CANCELLED - Friends of the Howell Carnegie Library Booksale
Aug
17
12:00 PM12:00

CANCELLED - Friends of the Howell Carnegie Library Booksale

This event has been cancelled due to a power outage at the library.

Friends of the Library Melonfest Book Sale

Presented by the Howell Carnegie Library

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.

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Art at the Opera House (Sunday)
Aug
17
11:00 AM11:00

Art at the Opera House (Sunday)

Art at the Opera House

Presented by the Livingston Arts Council

Howell Opera House, 123 W Grand River Ave.

The Livingston Arts Council invites you to enjoy our 19th Annual Fine Arts Show, taking place during the Howell Melon Festival. The event will be held on the first floor of the Howell Opera House, where all the artists will be present to discuss their work and answer questions. You can expect a variety of art forms, including paintings, jewelry, digital prints, photography, and more, with all displayed artworks available for purchase. Additionally, we have a kids' "make-and-take" art table and a community mural for the whole family to contribute to. So come on in, stroll through the exhibit, and discover your new favorite piece of art!

Friday, August 15, 3:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, August 16, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday, August 17, 11:00am - 4:00pm

Free admission. Open to the public.

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Live Music - Jayden Savage
Aug
17
11:00 AM11:00

Live Music - Jayden Savage

Live Music - Jayden Savage

Festival Tent, N. State St.

Join us at the Festival Tent on Sunday for a FREE concert from local singer/songwriter Jayden Savage.


Mimosas (21+)

Mimosas will be available for purchase in the festival tent on Sunday, August 17th from
10am-3pm (while supplies last).

Jayden savage plays guitar and sings at the Howell Melon Festival.
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CANCELLED - Open Play Pickleball (Sunday)
Aug
17
10:00 AM10:00

CANCELLED - Open Play Pickleball (Sunday)

DUE TO DAMAGE FROM THE STORM, PICKLEBALL IS CANCELLED FOR THE DAY OF 8.17.25.

Open Play Pickleball

PRESENTED BY HOWELL RECREATION

S. MICHIGAN AVE.

Grab your paddles and join us for some pure pickleball fun at this year’s Melon Festival! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, it’s all about casual pick-up games on two courts, and enjoying the game in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere. No sign-ups needed—just show up, rally with friends, and let the good times roll!

FREE

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Axe Throwing (Sunday) (Ages 12+)
Aug
17
10:00 AM10:00

Axe Throwing (Sunday) (Ages 12+)

Axe Throwing – Warrior Throwing  

N. Michigan Ave.

Saturday - 11 am - 5pm 
Sunday - 10 am – 4pm
 

Join Warrior Throwing at the Howell Melon Festival and try out axe throwing for the first time!

 

What Sets Us Apart 

Unlike most axe-throwing setups, we don’t just hand people an axe and hope for the best. Our experienced coaches (who have trained league throwers and worked in top-tier axe-throwing venues) work one-on-one with each participant to help them find a throwing style that clicks. We assign one coach for every two lanes to keep turnaround times fast and the action flowing smoothly, even when things get busy. There are dozens of ways to throw an axe—we make sure everyone learns, succeeds, and has a blast doing it. 

  

Participant Info & Waivers 

  • Ages 12+ (insurance requirement) 

  • Waiver required (name, signature, date) 

  • Minors (under 18) need a parent/guardian’s signature 

  • Closed-toe shoes are required 

Cost: $5 for 5 throws

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Festival Tent (Sunday)
Aug
17
10:00 AM10:00

Festival Tent (Sunday)

Festival Tent (Sunday)

N. STATE ST.

Last call at 2:30pm.

The fun never stops in the Howell Melon Festival Tent!   We'll be serving up cold beer, local wines and delicious food.  Free admission into the tent all weekend long.

People sit at orange tables in the festival tent.

Mimosas (21+)

Mimosas will be available for purchase in the festival tent on Sunday, August 17th from
10am-3pm (while supplies last).

A mimosa in a glass.

Getty UP BBQ

Getty Up BBQ will be serving up delicious BBQ goodness all weekend long during this year’s Howell Melon Festival. Check them out in the Festival Tent.


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Home Depot Kids Craft
Aug
17
10:00 AM10:00

Home Depot Kids Craft

Home Depot Kids Craft

PRESENTED BY HOME DEPOT
NEW LOCATION - FESTIVAL Tent N. State St.

Join us Sunday, August 17th at the Festival Tent for a 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.

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Doggie Cooling Station (Sunday)
Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00

Doggie Cooling Station (Sunday)

Doggie Cooling Station

PRESENTED BY HOWELL RECREATION

S. Center St.

Does your pooch need a nice spot to cool off after a day of festival fun? Stop by and rehydrate at the Doggie Cooling Station. This spot is a great place for dogs to take a breather, have some water, and stay cool in the shade.

