California Watermelon Festival

Welcome to the California Watermelon Festival, an annual vibrant celebration fostering a sense of togetherness and creating memorable summer delights for the community.

The California Watermelon Festival started in the early '60s in Sunland-Tujunga Park, CA. At that time, it was called the "Lions Club" Sunland-Tujunga Watermelon Festival. It was hosted there until the park became too small for the event. Eventually, management moved it to the Pasadena Rose Bowl one year and Santa Anita Park another year. Ultimately, the event was relocated to Hansen Dam Soccer Fields, which offered a cooler and more centralized location accessible from Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles County.

At this time, leadership shifted and the festival was renamed the "California Watermelon Festival." The new objective was to create the most creative festival using a "Watermelon Theme" with food, games, and visuals.

For the last 4 years, the festival's creative team has brought memorable experiences that no other festival has attempted. Some ideas were inspired by "Watermelon Ski," Live Graffiti Art, Unique watermelon dishes served by our food vendors, and massive visual art. However, the tradition of serving free watermelon (all-you-can-eat watermelon) will always be the staple of the festival.

Our watermelon is the sweetest you'll ever taste. We carefully worked with a watermelon grower and selected the land to start growing watermelons just in time for the festival. Once the watermelon is ripe, it's cleaned, refrigerated, and transported within 3 days to the festival, where the watermelons are washed, sanitized, cut, and served by the Mission College Culinary department.

We hope you continue to enjoy "A Slice of California" at the California Watermelon Festival.

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT WATERMELON
Immerse yourself in the world of watermelon-inspired gastronomy.
Our pavilion showcases culinary creations that redefine the possibilities of this delicious summer fruit.

CRAZY WATERMELON DISHES

KIDS' ZONE
10:00 AM - WEDGIE: WATERMELON FESTIVAL MASCOTS
10:30 AM - MELONIE: WATERMELON FESTIVAL MASCOTS
11:00 AM - RAPUNZEL'S SINGALONG STORYTIME: RAPUNZEL
11:30 AM - OCEAN TALES: MERMAID PRINCESS
12:00 PM - CASITA DE FIESTA: FAMILY MADIRGAL
12:30 PM - KIDS' WATERMELON EATING CONTEST: WATERMELON QUEEN
1:00 PM - RAPUNZEL'S SINGALONG STORYTIME: RAPUNZEL
1:30 PM - OCEAN TALES: MERMAID PRINCESS
2:00 PM - CASITA DE FIESTA: FAMILY MADIRGAL
2:30 PM - WATERMELON ERA: WATERMELON POP PRINCESS
3:00 PM - OCEAN TALES: MERMAID PRINCESS
3:30 PM - KIDS' WATERMELON EATING CONTEST: WATERMELON QUEEN
4:00 PM - RAPUNZEL'S SINGALONG STORYTIME: RAPUNZEL
4:30 PM - WATERMELON ERA: WATERMELON POP PRINCESS
5:00 PM - OCEAN TALES: MERMAID PRINCESS
5:30 PM - WATERMELON ERA: WATERMELON POP PRINCESS
6:00 PM - RAPUNZEL'S SINGALONG STORYTIME: RAPUNZEL
6:30 PM - GLITTER ROCK: WATERMELON FAIRIES
7:00 PM - WATERMELON ERA: WATERMELON POP PRINCESS
7:30 PM - JUICY JAZZ JAM - MELON-CHOLY

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS

The Watermelon Festival Beer Tent is not just a place to enjoy great drinks; it’s a destination for creating unforgettable moments.

Modelo Sandilla PIcante Michelada
Jack Daniels Watermelon Punch
Modelo Aguas Frescas
Pacifico
Modelo
Corona
Corona Light

LIVE BANDS

Main Stage:
1:15-2:45pm: The Moontones
3pm-4:45pm: Module
5-6pm: Hot Rod Trio
6:15PM-7:15PM: Dreaming of You
7:30PM-8:30PM: Past Action Heroes
8:45PM-10:00PM: La Nueva Ola

COSTUME CONTEST at Watermelon Tent
Saturday and Sunday at 2pm
More Prizes! More Winners!

LIVE GRAFFITI ART

WATERMELON CARVING

Experience the artistry of watermelon carving

Where talented craftsmen transform juicy watermelons into stunning works of edible art, delighting visitors with intricate designs and refreshing creativity.

PHOTO OPS

CARNIVAL RIDES

Any 10 Rides for $30
Only available online, prior to the festival. This deal will not be available the weekend of the festival!

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