Events at this location

July 18-19, 2025 – Hempstead Watermelon Festival – Get ready for a slice of summer fun at the 35th Annual Hempstead Watermelon Festival, happening July 18–19, 2025, in downtown Hempstead, Texas. This beloved community tradition celebrates the town’s rich agricultural heritage with a weekend full of family-friendly activities. Festivities kick off on Friday evening with a free street dance featuring live music, setting the stage for a vibrant weekend. Saturday’s lineup includes a lively parade, BBQ cook-offs, a quilt show, carnival rides, and the ever-popular watermelon eating and seed-spitting contests. Don’t miss the watermelon auction, where you can bid on the juiciest melons in town. With delicious food, local vendors, and plenty of entertainment, the Hempstead Watermelon Festival is a summertime event you won’t want to miss. Learn More