HERMISTON, Ore.-Melon Fest, a celebration of that quintessential summer staple, the famous Hermiston watermelon, is Saturday, August 22.
The family-friendly event from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. in downtown Hermiston will feature music, vendors, games and competitions, and, of course, lots of watermelon.
“There’s nothing quite like a Hermiston watermelon, and Melon Fest is the perfect celebration for what makes life so sweet in Hermiston,” said Brandon Artz, Hermiston Parks and Recreation Director.
Local farmers will be highlighted with truckloads of watermelon on display at Melon Fest, with free slices available all day.
The first Melon Fest was held in 2019, and the celebration of all things watermelon has quickly become a summer tradition in Hermiston.
“Melon Fest continues to grow every year, and this year will be our biggest year yet, with more vendors than we have ever had,” said Judy Currin-Pederson, a Hermiston Downtown District Board Member and one of the organizers of Melon Fest. “We hope everyone comes downtown to enjoy a sweet taste of Hermiston and celebrate our amazing agricultural community.”
New additions to Melon Fest this year include a live watermelon carving demonstration by professional celebrity carver Roger Pope, of Boardman, as well as more kids activities, and an expanded car show.
The full day of events gets underway with a Rotary breakfast, and includes an FFA animal showcase, face painting, a watermelon costume contest, live music, a watermelon eating contest, seed-spitting contest, an obstacle course, Bucky the bull, a bouncy house, cornhole tournament, and bathtub races, always a Melon Fest favorite.
Teams of three, comprised of two pushers and a driver, compete in the bathtub races down Festival Street, with prizes awarded for first place and for the best dressed team.
Organized by the City of Hermiston and the Hermiston Downtown District, volunteers and sponsors help make a community celebration like Melon Fest possible.
“Many hands make light work, so having the help and more importantly, the ideas of making each year bigger and better than the last is crucial to making Melon Fest a success year after year,” said Artz.
This year, Good Shepherd Health Care System (GSHCS) is serving as the title sponsor of Melon Fest with representatives attending the event and community resources available. GSHCS will also bring a money machine to the event, where participants will have the opportunity to win gift certificate prizes.
“This event would not be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers and sponsors,” said Currin-Pederson. “We are especially honored that Good Shepherd Health Care System has contributed to Melon Fest as our Title Sponsor.”
Melon Fest 2026
- Rotary Breakfast and music on Festival Street: 8 a.m.
- Industry Dance Company: 9 a.m.
- Watermelon Costume Contest: 10:30 a.m.
- Music by Musically Unstable: 11 a.m.
- Watermelon Eating Contest and Seed Spitting Contest: 11:30 a.m.
- Bathtub Races: 1 p.m.
Contest sign-ups and vendor information for Melon Fest are available online.
“The draw of this event is wide-reaching, and the ultimate goal is to celebrate our local industry of amazing watermelons and the entire community that supports them,” said Artz.
