by This year marks the 44th Annual Franklin County Watermelon Festival, taking place on Friday and Saturday, August 15–16, 2025, in downtown Russellville on Jackson Avenue.
Where to Visit
The festival unfolds along Jackson Avenue in downtown Russellville, Alabama, known as the “Watermelon Capital of Alabama.”
Timings
- Friday, August 15: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 16: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Admission & Special Arrangements
- Admission is free for both days.
- Festival includes free watermelon slices distributed at specified times.
- Food, crafts, and vendor booths available. Merchandise like branded T-shirts and caps are sold through the Chamber office before the festival.
Event Line‑Up
Friday, August 15
- 6:00 p.m. – Festival opens
- 6:30 p.m. – Opening ceremony featuring the cutting of the first watermelon and National Anthem performed by Kim Clonts
- 7:00 p.m. – Live performance by Music City Misfits
- 8:30 p.m. – Live music by Austin Bohannon
Saturday, August 16
- 7:00 a.m. – Car & truck show begins (runs until 2:00 p.m.)
- 7:30 a.m. – Watermelon 5K race begins with 1‑mile fun run immediately following
- 10:00 a.m. – Festival reopens; character guests and children’s programming held until noon
- 11:00 a.m. – Watermelon contests in the park (registration at 10 a.m., judging around 11, winners at noon)
- 5:30 p.m. – Free watermelon distribution beside the main stage
- Evening entertainment:
- 6:00 p.m. – The Midnighters
- 7:00 p.m. – Dixie Mafia
- 8:30 p.m. – Will Moseley
- Festival ends at 10:00 p.m.
Contest & Activities
- Watermelon contests include categories such as largest (in and out of county), most unusual, best tasting, best dressed, and a seed‑spitting contest
- Car & truck show features over 100 vehicles on display
- Children’s activities include character guests, games, vendor booths, and arts & crafts
- Live music and pageant ceremonies anchor evening programming
Race Details
Registration fees are $25 for the 5K and $20 for the fun run (includes T‑shirt); awards for top runners in age divisions are presented after the race
The 5K run and 1‑mile fun run begin on Saturday at 7:30 a.m., with registration starting at 6:00 a.m.
