Nothing says Texas summer like a juicy slice of watermelon. Sweet, refreshing, and tied to countless small-town traditions, watermelons are more than just a fruit here—they’re a reason to celebrate. If you’ve heard about a “Texas Watermelon Festival,” you might be surprised to learn there’s more than one! From the famous Luling Watermelon Thump to hometown parades in Naples and McDade, these festivals are where Texans gather for food, fun, and a taste of agricultural heritage.
🍉 The Biggest Watermelon Celebrations in Texas
🏆 Luling Watermelon Thump (June)
The Luling Watermelon Thump is the crown jewel of Texas watermelon festivals. Since 1954, this small town between Austin and San Antonio has hosted a four-day event packed with parades, seed-spitting contests, carnival rides, and concerts. The giant melon contest is legendary—farmers show off watermelons that weigh well over 100 pounds. Visitors come from across the state to experience this quirky, joyful festival that put Luling on the map.
🎈 Naples Watermelon Festival (July)
Over in East Texas, the Naples Watermelon Festival brings the community together each July. The celebration includes a parade, beauty pageant, live music, and of course, plenty of sweet watermelon slices. It has the feel of a classic small-town summer get-together, where families spread out on lawn chairs and kids enjoy the rides while neighbors catch up.
🚜 McDade Watermelon Festival (July)
In Central Texas, the McDade Watermelon Festival has been running for nearly 80 years. Alongside watermelon contests, you’ll find a barbecue cookoff, car show, and arts-and-crafts vendors. It’s an old-fashioned community celebration that highlights how watermelons connect farming, food, and family life in Texas.
📍 Other Watermelon Events Across Texas
While Luling, Naples, and McDade are the best-known, a few other Texas towns also host watermelon-themed events—sometimes as stand-alone festivals, other times as part of county fairs. For example, Hempstead has celebrated its watermelon growers in past years, and other small towns sprinkle watermelon contests into their summer lineups. Wherever you go, the spirit is the same: honoring the growers and enjoying one of Texas’s favorite summer crops.
🌱 Why Watermelons Matter in Texas Agriculture
Texas is one of the top three watermelon-producing states in the U.S., with tens of thousands of acres planted each year. The main growing regions stretch from the Rio Grande Valley up through Central and East Texas. Harvest typically runs May through July, lining up perfectly with festival season. For many small farmers, watermelons are a critical summer crop, providing income while also building community pride.
🍽️ Fun Ways to Enjoy Watermelon Beyond the Slice
At festivals, you’ll find plenty of plain slices handed out under the shade of a tent—but Texans know watermelon can be much more:
- Agua fresca: a refreshing blend of watermelon, lime, and mint.
- Summer salads: watermelon with feta and basil is a classic.
- On the grill: light charring brings out unexpected flavor.
- Pickled rinds: a Southern tradition that reduces waste and adds tang to the table.
- Even wine: some Texas wineries experiment with watermelon blends.
🧭 Farm Experiences You Can Try with Delve
Want more than a festival day? You can connect with local farms for hands-on learning and fresh food experiences year-round.