Cave City Watermelon Festival in Arkansas + Diamond Rio

While Hope, Arkansas, is home to the largest watermelons, another Arkansas town claims they have the world's sweetest watermelons. Let the debate begin!

Cave City Watermelon Festival: Voted One of Arkansas' Best Festivals

Cave City in the north-central part of the state is gearing up for its annual Watermelon Festival on July 24- 26, 2025. This will mark the 45th year of the festival, which began in 1980, and is considered one of the largest festivals in the region, having been voted as one of Arkansas' Best Festivals.

Devastated By a Tornado But Resilient

Earlier this year, Cave City made major headline news when the small town was devastated by a ferocious tornado in March. The people of Cave City are resilient, and the town is slowly coming back. People who live there were bound and determined not to let this tragedy stop them from having one of their most beloved events of the year.

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This three-day festival is packed with exciting fun and entertainment, including concerts from Marybeth Bryd, a native country singer from Arkansas, Casey Chesnutt, the son of the legendary Mark Chesnutt, and the headliner country hitmakers Diamond Rio. All concerts are FREE, so bring a lawn chair and enjoy some good ol'toe tappin' country music and more!

Cave City Watermelon Festival Events

• Melon Dash 5K Run
• Children's Fishing Derby
• Kids' Activities
• Kiddie Parade in the Park
• Watermelon Parade
• Food Truck Wars
• Car Show
• Pancake Breakfast
• Free Watermelon Feast
• Prize Melon Auction
• Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest
• Watermelon Speed Eating Contest
• Dog Show
• Kiwanis Craft Fair

Free Live Entertainment on the Main Stage

• Souls Harbor Church (July 24)
• Mike Foster and Friends (July 24)
• Cave City’s Sweetest Voice” Talent Competition (July 24)
• Marybeth Byrd Concert (July 25)
• Casey Chesnutt Concert (July 25)
• Cave City’s Sweetest Voice” Winner Performs (July 26)
• Dixon Street Band (July 26)
• Diamond Rio Concert (July 26)

See the complete schedule and times at their website, Cave City Watermelon Festival, or Facebook page.

While you're there, be sure to check out the Crystal River Cave Tours, open for a limited time.  Explore the underground magic of Cave City with a guided tour full of history, mystery, indian relics, and a cool cave with a temperature of 58 degrees. Schedule your tour now by visiting their Facebook page.