Location: Howell Opera House, 123 W. Grand River. Ave.

Get ready to kick off Melon Season the right way at the Howell Melon Social on August 8th, starting at 6:00 PM!

This isn’t your typical fancy gala; it’s a fun-filled summer party with great food, live music, raffles, desserts, and plenty of laughs with friends and neighbors.

We’re bringing the energy all night long with Twilight Tunes Dueling Pianos, keeping everyone singing along, dancing, and grooving from start to finish.

Come hungry because C.C.’s Catering will be serving an amazing dinner featuring roast beef & gravy, boneless chicken breast, lasagna, oven-roasted potatoes, green beans, and more. Plus, enjoy delicious desserts from a local bakery while you check out the awesome raffle baskets up for grabs throughout the evening.

We’ll also be proudly announcing this year’s Melon Court, a group of individuals who are true pillars of our community and help make Howell such a special place.

Grab your friends and make a night of it!
Tickets are $65 per person or $440 for a table of 8.

Good food, good music, good people, and the perfect way to celebrate the start of Melon Season — we can’t wait to party with you at the Howell Melon Social!

Melon Royalty Sponsored By:

-Presented by the Howell Carnegie Library

Howell Carnegie Library, 314 W. Grand River Ave.
(Meabon Room)

For Members Only.

The Friends of the Library will be selling memberships and doing renewals at the door.

Most hardcovers are $1.00, most paperbacks are only $.50, and all children's books are only $.25. Special pricing on current books.

A Friends of the Howell Carnegie District Library event. Proceeds go directly to support Howell Carnegie District Library programs and events.

Drinks:

Beers (Aberrant Ales):

Tap room favorites from Aberrant Ales Brewery.

Wines (Howell’s Mainstreet Winery):

• 201 Main St. (Chardonnay)

• Opera House (Cabernet)

• Melonfest (Melon Wine)
  

Good Boy Vodka John Daly Variety Cocktails:

Vodka Iced Tea & Lemonades.

General Pub Trivia Night

Festival Tent, N. State St.

Join us for a night of Trivia at the Festival Tent!

Beer and wine will be available for purchase (21 & Up Only). Your team must have a cellphone in order to participate.

There is no pre-registration! Just show up the night of the event.

Cost: FREE

Festival Tent, Corner of Grand River & State St.

Local band The Dimes will be performing live music from the Festival Tent Thursday evening.

-Presented by the Howell Carnegie Library

Howell Carnegie Library, 314 W. Grand River Ave.
(Meabon Room)

Most hardcovers are $1.00, most paperbacks are only $.50, and all children's books are only $.25. Special pricing on current books.

A Friends of the Howell Carnegie District Library event. Proceeds go directly to support Howell Carnegie District Library programs and events.

- Presented by The Livingston Arts Council

Howell Opera House, 123 W. Grand River Ave.

The Livingston Arts Council invites you to explore our 20th Annual Art at the Opera House during the Howell Melon Festival! The event will take place on the first floor of the Howell Opera House and will feature a vibrant market-style atmosphere where you can meet the artists and shop directly from their work.

Browse a wide variety of art, including paintings, jewelry, digital prints, photography, crafts and more. All artwork will be available for purchase, making it the perfect place to find a unique piece to take home.

Families are welcome and invited to help create our community mural.

Stop in, stroll through, meet local artists, and discover your new favorite piece of art!

Hours are:

Friday, August 14 - 3:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday, August 15 - 9:00am - 8:00pm

Sunday, August 16 - 9:00am - 5:00pm

Drinks:

Beers (Aberrant Ales):

Tap room favorites from Aberrant Ales Brewery.

Wines (Howell’s Mainstreet Winery):

• 201 Main St. (Chardonnay)

• Opera House (Cabernet)

• Melonfest (Melon Wine)

Good Boy Vodka John Daly Variety Cocktails:

Vodka Iced Tea & Lemonades.

- Presented by Chem-Trend

The Howell Melon Roll is a community tradition where kids ages 2-5 roll a Melon from the starting line to the finish line! All participants will get to keep their Howell Melon after the roll.

Cost: $5/person

- Presented by Chem-Trend

Location: Corner of State & Clinton St.

This one mile fun run/walk takes participants through the historic neighborhoods of Howell.

Packet Pickup:

Early packet pick-up will be on August 12th - 13th   We ask that you try to pick up your items in advance if possible, but packets will be available on-site for race day starting at 4:30 pm. We will send out a reminder email with details when it gets closer.

