Get Ready for a Day of Seed Spittin’, Celebratin’ and Small-Town Fun!

The Hempstead Watermelon Festival is two days of festivities in honor of the crop that made our town famous! Join us July (to be announced) for a family-friendly event that’s got something for absolutely everyone. It’s toe-tappin’ entertainment and awesome eats.

It’s antique cars and old-time parades. It’s can’t-miss shopping, games for the kiddos and all sorts of other fun to boot. (In other words, it’s somethin’ you won’t wanna miss!)

So, mark your calendars July 14 & 15, 2023, gather your buddies and get ready to celebrate BIG! Because you know we love a good party here in Hempstead.

Schedule :

July 13, 2023

12:00pm : Some BBQ Cook-Off Teams May Begin Setting Up FM 1887 - FM 1887

5:00pm : Decorating the Gazebo_ Clarke Gazebo Park - Clarke Gazebo Park

6:00pm : Carnival Opens 11th Street - 11 th Street

July 14, 2023

6:00 PM : Kids BBQ Cook-Off - FM 1887

6:00 PM : Carnival Opens - 11th Street

7:00 PM : Corn Hole Tournament - FM 1887

7:00 PM : Street Dance with Brown Sugar Band - Train Depot at FM 1887

July 15, 2023

6:00  AM :  Vendor Set Up  - 12th Street

9:15  AM :  Parade  - FM 159 to FM 1887

10:00  AM :  Car Show and Quilt Show  - 12th Street

10:45  AM :  WMF Opening Ceremonies  - Clarke Gazebo Park

11:00  AM :  WMF Queen Coronation  - Clarke Gazebo Park

12:15  PM : Bout to Be Western Band  - Clarke Gazebo Park

12:00  PM : Watermelon Games  - Bremond Street Behind the City Hall

1:00  PM :  Car show awards  - 12th Street

4:00  PM :  Watermelon Auction and Quilt Auction  - Clarke Gazebo Park

5:00  PM :  BBQ Cook-Off Awards  - Clarke Gazebo Park

7:30  PM :  Street Dance with the Emotions Band  - Train Depot at FM 1887

9:00  PM :  Raffle Drawing  - Train Depot at FM 1887

Date : July 13, 2023 - July 15, 2023

Location : Various Location

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