Monticello Watermelon Festival 2025: A Juicy Slice of Florida Summer Fun

A Slice of Summer: Why You Shouldn’t Miss the 2025 Monticello Watermelon Festival

Summertime in Florida means one thing in Monticello: it’s watermelon season. Each June, this charming North Florida town leans into its agricultural roots to host one of the state’s most beloved traditions—the Monticello Watermelon Festival, now in its 74th year. This year’s festival takes place June 13–14, 2025, and promises a juicy mix of family fun, local flavor, and small-town celebration.

Whether you’re a lifelong Floridian or a curious traveler passing through, the Monticello Watermelon Festival offers a uniquely Southern experience that captures the heart of Florida’s Big Bend region.

🍉 A Sweet Tradition Since 1949

Monticello, nestled in Jefferson County just east of Tallahassee, is known for its rolling farmland and historic downtown. The Watermelon Festival began in 1949 as a way to celebrate the local watermelon harvest—a crop that thrives in the region’s sandy soil and warm sun.

Today, the festival has grown into a full-blown summer bash, drawing thousands of visitors each year to enjoy parades, vendors, contests, and, of course, plenty of watermelon.

🎈 What to Expect in 2025

This year’s festival is jam-packed with activities that blend small-town charm with big-time fun. Here are just a few highlights from the weekend lineup:

• Friday, June 13:
  Kick things off with Bed Races through downtown Monticello—a quirky, crowd-pleasing tradition where teams race decorated beds on wheels for bragging rights. The evening continues with a street dance and live music, letting families unwind as the sun sets on Florida’s rolling countryside.

• Saturday, June 14:
  This is the big day! The Watermelon Parade marches through downtown starting at 10 AM, featuring floats, marching bands, and—you guessed it—giant watermelons.
  After the parade, Jefferson County High School hosts the festival fairgrounds with:

  • Local arts and crafts vendors

  • Food trucks and BBQ stands

  • Classic car displays

  • Kids’ games and bounce houses

  • Watermelon seed spitting and eating contests

  • Free slices of cold, sweet watermelon for all

Whether you’re tossing rings at the watermelon ring toss, browsing handmade goods from local artisans, or just enjoying the laid-back vibe, there’s something for everyone.

👪 A Family-Friendly Celebration

What sets the Monticello Watermelon Festival apart from flashier Florida events is its heartfelt sense of community. This is the kind of place where neighbors catch up on folding chairs, kids run barefoot through fields, and everyone leaves with sticky fingers and a smile.

There’s no theme park ticket required—just sunscreen, a lawn chair, and your love for sweet summer fun.

🚗 Planning Your Visit

Monticello is easily accessible from Tallahassee (just 30 minutes east via I-10) and makes for a perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Parking is available near downtown, and entry to most events is free.

If you’re staying overnight, local bed and breakfasts and boutique inns offer cozy accommodations—just be sure to book early, as rooms tend to fill fast during festival weekend.

🌞 The Heart of Florida Summer

In a state known for its beaches and theme parks, the Monticello Watermelon Festival is a refreshing reminder that Florida’s small towns offer just as much magic. Come for the watermelon, stay for the charm, and leave with memories as sweet as a fresh-cut slice on a hot June day.