KNOX COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The annual Knox County Watermelon Festival has announced the dates and activities schedule for the 2023 summer event.
The event will take place Friday, August 4, and Saturday, August 5 in Vincennes at the historic Patrick Henry Square.
Fair-goers can expect a variety of activities including live music, food vendors, and other fun activities.
The schedule for the 2023 Knox County Watermelon Festival is below:
- Friday, August 4:
- 5:00 p.m. | Vendor booths open
- 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Buck Rogers Clark free concert
- 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | Outdoor beer garden
- 7:00 p.m. | Watermelon eating contest
- Saturday, August 5:
- 8:00 a.m. | Watermelon festival 5K Walk/Run
- The route takes runners on a beautiful glimpse of historical Vincennes, finishing at the Watermelon Festival grounds. Awards will be presented to top performers in all age groups.
- 9:00 a.m. | Vendor booths open
- 9:00 a.m. | Antique tractor show
- Free to participate — tractor unloading will be on Main Street between 1st & 2nd Street. Please have tractors placed by 10:00 a.m. at the latest. Trailer parking will be at the Rendezvous Grounds, located at 301 Willow Street. Please drive your tractor from the Rendezvous grounds if it is able.
- 10:00 a.m. | Kids Fun Zone opens
- 10:00 a.m. | Baby/Toddler, Tiny/Teen, and Queen Pageant
- The pageant fee is $30/child. This includes a t-shirt they will receive on Saturday when they check-in.
- The Tiny/Teen and Queen contestants will have a rehearsal on Wednesday, August 2nd at 6:00 p.m. at Patrick Henry Square with Pageant Director, Elizabeth Hardin.
- Please arrive 15-20 minutes early to get checked in
- 12:30 p.m. | Seed spitting contest
- 1:00 p.m. | Knox Co. Variety Show
- 8:00 a.m. | Watermelon festival 5K Walk/Run
For more details, information, or how to get involved with the various activities, vending opportunities, and contests happening at the festival, check out the Knox County Watermelon Festival website.



