About the Festival

A little history…

Celebrating Community, Tradition, and the World’s Sweetest Watermelons

Rooted in tradition and bursting with hometown pride, the Cave City Watermelon Festival has been a beloved celebration since 1980. What began as a one-day event—the Cave City Watermelon Parade, organized by the local Chamber of Commerce to promote our famously sweet watermelons, has blossomed into a three-day summer festival that brings thousands of visitors to the heart of Cave City, Arkansas.

From that very first dry summer when Herschel Runsick proudly grew melons for the inaugural parade, to today’s bustling event filled with live music, vendors, car shows, contests, and family fun, the spirit of the festival has remained the same: to honor the hardworking farmers of our region and share the sweetness of Cave City with the world.

Each July, our community comes together—not just to celebrate our iconic melons—but to showcase the charm, hospitality, and heritage that make Cave City special. The festival has become a cornerstone of our local identity and a symbol of what small towns can do when people work together. It’s more than just a summer tradition—it’s a testament to the values we hold dear: family, faith, hard work, and hometown pride.

Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, we welcome you to come and experience the Cave City Watermelon Festival—a tradition that grows sweeter every year.