Watermelon Days Festival

Welcome to the Watermelon Capital of the WORLD!

The Watermelon Days Festival, the oldest festival in Georgia, is held annually in June and includes events for the whole family.

The Watermelon Days Festival offers over thirty activities, with something for everyone, during the celebration of our favorite fruit, which has made us so famous. We hold the festival to honor the farmers, growers, brokers, and buyers because our watermelon industry is a tremendous economic engine for our community.

Our title “Watermelon Capital of the World” was challenged in the early ’90s by Hope, Arkansas, and Hempstead, Texas. The competition was tough, but Cordele-Crisp County proved that we truly have the best melons anywhere in the WORLD and proudly retained our title. Our melons were deemed as the crispest, juiciest, and sweetest. This is due to the hot, dry nights and the type of soil in Crisp County. Over 200 million pounds of melons are grown and shipped from our community each year. 

We hope you will come and check out our CRISP slice of life!

The 2026 Festival will be on June 20, 2026

2025 Watermelon Queens

2026 Vendor Applications

Arts & Crafts Vendor Application

Food Vendor Application

LOCATION: 2459-H Us Hwy 280 W / Cordele GA 31015

Set up begins at 7:00 a.m. Tables, chairs, or canopies will NOT be provided, so please remember to bring your own.

For directions, go to www.lakeblackshearresort.com.

For more information please call 229-276-1004

Watermelon Festival Parade

June 20th, 2026

8:30 am

Lineup will be at 7:30 a.m. at South Gate Shopping Center.

The parade route will begin at the corner of 6th Street & 15th Avenue and travel East on 15th Ave ending at Owens St.

The parade begins at 8:30 a.m.

ENTRY FORM DEADLINE IS JUNE 13TH.  NO EXCEPTIONS!!

All entries except “Government Agencies” (Sheriff, Police, Fire Dept.) must submit a fee of $20.00 with the application.

Call 229-273-1668 for more information.

Schedule of Events will be published in 2026