Mississippi Watermelon Festival

View on map
Food & DrinkMize
DatesDates TBA · Usually JulyCheck locally before booking
Duration2 daysListed event span
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forRegional food & drinkWhat distinguishes this festival is both its
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: USD
CategoryFood & DrinkFestival type
The story

Mississippi Watermelon Festival in Mize

The Mississippi Watermelon Festival takes over downtown Mize, a small Smith County town, each July weekend for its 48th consecutive year in 2026. Entirely staffed by volunteer firefighters and their families, the festival centers on free watermelon, a biggest-watermelon contest, live country music, a 5K run, and a car, truck, and motorcycle show judged across multiple categories.

In Smith County, Mississippi, watermelon is not just a summer treat but the foundation of a nearly fifty-year civic institution.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

What distinguishes this festival is both its scale relative to Mize's tiny size and its all-volunteer firefighter operation, which has kept the event running for nearly five decades

02

The mystery stays covered

Unlike a produce market or roadside stand, the festival treats watermelon as a full civic celebration, crowning a Mississippi Watermelon Queen, running a biggest-watermelon contest, and giving away free watermelon to eat throughout the weekend

03

The city starts moving

It layers in a genuine automotive show with awards for top cars, trucks, motorcycles, best pre-1949 vehicle, and best race car or project rat rod, plus a Friday-night Jeep show and shine, alongside a timed 5K run and live concerts from touring country acts, making it far more multi-event than its produce-themed name suggests

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Signature traditions include the biggest-watermelon contest

Water and renewal

Living ritual

the crowning of the Mississippi Watermelon Queen

The sacred route

Living ritual

and free watermelon distributed throughout the weekend for anyone to eat

The local code

Living ritual

and motorcycle show carries its own set of named awards -- Best of Show

Tradition 5

Living ritual

Best Pre-1949

Tradition 6

Living ritual

and Best Race Car and Project-Rat Rod among them -- and a separate Friday-night Jeep show and shine adds a dedicated off-road vehicle tradition

Tradition 7

Living ritual

The festival's defining institutional tradition is that it is organized and run entirely by local volunteer firefighters and their families rather than a paid events staff

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually July

Getting around

For Mississippi Watermelon Festival, plan transport around the exact Mize venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.

What to wear

Light, breathable summer clothing is essential given Mississippi's hot and humid mid-July weather, along with comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking downtown streets and the show-vehicle...

Safety

Use normal food-market caution, hydrate, and leave time between crowded stalls.

Where to stay

For Mississippi Watermelon Festival, stay near the part of Mize you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Tickets/cost

Entry may be free while tastings, meals, or special tables are paid locally.

Language/currency

USD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map31.87 N, 89.56 WOpen in Google Maps

Mize, MS

Nearest airportPIB — Hattiesburg Laurel Regional
TransportFor Mississippi Watermelon Festival, plan transport around the exact Mize venue, route or gathering point rather than the city name alone.
Stay areaFor Mississippi Watermelon Festival, stay near the part of Mize you will actually use, with reliable return transport.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Mize via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Mize, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for July.Compare faresFestival gearLight, breathable summer clothing is essential given Mississippi's hot and humid mid-July weather, along with comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking downtown streets and the show-vehicle display areas. A hat and sunglasses help for daytime hours, and sunscreen is worth reapplying given full outdoor sun exposure with little shade downtown.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for United States and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Mississippi Watermelon Festival?

Mississippi Watermelon Festival is listed for Past edition: 18–19 July 2025. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Mississippi Watermelon Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Mize, United States. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

2 days is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Mize, MS

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLmswatermelonfestival.com
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually July
Source statusOfficial source linked
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