Published: April 1, 2025
Bursting with family fun and sweetness, the South Florida Watermelon Festival has something for everyone. On Saturday and Sunday, April 12th and 13th South County Regional Park in Boca Raton will be filled with carnival rides, shows and loads of activities. But of course… center stage: the watermelon. And if the red-ripened juicy fruit isn’t your favorite already, it might be by the end of the weekend. This is your chance to savor the flavor like never before.
Local chefs and vendors will craft flavorful drinks and dishes – from sweet to savory – ranging anywhere from small carnival treats to hearty meals. And, if scarfing it down is more your speed, there will be watermelon eating contests scheduled throughout the event where you can get your fill. There will be plenty of entertainment for the family, too. Don’t miss the Pork Chop Revue Pig Show, featuring the talents of Oink the singing pig, and his comical crew which includes a charming llama, playful pups and pint-sized piglets.
And if the kiddoes enjoy carnival rides, there will be a bunch like the Berry-Go-Round, Giant Fun Slide, Water Bumper Boats and the Scrambler. There will also be inflatable bounce houses, obstacle courses and slides for the kids to jump around, climb up and burn some energy on. For a unique experience, festival-goers can step into the Balloon Bubble House, a giant inflatable dome filled with floating balloons where kids can imagine and play.
Check the website for a full schedule of rides, shows and activities.
If you go:
What: South Florida Watermelon Festival
When: Saturday & Sunday, April 12 & 13
Where: South County Regional Park, 12551 Glades Rd., Boca Raton
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Cost: $28 (adult or child) for all-inclusive
one-day admission. Ticket includes unlimited rides, inflatables and shows. Kids ages two and under are free. *Food, watermelon, shopping and game trailers for an extra charge.
Parking: Free. VIP parking is also available for $10 next to the festival.
