NC Watermelon Festival

The 2026 North Carolina Watermelon Festival in historic downtown Murfreesboro, NC is a 4-day festival held July 29 – August 1, 2026.  A big Ferris Wheel, rides, craft vendors, local food, live bands each night, fireworks, and free watermelon slices are all part of the fun.  Don't miss the Watermelon Festival Parade at 10 am on Saturday, August 1 and the 5K Watermelon Run.  It is a celebration of our community, Eastern NC people, and all things watermelon.  The festival grounds are held in the Murfreesboro Historic District which dates back to colonial times.  An online historic tour at murfreesboronc.org sponsored by the Murfreesboro Historical Association will give you the history of all of the historic buildings in town or just scan the QR Codes on signs at each location.  Don't miss the Jefcoat Museum of Americana where you are there which is open every weekend in the afternoons on Saturday and Sunday.