Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dates of the Winterville Watermelon Festival?

August 27–30, 2026

What are the festival hours?

Thursday: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Hours are subject to change.

Do I have to pay to attend the festival?

No. Festival admission is free.

You can attend, browse vendors, and enjoy most entertainment at no charge. Certain elements require payment, such as:

  • Amusement rides
  • Food and beverages
  • Vendor purchases
  • Saturday night Watermelon Jam concert

Do all concerts require tickets?

No. Only the Saturday night Watermelon Jam requires tickets.

All other entertainment throughout the festival is free to attend.

Where do I buy Watermelon Jam tickets?

Tickets are available online only through links on the official festival website.

  • General Admission tickets may be purchased at the gate on Saturday for $5 more
  • Pit Passes are sold online only and are NOT available at the gate
  • We cannot guarantee tickets purchased through third-party sellers or social media.

For full details, please visit the Concert Information Page.

How early should I line up for the Saturday night concert?

Concert gates open at 5:00 PM.

Seating in General Admission areas is first come, first served, so we recommend arriving early if you want to secure your preferred seating location.

Can I drink alcohol at the festival?

Alcohol is only available inside the Saturday night concert area.

  • No outside alcohol is allowed.
  • Alcohol purchased inside the concert area must remain inside the concert area.
  • Beer garden hours are Saturday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

This privilege depends on responsible behavior from attendees.

Can I bring coolers, skateboards, or pets?

For the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, the following items are not allowed inside festival or concert areas:

  • Coolers
  • Outside food or drinks
  • Pets (service animals only)
  • Video equipment or recording devices
  • Laser pointers
  • Drugs or contraband
  • Skateboards, bikes, or skates
  • Weapons or knives
  • Kites or frisbees

The Festival Committee reserves the right to remove any prohibited items or guests violating policies.

If it rains, can I bring an umbrella into the concert area?

No. Umbrellas are not allowed in the concert area.

Please bring:

  • Poncho
  • Rain jacket
  • Appropriate rain gear

Is there handicap-accessible viewing at the concert?

Yes. A designated accessible viewing area is available at the Saturday night concert.

  • This area is wheelchair accessible and offers improved visibility compared to General Admission.
  • The Pit Area remains in front of the accessible viewing area.
  • Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
  • The area is reserved for Guests with Disabilities and one companion.

Is handicap parking available?

Yes. A limited number of handicap parking spaces are available beside A.G. Cox School off Sylvania Street.

Parking is first come, first served.

Can I smoke at the concert?

No. Smoking is not permitted in the concert area.

Can I get autographs from entertainers?

Each entertainer has their own policies regarding fan interaction.

Some may offer autograph opportunities, but the Festival cannot guarantee availability.

Will there be food and drinks available?

Yes. A variety of food and beverage vendors will be available throughout the festival.

How can I perform or entertain at the festival?

To be considered for future entertainment opportunities:

  • Visit the Contact tab on our website and email the Entertainment Contact
    OR
  • Mail information to:
    P.O. Box 805
    Winterville, NC 28590

I will be traveling from outside the area. Where can I stay?

For hotel accommodations in the area, visit:

www.visitgreenvillenc.com

Where can I park during the festival?

Limited parking is available near the festival site, primarily along Church Street (where legal).

Additional parking options:

  • A.G. Cox School Athletic Complex
    • $10 parking fee
    • Benefits A.G. Cox Athletic Department
    • Closest lot to the concert area
    • Access via Blount Street

Is there a shuttle service?

Festival volunteers operate golf cart shuttles around the festival area to assist attendees.

  • Shuttle rides are free
  • Shuttles cannot be scheduled or called
  • Priority is given to handicap-accessible needs

Some residents may offer paid rides independently. These are not operated by festival volunteers.

How can I become a vendor?

Vendor space is limited, especially for food vendors.

To apply:

  • Food Vendors: Submit the Food Vendor Application
  • Commercial or Non-Profit Vendors: Submit the Commercial Vendor Application

Please visit the Vendor page for more information.

What does it cost to ride the amusement rides?

  • Ride tickets cost $1.00 each
  • Most rides require 3–5 tickets

Thursday and Sunday are Wristband Days

  • Wristbands cost $25
  • Unlimited rides for the day purchased
  • Wristbands are valid only on the day purchased

Is there anything else I should know about the concert?

Yes — please visit the Concert Information Page for full rules, seating information, and prohibited items.