Traditional yearly location: McDade Watermelon Festival grounds, 143 Bastrop St, McDade, TX 78650 (spread across downtown McDade).

When: The second Saturday of July each year, in downtown McDade, Texas.

The McDade Watermelon Festival is one of the longest-running community celebrations in Bastrop County, Texas. Expect a hometown parade, watermelon eating and seed-spitting contests, a car show, live music, a 5K, a BBQ cook-off, and the famous riding-mower rodeo. It is a full day of small-town fun that draws visitors from across Central Texas.

Host / more info: McDade Community (mcdadetexas.com)

See more happenings on our Bastrop County events guide.