The 46th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival is heading into its final day after record attendance Friday night, as thousands packed downtown Cave City for an evening of live entertainment, delicious food, carnival rides and a high-energy performance by Confederate Railroad.
Festival organizers say Friday night’s turnout was one of the largest crowds in recent festival history, filling the festival grounds and creating tremendous excitement heading into Saturday’s grand finale.
Earlier Friday, the ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations broadcast LIVE from the Sonic Drive-In near the festival entrance as the restaurant celebrated its 25th Anniversary in Cave City. Hundreds of visitors stopped by throughout the morning to visit with the ArkansasRadio.com team, enjoy refreshments, receive festival information and help celebrate Sonic’s milestone anniversary before the evening festivities began.
With beautiful weather, a full schedule of activities and one of country music’s biggest stars taking the stage Saturday night, organizers are anticipating another outstanding crowd to close out this year’s festival.
Saturday Packed with Family Fun
Festival-goers can enjoy a full day of entertainment and activities beginning Saturday morning.
Saturday Highlights Include:
- 🎶 Live entertainment throughout the day
- 🚗 Classic Car Show
- 🐶 Dog performance demonstrations
- 🍉 Watermelon Eating Contest
- 🛍️ Arts and Crafts Vendors
- 🌭 Food vendors from across the region
- 🎡 Carnival rides and family activities
- 🍉 Annual Prize Watermelon Auction benefiting local charities
- 🍉 The world-famous FREE Watermelon Feast
The annual Prize Watermelon Auction raises thousands of dollars each year for local charitable organizations, while the FREE Watermelon Feast remains one of the festival’s signature traditions and one of the most anticipated events of the weekend.
Live Music Continues Saturday
Music fans will enjoy performances throughout the day before Saturday night’s entertainment begins on the Main Stage.
Saturday Night Entertainment
- 🎤 2026 Cave City’s Sweetest Voice winner Shaelyn Larae
- 🎸 Tyler Kench
- 🤠 Country music star Sammy Kershaw
Admission to all concerts is FREE.
ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations Celebrate Sonic’s 25th Anniversary
The ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations were proud to broadcast LIVE Friday from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Sonic Drive-In, celebrating the restaurant’s 25th Anniversary in Cave City.
Festival visitors stopped by throughout the morning to visit with the ArkansasRadio.com crew, meet special guests, receive festival updates and celebrate Sonic’s longtime commitment to the Cave City community.
The ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations thank everyone who visited during Friday’s live broadcast and helped make Sonic’s anniversary celebration a tremendous success.
Thank You to Our Broadcast Sponsors
The ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations extend sincere appreciation to the businesses whose support helped make this year’s Cave City Watermelon Festival coverage possible.
Broadcast Sponsors
- Cave City Nursing
- Mountain View Chevrolet
- Superior Poultry Supply
- The Birdcage Vintage Market
- Batesville Motor Speedway
- Shelter Insurance – Jeral Hastings
- Lyon College
- First Community Bank
- Wee Wee’s Used Cars
- North Arkansas Farm Supply
Festival visitors are encouraged to stop by these businesses, thank them for supporting the Cave City Watermelon Festival and the ArkansasRadio.com Radio Stations, and support the local businesses that continue investing in the Cave City community.
With record attendance already recorded Friday night, organizers expect another memorable finish as the 46th Annual Cave City Watermelon Festival wraps up Saturday with family fun, outstanding entertainment, delicious food, the famous FREE Watermelon Feast, the annual Prize Watermelon Auction, and an unforgettable concert by Sammy Kershaw.
Leave a Reply