Nothing sounds more refreshing than biting into a slice of cold, juicy watermelon on a hot summer day, and the folks in Luling, TX certainly agree. Luling has been hosting the Watermelon Thump since 1954 where thousands come to enjoy this annual Texas tradition honoring the wonderful watermelon. This four-day festival includes a carnival, parade, concerts, a classic car show, food vendors, beer garden and children’s entertainment. There are seed-spitting and melon eating contests, an auction of the top melons, and an arts and crafts exhibit, too.
All of this exciting watermelon-themed fun takes place from Thursday, June 22 through Sunday, June 25 about an hour south of Austin in the town of Luling.
Admission: It’s FREE for kids ages 12 & under, FREE on Thursday and Sunday, but there is a $5 gate charge on Friday and Saturday (only after 2 p.m.). If you choose to see the concerts, tickets are an additional $15 on Friday and $25 on Saturday. Or you can choose to buy a ticket that covers both days of concerts for $35. Tickets sales support the Luling Watermelon Thump Association is nonprofit organization that raises funds for local scholarships, fellow nonprofits as well as local agricultural producers. You can click here to purchase tickets.
Music Line-up:
- Thursday, June 22 — Texas Unlimited Band
- Friday, June 23 — Mike Ryan, Hayes Carll
- Saturday, June 24 — Copper Chief, Ronnie Milsap, Diamond Rio
- Sunday, June 25 — Lance Lipinsky & the Lovers, Darrell Mccall
Schedule: With SO much happening at this four-day festival, it’s best to check the details on the Luling Watermelon Thump website for the scoop. You’ll find the schedule of events broken out by day:
- Thursday, gates open at 5:30 p.m.
- Friday, gates open at 5:30 p.m.
- Saturday, parade at 10 a.m., gates open at 11 a.m.
- Sunday, car show starts at 10 a.m., gates open at 1 p.m.
For much more info, please visit the Luling Watermelon Thump website or Facebook page.
Have you been before? Have tips to share or favorite parts of this festival to tell us about? Let us know in the comments below.
