Richmond, Virginia, pays tribute to summer with its annual Watermelon Festival. The state's largest day-long festival, it attracts 115,000 people each year with food, music and shopping fun. Carytown, a trendy mile-long district running through midtown Richmond, plays host to the August celebration. Anticipate free admission to the family and pet-friendly street festival.
Before You Go
- Pay heed to a few tips before heading to Carytown to ensure a fun-filled festival experience. To avoid Richmond's steamy summer weather from taking a toll on the body and spirit, wear walking shoes and appropriate clothing. Pack water to keep you, your party and pets well hydrated. Plan to stop at one of the misting tents throughout the day for a quick cool down. Remember to slap on the sunscreen and wear a hat for sun protection. Finally, come hungry to enjoy the selection of festival foods.
Getting Around
- All the music, feeding and shopping action takes place along Cary Street in the heart of the Carytown district. Watermelon Festival stages are located at each of the six intersections from Nansemond Street to Colonial Avenue. The main performance stage sits at the Colonial Avenue intersection. Multiple watermelon booths serving generous helpings of the honored fruit, and the Kids Zone, also sit along Cary Street. Vendor booths line the center of the thoroughfare allowing the throng of people to flow at an unhurried pace. Restrooms are centrally located at McCloy Street for nature's call.
Activities
- Watermelon Festival is an event for the senses. It salutes the giant fruit with 3,000 melons sliced and served to festival participants. More than 20 food vendors dish out local taste sensations and world cuisine. As many as 60 musicians fill the air with a variety of tunes creating a lively backdrop for festival activities. Youngsters let loose at Kids Zone, a play area unmatched in size by any East Coast festival. Kid entertainment includes bouncies, games and mazes. Watermelon Festival stands out as a shopping extravaganza with more than 100 exhibitors and Carytown's eclectic array of shops, boutiques and restaurants offering festival deals.
More Fun
- Carytown's signature Watermelon Festival is one of several events the district contributes to Richmond's recreation and entertainment calendar. Spring event highlights include the Craft Beer Festival, a showcase for Virginia brews, and Chalk Up the Town, an event dedicated to sidewalk art. Summer kicks off when local merchants present Carytown's annual daylong Sidewalk Sale and the Carytown 10K race. The Taste of Carytown Restaurant Week marks the September calendar with an invitation to experience district dining at its best.
