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Chiefland Watermelon Festival
Small-town summer fun with free watermelon, seed-spitting and a watermelon queen.
About the Chiefland Watermelon Festival
Chiefland’s Watermelon Festival is a decades-old community celebration of the region’s watermelon harvest, complete with free melon, contests and a parade.
It’s small-town Florida at its best: friendly, free and refreshingly simple.
Festival highlights
Seed-spitting contest
Classic summer fun for all ages.
Watermelon queen
A pageant tradition.
Parade
Hometown parade through Chiefland.
What to eat
- Free watermelon slices
- Barbecue and fried fish
- Homemade desserts
Tips for visiting
- Come early for free watermelon.
- Enter the seed-spitting contest.
- Bring sunscreen; it's early summer.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2027 Chiefland Watermelon Festival?
Timing: First Saturday in June. Our current estimate for the next edition is June 5, 2027. Confirm the dates with the organizer before you travel.
Where is the Chiefland Watermelon Festival held?
Chiefland City Park in Chiefland, FL (Levy County, North Central Florida).
Is the Chiefland Watermelon Festival free?
Yes, general admission is free. Free.
What food is served at the Chiefland Watermelon Festival?
Popular items include free watermelon slices; barbecue and fried fish; homemade desserts.
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Florida Food Festival is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Chiefland Watermelon Festival or its organizers. Event details change; please verify dates, hours and prices with the official organizer before you go. Photos are illustrative.