RUSSELLVILLE, Ala. — The Franklin County Watermelon Festival takes place this weekend, August 16-17, in Russellville, the "Watermelon Capital of Alabama." Held every third weekend in August, the festival promises two days of live music, contests, and family-friendly activities, along with plenty of sweet watermelon.
Friday, August 16:
- 6 p.m.: Festival opens
- 6:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremony at the Main Stage
- 7 p.m.: Live music by Tremayne
- 8:30 p.m.: Performance by LOVER: An Eras Tour Experience
Saturday, August 17:
- 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Car & Truck Show
- 7:30 a.m.: Watermelon 5K Run (1 Mile Fun Run immediately following)
- 10 a.m: Festival resumes
- 10 a.m. – noon: Character Guests at Valley State Bank
- 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.: Watermelon Contests at Russellville First Baptist Church Park
- 6 p.m.: Rewind of the Shoals
- 7 p.m.: Live music by Austin Bohannon
- 8:30 p.m.: Performance by Colin Stough
- 10 p.m.: Festival ends
The Franklin County Watermelon Festival, a tradition since 1981, will also feature arts and crafts vendors, festival foods, and free watermelon slices. Attendees can enjoy the Watermelon Pageant Queens presentation and watch the 2024 Watermelon Festival Queen cut the first watermelon and present contest awards.
