Panhandle Watermelon Festival Chipley 2024

The 70th Panhandle Watermelon Festival brings free concerts and family events to Chipley on June 26-27.

Tracy Byrd, Dailey & Vincent, and Ashley Monroe headline the two-day event at Jim Trawick Park. Gates open at 5 p.m. Friday, with the first concert at 6 p.m. Attendees should bring lawn chairs and blankets.

Saturday features a pancake breakfast, 5K Hot Trot race, and Watermelon Parade beginning in the morning. The day includes a classic car show, arts and crafts vendors, food stands, and a Big Watermelon Auction. Grace & Grit performs at the Washington County Agricultural Center at 10:45 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Byrd scored multiple number-one hits in the 1990s, including "Watermelon Crawl." Dailey & Vincent have won three Grammy Awards and multiple International Bluegrass Music Association honors. Monroe has released four studio albums and earned Grammy nominations.

The festival, which began in 1956 as a harvest celebration, now draws visitors from across the Florida Panhandle. Volunteers and sponsors run the event.

For schedules and vendor information, visit www.panhandlewatermelon.com or check the festival's Facebook and Instagram accounts.