Hi there! Today we are going to take a dive into Watermelon Wonderland.

 

 

Each year, on the second Saturday of August, thousands gather in Rush Springs, Oklahoma, to celebrate watermelon. This year, the 79th Annual Watermelon Festival takes place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Jeff Davis Park.

 

 

In fact, over 20,000 visitors attend annually, and more than 50,000 pounds of watermelon are served. Because this is the “Watermelon Capital of the World,” you can expect a festive, family-first atmosphere.

 

 

Without further ado, lets jump into the article!

 

 

For more information on the Watermelon Festival, check out this link.

 

 

And for those who missed Thursday’s article, you can find it right here.

 

 

 

 

 

Watermelon Wonderland: A Rush Springs Tradition

 

 

 

In August 2024, I took my wife Dawna, daughter Maddy, and sister Tina to the Rush Springs Watermelon Festival. We had a blast enjoying juicy watermelon, carnival rides, face painting, and live music. Because it was such a fun, memorable experience, we’re already planning to return in 2025. So, with that being said, I will share my experience and give you some insight on what to expect.

 

 

 

 

 

Event Schedule and Festival Hours

 

 

 

To begin, runners kick off the day bright and early with a 10k at 7:00 AM. Then, the 5k starts at 7:15 AM—both taking place at Jeff Davis Park. Shortly after, vendor booths, food trucks, and carnival rides open around 9:00 AM.

 

Next, the official opening ceremonies are held at 9:00 AM on the main stage. Throughout the day, there’s live music, contests, shopping, and entertainment. At 4:00 PM, the popular Free Watermelon Feed begins, followed by the watermelon auction and final musical performance. Typically, the event wraps up around 6:00 PM.

 

 

 

Family-Friendly Activities for Everyone

 

 

 

 

Whether you’re coming with kids or adults, there’s something for everyone to enjoy:

• Watermelon seed‑spitting contests (multiple age groups)
• Classic car show with vintage and restored vehicles
• Carnival rides and midway-style games
• Face painting, inflatables, and photo booths for families
• Over 100 local arts and crafts vendors
• Live music and stage entertainment throughout the park
• Food vendors offering watermelon treats, lemonade, BBQ, and funnel cakes
• Watermelon-themed contests, raffles, and giveaways
• The famous free watermelon feed with fresh-cut slices

Without a doubt, you won’t run out of things to do or eat. This is Watermelon Wonderland after all.

 

 

 

 

Last August, we arrived early and parked with ease, thanks to shuttle services and festival staff. Maddy went straight to the face painting booth and left with a butterfly on her cheek. Meanwhile, Dawna and Tina browsed the vendor tents and found unique handmade jewelry. Later, we all rode the Ferris wheel, grabbed cold lemonade, and entered the seed‑spitting contest just for fun.

 

Of course, the highlight was relaxing under shade trees with a plate of fresh-cut watermelon. Luckily for us, we caught good weather that wasn’t offensive as far as heat goes. That might be a different story this time around!

 

 

 

 

How to Get There

From Tulsa:

• Take US-51 West to I-44 West
• Exit for US-81 South toward Chickasha and Rush Springs
• Continue on US-81 into town, then turn east on Main Street
• Follow signs to Jeff Davis Park

From Oklahoma City:

• Take I-35 South to US-62 West in Chickasha
• Turn south on US-81 toward Rush Springs
• Enter town, then turn east onto Main Street
• Proceed to Jeff Davis Park, the heart of the event

Parking lots are available nearby with golf cart shuttles for easy access.

 

 

The Abbott Farm

 

 

My good friend from high school Josh Abbott, has a knack of growing wonderful watermelons. We go all the way back to our Newcastle days, and him and his family have a great reputation that contributes to this event each year.

 

Everyone in his family chips in every summer and they bring a few trailers with them. They are hands down the best watermelons I’ve had.

 

Last year, I didn’t get a chance to catch up with Josh, but I did with his Dad Danny Abbott. I hope to catch Josh this year and buy a few from him.

 

They have a huge following on Facebook, and you can find them searching Abbott Farm.

 

 

 

 

Tips for a Smooth Festival Day

 

 

First, bring cash, as not all vendors accept cards. Next, pack sunscreen, a hat, and water. Also, arrive early to avoid traffic and claim a shaded picnic spot. If possible, wear comfy shoes—you’ll be walking a lot. Additionally, bring a stroller or wagon for young kids. Before you go, check the official schedule for updates or weather alerts.

 

Most importantly, bring your appetite and sense of adventure for this watermelon wonderland.

 

 

Festival Quick Guide: What You Need to Know

 

• Event: 79th Rush Springs Watermelon Festival
• Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
• Time: 7:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Location: Jeff Davis Park, Rush Springs, Oklahoma
• Main Attractions:
  • 10k and 5k Watermelon Run
  • Free watermelon feed at 4:00 PM
  • Seed-spitting contests and live music
  • Carnival rides, food, and shopping
• Directions:
  • From Tulsa via I-44 to US-81
  • From OKC via I-35 to US-81
• What to Bring: Cash, sunscreen, walking shoes, hat, and refillable water bottles

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

And that will wrap things up for today.

In conclusion, Rush Springs knows how to throw a watermelon party. Our family’s experience was packed with fun, laughter, great food, and hometown charm. Moreover, it felt like stepping into a slice of Americana, where tradition meets summer joy. We’re excited to return this year and create more memories together.

If you love fresh food, family time, and unique events, this is the perfect Oklahoma summer festival.

Don’t miss it—we’ll see you there under the shade trees, watermelon slice in hand. After all, they don’t call this watermelon wonderland for nothing!

 

 

 

 

 

 

-CT