of registration is also available!
- Please note: T-shirts and finisher medals are not guaranteed for day-of registrants
Event Highlights:
- Best Dressed Costume Contest - Get creative with your watermelon-themed outfits or gather your group for a fun costume twist!
- Finish Line Festivities, Sponsored by Sarah's Family Footwear - Celebrate your accomplishments with refreshments, awards, and juicy slices of watermelon.
- Festival Activities - Stick around after the race for a full day of Watermelon Festival Fun!
Antique Tractor Show: Sponsored by Organ Battery & Electric Co.
Bring out the whole family for a day full of fun at the Knox County Watermelon Festival, and don't miss the Antique Tractor Show - FREE to participate in and open to ALL tractor enthusiasts!
Tractor Participant Info:
- Unloading Location: Main Street between 1st & 2nd Street
- Tractors must be in place by 10:00 AM ET
- Register: Call the Knox County Chamber of Commerce Office
- (812) 882-6440
- Trailer Parking: Rendezvous Grounds, 301 Willow Street, Vincennes, IN)
- If your tractor is drivable, please plan to drive it from the Rendezvous Grounds to the show site
About the Festival
Celebrating the huge watermelon industry in Knox County with some summertime fun - the Watermelon Festival is traditionally held on the first full weekend in August. This event boasts with fair food favorites, live music, pageants, and of course, watermelon!
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors!