Locations: 

• Wednesday, August 12th, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  Biggby 1485 N. Michigan Ave., Howell

• Thursday, August 13th, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  Aberrant Ales 219 W. Grand River, Howell

• Friday, August 14th starting at 4:30 PM
  On-site at the corner of Clinton St. and State St. 

Results:

Your accurate chip time and current overall and age group place will be texted to your phone and live on this site. 

Awards:

Finisher Medals will be given to all runners.

- Presented by the Livingston Arts Council

Courthouse Amphitheater, 200 E. Grand River Ave.

FREE ADMISSION

Every Friday night throughout the summer, a variety of local musicians take center stage at the Howell Courthouse Amphitheater, located at 200 E. Grand River in Howell, on the Courthouse lawn. This free event showcases rock, country, and classic tribute musical performances. Join us in celebrating 27 years of bringing music to Livingston County!

Air Margaritaville is the premier musical tribute to Jimmy Buffett, performing for thousands of Parrotheads from Minnesota to Florida over the past 20 years. 

This 8-piece band includes steel drums, sax and harmonica and is a three-time Detroit Music Award nominee as “Outstanding Tribute Band”.  They have made numerous appearances on the Mitch Albom radio show and have opened for national acts like The Marshall Tucker Band.

-Presented by Chem-Trend

Location: Corner of State & Clinton St.

Howell Recreation and presenting sponsor ChemTrend proudly present the 49th Annual Howell Melon Run (we welcome runners, walkers, and those racing in wheelchairs and other assistive devices) on August 14, 2026. Events begin at 6 PM in beautiful downtown Howell.

This year's race will feature classic events for the whole family, such as the Melon Roll, The One in a Melon Mile, The Mascot Dash, and the fan favorite Howell Melon Run 5k.

Registrations on or before 7/27/26 are guaranteed a short-sleeved shirt. Registrations after that date will not receive a shirt. Any leftover shirts will be available for purchase starting one week after the race is complete for $20 each. 

Packet Pickup:

Early packet pick-up will be on August 12th - 13th   We ask that you try to pick up your items in advance if possible, but packets will be available on-site for race day starting at 4:30 pm. We will send out a reminder email with details when it gets closer.

Locations: 

• Wednesday, August 12th, 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM
  Biggby 1485 N. Michigan Ave., Howell

• Thursday, August 13th, 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM
  Aberrant Ales 219 W. Grand River, Howell

• Friday, August 14th starting at 4:30 PM
  On-site at the corner of Clinton St. and State St. 

Results:

Your accurate chip time and current overall and age group place will be texted to your phone and live on this site. 

Awards:

Overall Male & Female
Masters Male & Female

Finisher Medals will be given to all runners.

2026 Race Sponsors:

PRESENTED BY FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 323 W. GRAND RIVER AVE.

Visit First Presbyterian Church of Howell on Saturday and Sunday during this year’s Howell Melon Festival for the 17th annual Treasures and Treats Craft Show. All proceeds benefit Presbyterian Women Missions.

INDOOR (ONE-DAY)

Saturday, August 15th - 9:00am-4:00pm

OUTDOOR (TWO-DAY)

Saturday, August 15th , 2026 - 9:00am–8:00pm
Sunday, August 16, 2026 - 9:00am-5:00pm

- Presented by The Livingston Arts Council

Howell Opera House, 123 W. Grand River Ave.

The Livingston Arts Council invites you to explore our 20th Annual Art at the Opera House during the Howell Melon Festival! The event will take place on the first floor of the Howell Opera House and will feature a vibrant market-style atmosphere where you can meet the artists and shop directly from their work.

Browse a wide variety of art, including paintings, jewelry, digital prints, photography, crafts and more. All artwork will be available for purchase, making it the perfect place to find a unique piece to take home.

Families are welcome and invited to help create our community mural.

Stop in, stroll through, meet local artists, and discover your new favorite piece of art!

Hours are:

Friday, August 14 - 3:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday, August 15 - 9:00am - 8:00pm

Sunday, August 16 - 9:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Grand River Ave.

We’re excited to bring vendors back to Grand River this year on Saturday and Sunday! Check out a variety of artisan, craft, and other business vendors.

-Presented by the Howell Carnegie Library

Howell Carnegie Library, 314 W. Grand River Ave.
(Meabon Room)

Most hardcovers are $1.00, most paperbacks are only $.50, and all children's books are only $.25. Special pricing on current books.

A Friends of the Howell Carnegie District Library event. Proceeds go directly to support Howell Carnegie District Library programs and events.

-Presented by Bank of Ann Arbor Livingston

Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave.

