Frequently Asked Questions
The 2025 Watermelon Pickers’ Fest is located at the Clarke County Ruritan Fairgrounds in beautiful Berryville, Virginia.
- 890 W Main St, Berryville, VA 22611
The first Watermelon Park festival was held in the 1960s along the Shenandoah River. Today, the tradition continues just up the road at the Clarke County Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds give the festival room to grow into a lively, family-friendly village—complete with music, jamming, vendors, food, dancing, and plenty of space to gather.
The name still honors its roots at Watermelon Park, while the fairgrounds carry the spirit forward in a place built for celebration. There may not be melons stacked at every tent, but the spirit of the place lingers in the name, reminding everyone that this festival is a home for music, laughter, and long weekends together for generations.
Tickets are available on Eventbrite. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate.
- Kids 12 and under are free.
- Teens enjoy a half-price discounted rate.
- Advance ticket purchases are cheaper than gate prices.
The Watermelon Pickers’ Fest is a rain-or-shine event. All sales are final.
- There are several covered spaces around the fairgrounds where you can enjoy festival activities or join a jam and get a break from rain or heat.
The Watermelon Pickers’ Fest is a family-friendly event.
- There are kids’ activities and family-friendly workshops that take place throughout the festival.
- The pool at the Chet Hobart Park will open for festival patrons on Saturday, September 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Please use your wisest judgment. We all love our dogs, but part of that love is keeping our furry friends safe and happy.
- Well-behaved dogs are permitted in the camping area ONLY, preferably in an RV with air conditioning. NO dogs are allowed in the performance, workshop, vendor, or kids’ barn areas.
- Dogs must be on a leash and in the care of a responsible adult at all times. DO NOT leave pets unattended at campsites or in vehicles at any time.
- Festival management, at its sole discretion, has the right to require the removal of a dog at any time.
We have plenty of space for tent and RV camping.
- To camp with your car, you need a car camping pass in addition to your festival tickets.
- To bring an RV, you need a large vehicle pass in addition to your festival tickets. PREMIUM RV SPOTS ARE SOLD OUT.
- To enter the festival grounds and set up your campsite early, you need a Wednesday early-entry pass. (You can enter the fairgrounds starting at 9:00 am on Wednesday, September 3.)
- If you will use a generator, let us know at the gate. You should park as directed. Generators should be shut off by 10:00 p.m.
- Showers are available on Friday and Saturday at the Chet Hobart Park located across the street from the fairgrounds.
The fairgrounds turn into a mini village with everything you need to have an awesome time at the fest.
- Sample amazing food from local food vendors, including Sexi Mexi, The Salt Pot Kitchen, and Billy Sous. Plus, the Ruritans will have fair food and ice cream for purchase at the event. Hopscotch Coffee will keep your energy up throughout the festival with delicious cold brew.
- Experience local craft beverages from Wheatland Spring Farm Brewery, Wild Hare Cider, and wine from the Waterford Wine Reserve. NOTE: No outside alcohol is permitted in the performance areas. Please support our local vendors with your alcohol purchases onsite.
- Browse our wide variety of artisans and vendors for that special souvenir.
Practice!
Consider getting started by joining the Watermelon Workshop Music Camp.
Contact us here.
Don’t miss a moment. Get your tickets now!