2026 Howell Melon Festival FAQ
What’s going on at this year’s Howell Melon Festival?
We have a lot of activities happening this year including live music, the Howell Melon Run, a Dog Show, Kids Entertainment, and more! Be sure to check out our schedule of events on our website for the full list.
Where do I park?
Because the event takes place in Downtown Howell, we do not have designated festival parking. You may park in any of the City Parking lots. Handicapped parking is available in limited quantity in all of these lots. For locations of public parking lots in Downtown Howell, view the City of Howell’s Parking Map.
Where can I buy Melon Ice Cream?
The Howell Rotary Club provides all of the Melon Ice Cream each year!
Melon Ice Cream is available at the following locations/times while supplies last:
Ice Cream Sales on the Courthouse Lawn:
Friday, August 14th - 4:30pm-9:00pm
Saturday, August 15th - 9:30am-9:00pm
Sunday, August 16th - 9:30am-5:00pm (while supplies last)
Melon Ice Cream sells out every year! We recommend you go early to make sure you get some.
Additionally, family size (48 oz) are available for purchase in limited quantities at Jonna’s Market.
Where can I buy Howell Melons?
Bentley Lake Farms will be on-site Friday, August 14th @ State St. & Clinton and Saturday/Sunday August 15th and 16th on S. Walnut St. selling Howell Melons.
What are the 2026 concert times?
The Dimes
Thursday, August 13th - 8:00pm-10:00pm
Festival Tent – Corner of Grand River & N. State St.
Concert at the Courthouse – Air Margaritaville
Friday, August 14th - 7:00pm-9:00pm
Howell Historic Courthouse Amphitheatre, 200 E. Grand River Ave.
Flint Scottish Pipe Band
Saturday, August 15th - 10:00am-11:00am
Bank of Ann Arbor Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave. (in front of the Howell Courthouse)
Jadyn Savage
Saturday, August 15th - 11:30am-1:00pm
Bank of Ann Arbor Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave. (in front of the Howell Courthouse)
Attaboy
Saturday, August 15th - 2:00pm-4:00pm
Bank of Ann Arbor Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave. (in front of the Howell Courthouse)
Nameless
Saturday, August 15th - 5:00pm-7:00pm
Bank of Ann Arbor Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave. (in front of the Howell Courthouse)
Headline Act - First Time Crush
Saturday, August 15th - 8:00pm-10:00pm
Bank of Ann Arbor Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave. (in front of the Howell Courthouse)
What are the hours for the festival tent?
The festival tent is open during the following hours:
Thursday, August 13th - 5:00pm-10:00pm (last call at 9:30pm)
Friday, August 14th - 5:00pm-11:00pm (Last call at 10:30pm)
Saturday, August 15th - 10:00am-11:00pm (Last call at 10:30pm)
Sunday, August 16th - 10:00am-3:00pm (Last call at 2:00pm)
Where can I buy bottled water?
Bottled water will be available for purchase at the info tent at the corner of Grand River & Michigan Ave. on Saturday and Sunday. Additionally many food vendors will be selling bottled water on N. Walnut St.
What time is the vendor show?
The vendor show runs:
Saturday, August 15th - 9:00am-8:00pm
Sunday, August 16th - 9:00am-5:00pm
Where are the bathrooms?
Bathrooms are located in the following locations:
N. State St. (inside Festival Tent)
Corner of Clinton and Court (public bathrooms)
Corner of N. Walnut St. & Clinton (by food trucks)
S. Michigan Ave
E. Grand River (near the Courthouse Amphitheater)
W. Grand River (near First Presbyterian Church)