California Watermelon Festivals

There's nothing more American than apple pie, but watermelon comes a close second. Watermelon Eating Contests are totally low tech, old-fashioned fun this 4th of July for kids and adults who can compete for eating watermelon the fastest or spitting seeds the longest distance. Some contests even involve rolling the watermelon with your feet to see who can move it the fastest, as shown in an old photo circa 1912 taken in Turlock, California. More & more melons are seedless so event planners must scout out the seed melons for their competitions. Youngsters and adults alike can dive in and chomp their way through the bright red, sweet & juicy food. You can even host your own family & friends contest, too! Just be sure that you wash the watermelon thoroughly in hot water before cutting and using, and if it is a seed spitting contest, make sure you buy seed melons –only 15% of melons contain seeds as consumers prefer seedless these days!

MANTECA: The Manteca Watermelon Street Fair June 6-7, 2026, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Manteca and
Library Park, 320 W. Center St.
Manteca, CA
manteca.org/watermelonstreetfair/
Held downtown and in several parks, the event features a two-day line up of bands and concerts, watermelon eating contests, Watermelon Margaritas, relays, 275+ vendors, 40+ food trucks, beer garden and car show. Watermelon Eating Contests at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. for ages 3-18 years. Plus Watermelon Relay Race!
Concerts: (held in Wilson Park, 224 W. Center St.)
Over 40,000 people every year to celebrate with food, music, vendors, and activities. For over 29 years, the Faire has helped bring the community together in a massive celebration, which in addition to serving our residents and guests, helps generate thousands of dollars in revenue for the City and local businesses.

LAKE VIEW TERRACE: Watermelon Festival June 7-8, 2025, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | 2026 to be determined

Hansen Dam Soccer Park Complex
11480 Foothill Blvd.
Lake View Terrace, CA
Tickets: watermelonfest.org
Parking is free and free watermelon slices all day

CHICO: Slice of Chico July 11, 2026, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
downtownchico.net
Downtown Chico, between 1st & 9th Streets Free Downtown Chico's merchants invite the community downtown for a day filled with great shopping, hot prices and FREE slices of ice-cold watermelon. Known throughout the community as a summertime tradition, Slice of Chico draws thousands into downtown for some refreshment and good, old-fashioned customer service! Known throughout the community as a summertime tradition, Slice of Chico draws thousands into downtown for some refreshment and good, old-fashioned customer service! Early Birds shop Friday too! Held the second Friday-Saturday in July.

• Free watermelon slices
• Specials and bargains
• Restaurants offer watermelon-themed menu items
• Radio station promotions

TURLOCK: Turlock Melon Carnival September 20-21, 2025 | 2026 tba
Main & Center Streets,
Turlock, CA
Free admission, turlockmeloncarnival.com
Miss Melon Pageant, festivities, live music, a watermelon eating contest, cornhole tournament and line dancing.

DEL MAR: San Diego County Fair 
Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest  at The Farm inside Fairgrounds
sdfair.com

 

Events are not guaranteed. It is your responsibility to confirm before going.