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Festivals & Events
Small-town celebrations with deep roots, anchored by the Watermelon Festival, celebrating its 75th year in 2026.
The Watermelon Festival: “A Slice of the Good Life”
Established in 1949, the Watermelon Festival celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage each June at the peak of melon season. At one time Jefferson County farmers produced and processed over 80% of the watermelon seed sold nationally, and while the seed industry has passed into history, fresh-market watermelons still ship from here in time for Fourth of July picnics.
Expect arts and crafts, a parade, a 5K run, rodeo, softball, barbecue, street dance, seed-spitting contests, and the Watermelon Queen Pageant. 2026 marks the festival’s 75th year.
Independence Day
A few weeks after the festival, the county celebrates the Fourth of July with fireworks, in 2026, a special America 250 celebration.
Year-Round
- Monticello Opera House: plays, musicals, concerts, and films year-round: monticellooperahouse.org
- Tour of Homes: the Jefferson County Historical Society’s beloved biennial tour of historic homes
- Monticello Christmas: December festivities in the historic district
- Georgia-Florida Field Trials: a plantation tradition each winter
See the county calendar and News & Alerts for dates and details.