Keeping Scottish tradition alive in Michigan for over 100 years! Performances include; parades and stage performances all over the region. As well as the Michigan Renaissance Festival during its Celtic themed weekends. Flint Scottish competes in pipe band competitions and highland events all over the Great Lakes area from Michigan to Ontario.

The Flint Scottish Pipe Band has the distinction of being the oldest continuously running Pipe Band in Michigan. It was founded in 1916 by Scottish Immigrants intent on preserving their Scottish Heritage through the music and dress of their homeland. The Flint Scottish Pipe Band introduces the tradition of the Highland Band to communities through performance in parades, competitions and special events!

This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

Presented by The Howell Historical Society

E. Grand River Ave. & Annex Lot

Come check out classic cars at the annual classic car show, presented by the Howell Historical Society.

First, second and third-place winners will receive a plaque. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the Museum.

Cost: $10 (In-Advance) | $15 (Day-of)

Drinks:

Beers (Aberrant Ales):

Tap room favorites from Aberrant Ales Brewery.

Wines (Howell’s Mainstreet Winery):

• 201 Main St. (Chardonnay)

• Opera House (Cabernet)

• Melonfest (Melon Wine)

Good Boy Vodka John Daly Variety Cocktails:

Vodka Iced Tea & Lemonades.

PRESENTED BY THE HOWELL CARNEGIE DISTRICT LIBRARY

HOWELL CARNEGIE DISTRICT LIBRARY LAWN, 314 W. GRAND RIVER AVE.

Join your Howell Carnegie Library for the following activities to celebrate Howell’s 2026 Melon Festival with the following free activities:

BIG BLUE BLOCKS (ALL AGES)

10:00am-3:30pm

Build, explore, and play with “Big Blue Blocks” on the library lawn

THE MUSIC LADY - BEVERLY MEYER CONCERT (ALL AGES)

11:00am-11:30am, 12:00pm-12:30pm, & 1:00pm-1:30pm

Sing, clap, and move along to family-friendly concerts with the Music Lady, Beverly Meyer, at three times, so you can choose the most convenient.

S.T.E.M. PROJECT (ALL AGES)

10:00AM-2:00PM

Make a STEM project, try driving a robot, & learn about Howell robotics for grades K-12 with teams KILTS & KAOS from 10am to 2pm. Sponsored by Howell Carnegie District Library.

POP-UP PHOTO BOOTH (ALL AGES)

10:00am-3:00pm

Capture Melonfest memories at our selfie station with fun props, located in the Reference area from 10am to 3pm.

MAKE A POSTCARD (ALL AGES)

10:00am-3:00pm

Get artistic and create a unique postcard by mixing and matching library-themed designs on the library lawn from 10am to 3pm

No registration required. In case of poor weather, the outdoor activities will move

inside with limited space.

Presented by Stocker Clan Cornhole

Festival Tent, Corner of Grand River and State St.

NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PERMITTED — drinks will be available for purchase on site.

Cost: $20/team (Social Backyard Division) | $40/team (Competitive Division)

Sponsored by Surf Internet

KIDS MELON PATCH, N. CENTER ST.

Join Impression 5 Science Center for their marble run activity at this year’s Howell Melon Festival. Kids of all ages can participate in this hands on activity as we explore force and motion!

-Presented by Bank of Ann Arbor Livingston

Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave.

Join us live at the Bank of Ann Arbor Mainstage for a FREE concert from local singer/songwriter Jadyn Savage. Jadyn Savage is a singer/songwriter who combines small town charm with pop country. She uses vulnerable lyrics along with captivating melodies which give you a glimpse into her journal.

This project is funded in part by Michigan Humanities, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

-Presented by Bank of Ann Arbor Livingston

Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave.

Attaboy is an indie-pop band from Fort Wayne, Indiana that has gained national recognition. They have performed for more than two thousand audiences across North America and Europe.

While on tour, the band has opened for multiple Grammy Award-winning artists. In addition to winning three international songwriting contests, several of their songs have received national radio airplay, including four singles that landed on The Billboard Top 30 Charts.

See them live on the Mainstage at this year’s Howell Melon Festival!

-Presented by Bank of Ann Arbor Livingston

Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave.

Nameless brings all the energy of 70's and 80's rock classics! Check them out at the Mainstage at this year's Howell Melon Festival!

-Presented by Bank of Ann Arbor Livingston

Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave.

Introducing First Time Crush…a dynamic and charismatic cover band in Metro Detroit. First Time Crush is comprised of musicians with nearly two decades of experience performing at festivals, theaters, clubs and bars throughout Michigan. Combining female and male lead vocals with song selections spanning multiple decades and genres, First Time Crush delivers a high-energy show guaranteed to entertain any audience and fill the dance floor.

