Winterville Watermelon Festival

The 38th annual Winterville, NC Watermelon Festival is coming up August 24-27th, 2023 and it's going to be bigger and better than ever! This year's festival will feature all of your favorite events, including the watermelon eating contest, the Watermelon Parade, and the Watermelon Jam featuring The Marshall Tucker Band. There will also be carnival rides and games, flea markets and commercial vendors, and a variety of food vendors offering watermelon treats alongside the classic festival snacks! The Winterville Watermelon Festival is a great event for the whole family. It's a fun and festive way to celebrate the end of summer and the delicious homegrown watermelon that Winterville, North Carolina is known for.

If you have any more questions, check out the Watermelon Festival FAQ

Watermelon Festival Kid Eating

Weekend Schedule

On Friday, start off at the Opening Ceremony by the Winterville Chamber of Commerce and Town Council at 6:00pm. Following the opening ceremony there will be carnival rides and live music from Tell Me Lies, A Fleetwood Mac Tribute at 6:30pm, and The Tams at 8:30pm.

On Saturday, expect an action-packed day. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and drink lots of water! Starting at 8:00am, the craft show will open with the Watermelon Festival Veterans Appreciation Parade following at 10:00am. Save room for lunch and enter the Watermelon Eating Competition at 12pm at the Amphitheatre Stage! At 5:00pm, head over to the Watermelon Jam to listen to some awesome music to close out the day! 

On Sunday enjoy your last chance to enjoy the carnival with wristband day! Live music from Trainwreck at 1:00pm, and the I-42 Band at 3:00pm! 

Carnival Schedule

Insider Tip: If you want to beat the crowds, the carnival will be open starting Thursday, August 24th, from 6:00pm-10:00pm, before the official festival opening on Friday! 

Thursday: 6:00pm - 10:00pm

Friday: 6:00pm - 11:00pm

Saturday: 11:00am - 11:00pm

Sundy: 1:00pm - 6:00pm

Wristbands are available for purchase for $25 on Thursday and Sunday.

All Things Watermelon Jam

The Watermelon Jam will be Saturday night from 5:00pm - 11:00pm! Seating is first come, first serve. Lawn chairs are allowed in general admission, there is only standing room in the pit! Make sure to check out the beer garden while inside! 

Gates open at 5:00pm

Still Shakers at 6:00pm

Crawford & Power at 7:30pm

Marshall Tucker Band at 9:00pm

Purchase early bird tickets here, prices will be higher at the gate.

Watermelon Jam Lineup 2023