Events

Winston-Dillard Melon Festival Returns With Three Days of Family Activities

The Winston-Dillard Melon Festival returns September 18-20 with a parade, car shows, children’s activities, entertainment, vendors, mud volleyball, a talent show and a free mobile escape room.

The Winston-Dillard Melon Festival will return to Riverbend Park from September 18-20, bringing three days of entertainment, competitions, vendors and family activities to Winston.

This year’s “Watermelon Wonderland” celebration will be open from noon to 9 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.

Festival Activities

Visitors can expect activities throughout the weekend, including:

Live entertainment
Food and craft vendors
Children’s games
Scavenger hunt
Senior bingo
Mud volleyball
Winston-Dillard Melon Festival Parade
Traditional car show
Kids car show
Winston’s Got Talent
Shaky Grounds Cafe Escape Room

The festival committee is still seeking teams for the mud volleyball tournament and performers for Winston’s Got Talent. Questions? Contact the Winston-Dillard Festival Association Facebook page.

Shaky Grounds Cafe Escape Room

A new attraction will bring the Shaky Grounds Cafe Escape Room to the festival. The mobile escape room will be available free to the public Friday and Sunday, giving visitors an opportunity to work together while solving clues and puzzles.

Saturday’s Parade

The Winston-Dillard Melon Festival Parade will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday. Participants can register beginning at 10 a.m. at the Abby’s Legendary Pizza parking lot.

Car Show

The Melon Festival Car Show will take place Saturday at Riverbend Park and is open to vehicles of all years, makes and models.

Registration: 10 a.m. to noon | Saturday
Registration fee: $10
Admission for spectators: Free
Awards presentation: 2:30 p.m.
Car show ends: 3 p.m.

First Kids Car Show

Children ages 3-14 will have a show of their own during the first Melon Festival Kids Car Show. Young participants are encouraged to decorate Power Wheels, pedal cars, bicycles, tricycles and other kid-sized rides.

Registration: 10 a.m. to noon | Saturday
Awards presentation: 2 p.m.
First-, second- and third-place trophies
Special prize for the best Melon Festival-themed ride
Kids car show ends: 3 p.m.

Winston’s Got Talent

Singers, dancers, comedians, magicians and other performers are invited to participate in Winston’s Got Talent. The competition will include age categories, a cash prize and no entry fee.

Show time: 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Location: Riverbend Park stage
Registration: At the festival information booth from Friday through noon Saturday