The tiny Texas town of Luling, population somewhere between 5,000 – 6,000 residents – is set to host its 73rd annual Watermelon Thump festival. The historic festival annually draws around 30,000 attendants, featuring four days of with its legendary seed-spitting competitions, melon-eating contests, live music, and more.
History of the Luling Watermelon Thump
Every June, Luling, Texas transforms into the ultimate summertime hotspot for the Luling Watermelon Thump. What started in 1954 as a humble tribute to local agriculture has blossomed into a legendary Texas tradition, drawing over 30,000 visitors annually to the official “Home of the Thump.”
Over the years the festival has garnered national recognition, drawing the attention of high-profile figures including Johnny Carson and Ronald Reagan and has been featured on Jay Leno, Howie Mandell’s show, and the Regis and Kathy Lee Show.
When is the watermelon festival in Luling
Luling Watermelon Thump takes place in Downtown Luling at 421 E Davis St. from June 25 – 28, 2026.
What to expect of the Luling Watermelon Thump
Across four days, Watermelon Thump will be dotted with agricultural events, markets, live music, and family-friendly events. The festival kicks off on Thursday, June 25, and will feature its ground openings where visitors can enjoy the carnival, beer garden, food court, and market.
As arguably the most famous event of the festival, the seed-spitting competition draws crowds to watch participants test how far they can launch a watermelon seed. The town of Luling even cemented its place in history during the 1989 contest when a competitor set a Guinness World Record with a staggering spit of 68 feet, 9 1/8 inches.
Another key draw of the festival is the melon judging and auction: Here, farmers bring their biggest “Black Diamond” watermelons to be weighed, measured, and judged. The heaviest melons are then sold off to the winning bidder.
If the melon judging makes you hungry, the festival does host melon eating contests – no hands required.
Furthermore, the festival will feature multiple stages with live performances scheduled over the course of the weekend. Top-billed acts at this year’s festivals include Los Rieleros del Norte, Ole 60, and Logan Ryan Band.
How to get tickets to Luling Watermelon Thump
While grounds admission to the Luling watermelon festival is free, concert performances are ticketed. Available through the festival’s official website, tickets start at $50 for adults. Free admission for kids 12 and under. VIP tickets are also available.
