WINTERVILLE, N.C. (WITN) – The longtime Winterville Watermelon Festival is fast approaching, celebrating its 39th year.
The multi-day event features activities the whole family can enjoy. You can hear local and nationally known music acts throughout the event.
One of the biggest events of the festival is the Watermelon Parade through town and of course, the watermelon-eating contest is always a favorite.
There will be carnival rides, games, a flea market, and commercial vendors set up through the festival grounds.
Food vendors serve both watermelon treats and classic fair food such as funnel cakes, turkey legs, and corn dogs.
This year’s Watermelon Jam headliner is Grand Funk Railroad!
The Winterville Watermelon Festival begins on Thursday, August 22nd through Sunday the 25th.
What to expect:
THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
- 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Amusement Rides Only – Wristbands Available for $25 – Chick-fil-A of Winterville only food vendor (no craft vendors)
- 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Cruise-In Car Show @ Festival Site (Division Street)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23 – OPENING NIGHT
- 6:00 pm – Opening Ceremony by Winterville Chamber of Commerce and Winterville Town Council
- 6:00 pm – Amusement Rides & Vendors Open
- 5-7 pm – *Air-conditioned* Bingo at the Ruritan Building
- (Free Entry) Performances by:
- 6:30pm – Ashley LaRue Band
- 8:30pm – The Earth Wind & Fire Tribute Band – Let’s Groove Tonight
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
- 8:00 am – Vendors and Craft Show Open
- 8:00 am – Veterans’ Breakfast with Guest Speaker: Retired Army Colonel Elbert T. Buck Jr.
- 10:00 am – Veterans’ Appreciation Parade Sponsored by Pitt Community College
- 11:00 am – Amusement Rides Open
- 12:00 pm – Watermelon Eating Contest at the Amphitheater Stage
- 5-7 pm – *Air-conditioned* Bingo at the Ruritan Building
- (Paid Entry) Watermelon Jam:
- 5:00pm – Concert Gates & Beer Garden Open
- 6:00pm – Bryan Mayer
- 7:30pm – Maggie Baugh
- 9:00pm – Grand Funk Railroad
- 10:00pm – Beer Garden Closes
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
Wristband Day – $25
- 1:00pm – Vendors & Amusement Rides Open
- 1:00pm – Bounce Houses Open
- (Free) Performances at the Amphitheater Stage:
- 1:00pm – Brian Burke
- 2:00pm – Protown BMX
- 3:00pm – Noah Cobb
- 4:00pm – Protown BMX
For more information on the festival and to buy tickets, click here.
WITN is a proud sponsor of the Winterville Watermelon Festival.