Watermelon Pickers' Fest

09/14/2025

We are heartbroken to share that our dear friend James Welsh has recently suffered a devastating house fire. While James and his family are thankfully safe, they lost two beloved pets and are now faced with the difficult task of rebuilding almost from scratch.

James has been an essential part of the Watermelon Pickers’ Fest community for nearly two decades, providing production services for over 19 years. His dedication and hard work have been vital in shaping the festival into what it is today. Watermelon simply would not be the same without his efforts and contributions.

There is a GoFundMe set up to help James and his family with immediate expenses during this difficult time. If his work has meant as much to you as it has to us, we ask that you consider donating and sharing this link with others.

GoFundMe:

Hello everyone my school mate and dear friend and his family experienced a total lose of their home and the… Marta Swisher needs your support for Welsh family

09/11/2025

💙🍉 THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!

We’ve taken a little time to let everyone share their amazing memories and to catch our breath after an incredible weekend at the 21st Annual Watermelon Pickers’ Fest. Now, it’s our turn to say how deeply grateful we are.

To every single person who came—whether you’ve never missed a year or just experienced your very first Pickers’ Fest—thank you for bringing the spirit that makes this festival so special.

A huge shout-out to our vendors, sponsors, staff, and volunteers—you’re the backbone of this event, and it simply wouldn’t be possible without your dedication.

Endless gratitude to the artists who gave us unforgettable performances, taught inspiring workshops, and jammed with us until the wee hours of the night. You filled the fields with magic.

To Shepherds Ford Productions: thank you for trusting us with your legacy and allowing us to carry this tradition forward. And to everyone who took a leap of faith with us this year—you are now part of the family.

Most of all, thank you for staying connected and for being part of this journey. This community is everything, and we can’t wait to do it again.

WE’LL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! 🍉 💙

📷 John Cromartie & Kevin Slick

09/06/2025

🎶🍉 Hey Locals! 🍉🎶

It’s not too late to join us at the Watermelon Pickers’ Fest—and you know it’s not a party until all of you are here! 🙌

✨ Kids are always FREE
✨ Saturday-only tickets are BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE (just add 2 to your cart at checkout!)
✨ Deal starts today at 6:00 PM

Don’t miss your chance to catch our headliners Carter & Cleveland and dance the night away with the Woodshedders at our epic late-night throwdown. 🎻🎸

This is how we wrap up the best weekend of the year—with YOU here celebrating! 🎉

👉 Grab your tickets and come join the fun: https://WatermelonPickersFest2025.eventbrite.com

Experience Clarke County, Virginia Berryville Main Street Virginia is for Lovers

09/01/2025

🎉🍉 Festival Week is HERE! 🍉🎉
We couldn’t be more excited to kick things off at the 21st Annual Watermelon Pickers’ Fest – the last sweet taste of summer with all your friends. 🌞🎶

We’ve been getting lots of questions, so here are some quick updates:

✨ FAQ #1: Are tickets still available?
YES! 🎟️ Save time and grab yours ahead 👉 https://WatermelonPickersFest2025.eventbrite.com
(They’ll also be available at the gate!)

✨ FAQ #2: What’s the schedule?
It’s LIVE on our website! 👉https://watermelonpickersfest.com/2025-schedule/
Plus, check out our brand-new FAQ page for answers to everything you need to know.

🎶 Great music. 🍉 Great vibes. 🌳 Great people.
This is your invitation to celebrate with us at Watermelon Pickers’ Fest 2025!

👉 Tag your festival crew & start counting down the days!
Experience Clarke County, Virginia Virginia is for Lovers Berryville Main Streetfest

08/28/2025

🍉 The countdown is ON! The 21st Annual Watermelon Pickers’ Fest is just one week away 🎶✨.
Get the inside scoop from Dave and Morgan of host band Furnace Mountain about what’s in store—you won’t want to miss the best weekend of the year!

