The historic Panhandle Watermelon Festival is celebrating a massive milestone this summer as it returns for its 70th annual event on June 26 and 27.
Friday, June 26: Free Big-Stage Concert
The festivities kick off on Friday night at Jim Trawick Park with a star-studded, FREE county music
concert.
- Gates Open: 5:00 PM (Free activities for children begin)
- Showtime: 6:00 PM
- The Lineup: Country music stars Tracy Byrd, Dailey & Vincent, and Ashley Monroe
Event Note: This is a family-friendly event featuring festival-style seating. Attendees are encouraged to
bring their own lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the evening comfort. - Saturday, June 27: A Full Day of Festival Favorites
The Celebration continues bright and early on Saturday with a jam-packed schedule of community traditions
across Chipley: - Morning Activities: Pancake Breakfast, the 5K Hot Trot, and the traditional Watermelon Parade
- Daytime Attractions: Classic Car Show, arts, crafts, food vendors, and the highly anticipated Big
Watermelon Auction - More Live Music: Head over to the Washington County Agricultural Center for live performances by
Grace & Grit at 10:45 AM and 1:00 PM - Seventy Years of Community Tradition
- For seven decades, the Florida Panhandle has rallied behind this beloved summer staple. The festival’s enduring success is a direct result of dedicated sponsors, tireless volunteers, enthusiastic participants, and the thousands of attendees who support it each year. Seeing families come together to enjoy top-tier entertainment and wholesome activities – completely free of charge – is what makes this tradition so vital to the region.
- Everyone is invited to come out, slice into some fresh watermelon, and support this incredible community milestone.