PRESENTED BY FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 323 W. GRAND RIVER AVE.

Visit First Presbyterian Church of Howell on Saturday and Sunday during this year’s Howell Melon Festival for the 17th annual Treasures and Treats Craft Show. All proceeds benefit Presbyterian Women Missions.

INDOOR (ONE-DAY)

Saturday, August 15th - 9:00am-4:00pm

OUTDOOR (TWO-DAY)

Saturday, August 15th , 2026 - 9:00am–8:00pm
Sunday, August 16, 2026 - 9:00am-5:00pm

- Presented by The Livingston Arts Council

Howell Opera House, 123 W. Grand River Ave.

The Livingston Arts Council invites you to explore our 20th Annual Art at the Opera House during the Howell Melon Festival! The event will take place on the first floor of the Howell Opera House and will feature a vibrant market-style atmosphere where you can meet the artists and shop directly from their work.

Browse a wide variety of art, including paintings, jewelry, digital prints, photography, crafts and more. All artwork will be available for purchase, making it the perfect place to find a unique piece to take home.

Families are welcome and invited to help create our community mural.

Stop in, stroll through, meet local artists, and discover your new favorite piece of art!

Hours are:

Friday, August 14 - 3:00pm - 8:00pm

Saturday, August 15 - 9:00am - 8:00pm

Sunday, August 16 - 9:00am - 5:00pm

Howell Farmers Market

Presented by the Howell Chamber of Commerce

E. Grand River Ave.

Join us Sunday morning during the Howell Melon Festival for the Howell Farmer’s Market

The market features the finest in locally grown produce, bedding plants, flowers, homemade goods, and crafts. It’s all set against the backdrop of the historical Livingston County Courthouse and downtown Howell, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Location: Grand River Ave.

We’re excited to bring vendors back to Grand River this year on Saturday and Sunday! Check out a variety of artisan, craft, and other business vendors.

Mimosas (21+)

FESTIVAL TENT, CORNER OF GRAND RIVER & N. STATE ST.

Mimosas will be served at the Festival Tent Sunday until 2pm (while supplies last).

$5 (cash or card accepted)
*ATM available inside the festival tent.

Drinks:

Beers (Aberrant Ales):

Tap room favorites from Aberrant Ales Brewery.

Wines (Howell’s Mainstreet Winery):

• 201 Main St. (Chardonnay)

• Opera House (Cabernet)

• Melonfest (Melon Wine)

Good Boy Vodka John Daly Variety Cocktails:

Vodka Iced Tea & Lemonades.

Dino Rides & Facepainting

Sunday, August 16th - 11:00am-4:00pm

KIDS MELON PATCH, N. CENTER ST.

Neverland Entertainment will be selling Dino rides and facepainting from their tent at the Kids Melon Patch area on Sunday!

Cost: $12/each (bundle pricing available)

PRESENTED BY HOME DEPOT

FESTIVAL TENT, CORNER OF STATE ST. & GRAND RIVER AVE.

Join us Sunday, August 16th at the Festival Tent FREE craft presented by Home Depot. We’ll be building a small soapbox derby style car that you’ll get to take home! Available while supplies last.

Presented by Howell Recreation

Festival Tent, Corner of State St. & Grand River Ave.

Sip, paint, and create something beautiful!

Join us for Mimosas & Masterpieces, a fun and relaxing paint party where you'll create your own work of art on an 8" x 10" canvas to take home. Whether you're a seasoned artist or have never picked up a paintbrush, this class is for you!

This year's featured painting is melon-themed to celebrate the festival, but you're always welcome to add your own creative twist or paint whatever inspires you!

Local artist Maureen will guide you step-by-step, making it easy and enjoyable for everyone. Plus, you'll receive two drink tickets to use at the festival tent, where you'll find more than just mimosas to enjoy while you paint.

We'll provide all the painting supplies you'll need. If you have a favorite set of brushes you'd like to use, feel free to bring them along—but it's not necessary. Just bring your friends and your creativity for an afternoon filled with laughs, great drinks, and colorful memories!

Reserve your spot early! Space is limited and fills quickly.
Walk-up Registration: If space is still available, on-site registration will be offered for $45.

Cost: $35 (Resident) | $45 (Non-Resident)

-Presented by the Howell Carnegie Library

Howell Carnegie Library, 314 W. Grand River Ave.
(Meabon Room)

Most hardcovers are $1.00, most paperbacks are only $.50, and all children's books are only $.25. Special pricing on current books.

A Friends of the Howell Carnegie District Library event. Proceeds go directly to support Howell Carnegie District Library programs and events.