Hempstead Watermelon Festival

06/22/2026

06/21/2026

Updated video with new music and more pics. Hempstead Watermelon Festival™ brought to you by the Hempstead Commerce & Civic Association™. July 17-18, 2026. Go to www.HempsteadWatermelonFest.com for more information.

06/19/2026

Hempstead Watermelon Festival™ brought to you by the Hempstead Commerce & Civic Association™. July 17-18, 2026. Go to www.HempsteadWatermelonFest.com for more information.

06/18/2026

Less than 1 month away! Get signed up today. 🍉www.hempsteadwatermelonfest.com/parade-application/

06/17/2026

Did You Know?
Hempstead proudly holds the title of the Watermelon Capital of Texas, thanks to its long history as one of the nation's leading watermelon shipping centers. For generations, the town's rich soil and warm climate helped produce some of the sweetest melons around, making it a summertime destination for watermelon lovers.

But Hempstead isn't the only Texas town with watermelon pride. Knox City is known as the Seedless Watermelon Capital of Texas, while Grapeland has earned a reputation for producing some of the finest melons in East Texas. Luling celebrates the beloved fruit each year with its famous Watermelon Thump festival, complete with seed-spitting contests, live music, and plenty of juicy slices. Meanwhile, Dilley boldly claims to be the Watermelon Capital of the World, a title its residents wear with pride.

From East Texas fields to South Texas farms, watermelons are woven into the state's agricultural heritage. These communities continue to celebrate the fruit through festivals, traditions, and generations of hard-working growers, proving that when it comes to watermelons, everything really is bigger in Texas.

06/14/2026

SCAM Alert!!! Do Not purchase t-shirts, vendor space or BBQ entry fee from anyone that isn't with the Hempstead Commerce & Civic Association. The only online purchases can be made through the website www.HempsteadWatermelonFest.com

If you feel like you have been scammed, please let us know.

The Hempstead Watermelon is two full days of family-friendly fun right here in Hempstead, Texas. Follow the link and make plans to join us. It’s gonna be great!

06/14/2026

Can't wait for this year's parade!!! July 18, 2026!!!

Send a message to learn more

06/14/2026