🎟️ Tickets are available now online: WatermelonPickersFest2025.eventbrite.com
or grab them at the door.

🌟 Music, friends, and festival magic—it’s almost here!
Furnace Mountain Band The Woodshedders Shepherds Ford Productions .fest

08/27/2025

🚨The 21st Annual Watermelon Pickers' Fest is a newsmaker! 📰

If you missed us on The River 95.3, give a listen and get the scoop on festival activities, camping, jamming, and this year’s amazing lineup!

🎟️ Save time at the gate and get your tickets online: https://WatermelonPickersFest2025.eventbrite.com

🚙 Or drive right up and get tickets at the door!

There’s just one week before the best weekend of the year!

The 21st annual Watermelon Pickers Festival is expanding this year with new activities. We spoke with Watermelon Pickers Festival Producer...

08/26/2025

🕊️ Big News! Ever dreamed of singing like the Fly Birds? Now’s your chance at the Watermelon Workshop Music Camp at the 21st Annual Watermelon Pickers' Fest! 🍉✨

In addition to banjo, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle, you can now dive into the magic of three-part harmony with none other than the harmony experts & past band contest winners—the Fly Birds! Nobody does it better… and they’re ready to teach you. 🎶💫

👉 Workshop tickets available online or at the door—just walk right in and join the fun!
👉 You’ll need a Thursday-only or 3-day ticket PLUS a workshop ticket.
👉 BONUS: Kids are FREE with an adult onsite!

This is a one-of-a-kind chance to sing side-by-side with the best—don’t miss it! 🎶 Who’s ready to raise their voice with the Fly Birds?

🎟️ Get your tickets now to save your spot: https://WatermelonPickersFest2025.eventbrite.com

The Fly Birds Seth Mulder & Midnight Run Mason Wright Fiddle

08/25/2025

08/23/2025

🍉🎈 Parachutes & Piñatas = pure kid joy!

This beloved Watermelon Pickers’ Fest tradition is back Sept. 4–6, and we can’t wait to see the little ones laughing, running, and breaking open this year’s watermelon masterpiece! 🎨✨

💥 Piñata fun that families talk about all year
🌈 Parachute games = giggles guaranteed
👧👦 A tradition kids grow up with at Pickers’ Fest

Don’t miss out on family memories like this → grab your tickets today! 🎟️ 👉 https://WatermelonPickersFest2025.eventbrite.com

🍉 Summer’s not over until the best weekend of the year — see you at Watermelon Pickers’ Fest!
Berryville Main Street Experience Clarke County, Virginia Virginia is for Lovers

08/22/2025

☀️ Summer's not over until the best weekend of the year! 🍉✨
Mark your calendars: Watermelon Pickers' Fest, Sept. 4–6 is FULL of family fun!

🎨 Traditions your kids will grow up loving:
👕 Watermelon T-Shirt Tie Dye
🎉 Kids’ Festival Parade

🎶 Learn + play together:
🎻 Instrument Petting Zoo
🦖 “Srapasaurus” craft with Museum of the Shenandoah Valley

💃 Family-friendly dance workshops every day!
🏕️ Time to camp + relax with the whole crew
🏊 BIG news → The Pool is OPEN on Saturday!

👉 A lot of the fun happens after school, so stop by every evening + all day Saturday too!

🎟️ Grab your tickets now: https://WatermelonPickersFest2025.eventbrite.com

Bring the family, make memories, and let’s keep summer rolling just a little longer. 🌞🍉💚
Experience Clarke County, Virginia Virginia is for Lovers Berryville Main Street

08/21/2025

✨ Meet John R. Miller ✨

A songwriter with a storyteller’s soul, John weaves gritty, heartfelt songs that land somewhere between folk, country, and rock & roll. 🌾🎸

Catch him 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 at Watermelon Pickers' Fest — and don’t miss the chance to hear one of Americana’s most captivating voices live in Berryville! 🍉🎶