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If summer in Mississippi had an official celebration, it just might be the Mississippi Watermelon Festival in Mize!
Known as the Watermelon Capital of Mississippi, the small town of Mize comes alive each July as thousands of visitors gather for two days of family fun, outstanding entertainment, delicious food, and, of course, plenty of sweet Smith County watermelon. The 48th Annual Mississippi Watermelon Festival will be held Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18, in downtown Mize.
Smith County has earned a statewide reputation for producing some of the sweetest, juiciest watermelons in Mississippi. The festival celebrates not only the area’s rich agricultural heritage but also the hardworking growers whose crops have made Smith County famous for generations.
Festival gates open Friday at 3:30 p.m. with activities continuing until 10:00 p.m. Saturday’s festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day until 10:00 p.m.
Headlining this year’s festival is Frank Foster, who will perform Saturday evening at 8:00 p.m. Friday night’s entertainment features Jones & Pine at 6:00 p.m., followed by 18 Miles from 9:00 p.m. until midnight.
Visitors will find plenty to enjoy throughout the weekend, including arts and crafts vendors, food vendors serving festival favorites, children’s games, the popular Jeep Show & Shine, a Car, Truck & Bike Show, and the annual 5K Run/Walk. There’s truly something for every member of the family.
One of the festival’s most beloved traditions is the FREE watermelon available throughout the event. Nothing says summertime quite like enjoying a cold slice of Smith County watermelon while visiting with friends and neighbors.
Adding to the excitement this year is Laney Powell, who proudly serves as the 2026 Mississippi Watermelon Queen. Throughout the year, Laney has represented the festival and the community of Mize at events across Mississippi, serving as an ambassador for one of the state’s sweetest traditions.
The Mississippi Watermelon Festival began as a fundraiser for the Mize Volunteer Fire Department and has grown into one of Mississippi’s premier summer festivals. Today, the event continues to be organized by volunteer firefighters and their families, drawing visitors from across the Magnolia State for a weekend of music, fellowship, hometown hospitality, and celebration.
Whether you’re coming for the live music, classic cars, shopping, family activities, or simply to enjoy some of Mississippi’s finest watermelon, Mize is the place to be July 17-18.
Bring your lawn chair, gather your family and friends, and experience why the Mississippi Watermelon Festival has remained a summertime tradition for nearly five decades. Sweet memories—and sweet watermelon—are waiting in Mize! 🍉