FREE

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Howell Farmers Market
Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00

Howell Farmers Market

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.

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Food Vendors (Sunday)
Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00

Food Vendors (Sunday)

Food Vendors

N. Walnut St.

Check out our awesome food vendors this year at the Howell Melon Festival.

Full schedule:

Friday, August 15th - 4:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday, August 16th - 9:00am-9:00pm
Sunday, August 17th - 9:00am-5:00pm

I Love Pig serves up arepas from a colorful food truck at the 2024 Howell Melon Festival.

List of Vendors
(Updated 7.30.25)

2 Fog’s Pub
Sliders, Mac & Cheese, Chips

Almonds R Nuts
Roasted Nuts & Lemonade Bubble Tea

Guy’s Pizza
Pizza

Hallboy BBQ
BBQ & More

Hot Diggity Donuts
Donuts

I Love Pig
Arepas and Cuban Sandwiches

Kinman’s Concessions
Popcorn & and More

Kona-Ice of Brighton
Shaved Ice

Princess Mediterranean Grill
Shawarma Bowls & Wraps

Slappin’ Meats BBQ
BBQ & More

Sweet T’s Lemonade
Lemonade Flavors

Tony’s Dogs
Hot Dogs

A pulled pork BBQ sandwich with pickles, coleslaw and baked beans from GettyUp BBQ.

Getty Up BBQ
(inside the festival tent on State St.)
BBQ

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Treasures and Treats Craft Show (Sunday)
Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00

Treasures and Treats Craft Show (Sunday)

Treasures and Treats Craft Show

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 16th annual Treasures and Treats Craft Show. All proceeds benefit Presbyterian Women Missions.

A picture from the street of First Presbyterian Church

Indoor Craft Show (1 day)

Saturday, August 16th - 9:00am-4:00pm

Outdoor Craft Show (2 day)

Saturday, August 16th - 9:00am-8:00pm
Sunday, August 17th - 9:00am-5:00pm

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Einstein Dog Training (Sunday)
Aug
17
9:00 AM09:00

Einstein Dog Training (Sunday)

Einstein Dog Training

S. Center St.

Come watch the talented dogs of Einstein Dog Training in this dog show live at the Howell Melon Festival.

Saturday Schedule:

  • 9am - Speed Jump #1

  • 10am - Long Jump #1

  • 11am - Long Jump #2

  • 12:30pm - Long Jump #3

  • 2:00pm - Long Jump #4

  • 3:30pm - Long Jump #5

  • 5:00pm - High Jump

Sunday Schedule:

  • 9am - Long Jump #6

  • 10am - Long Jump #7

  • 11:30am - Long Jump #8

  • 1:00pm - Speed Jump #2

  • 2:30pm - Long Jump Event Finals

A dog catches a toy at the Einstein Dog Training Dock Jump.

Photo copyright 2019 MLBAER Photography.

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CANCELLED - Live Music - First Time Crush
Aug
16
8:00 PM20:00

CANCELLED - Live Music - First Time Crush

Headline Act - First Time Crush

-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. With First Time Crush performing at your next event, we promise your guests a night to remember, because you never forget your…
First Time Crush!

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Live Music - Double Wide Ride
Aug
16
5:00 PM17:00

Live Music - Double Wide Ride

CANCELLED - Double Wide Ride

Sponsored by Bank of Ann Arbor

Mainstage, E. Grand River Ave.

Where modern outlaw and 90s line-dance meet, Double Wide Ride brings their blue-collar brand of country music to the next generation. Formed in Southern Mid-Michigan over 15 years ago, this is a well-crafted production that doesn't forsake the gritty undercurrent running through the well of a traditional country band. The classic songs of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Brooks & Dunn are performed along with contemporary artists like Chris Stapleton, Cody Jinks and Tyler Childers.

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Art at the Opera House (Saturday)
Aug
16
12:00 PM12:00

Art at the Opera House (Saturday)

Art at the Opera House

Presented by the Livingston Arts Council

Howell Opera House, 123 W Grand River Ave.

The Livingston Arts Council invites you to enjoy our 19th Annual Fine Arts Show, taking place during the Howell Melon Festival. The event will be held on the first floor of the Howell Opera House, where all the artists will be present to discuss their work and answer questions. You can expect a variety of art forms, including paintings, jewelry, digital prints, photography, and more, with all displayed artworks available for purchase. Additionally, we have a kids' "make-and-take" art table and a community mural for the whole family to contribute to. So come on in, stroll through the exhibit, and discover your new favorite piece of art!

Friday, August 15, 3:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday, August 16, 12:00pm – 9:00pm
Sunday, August 17, 11:00am - 4:00pm

Free admission. Open to the public.

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Axe Throwing (Saturday) (Ages 12+)
Aug
16
11:00 AM11:00

Axe Throwing (Saturday) (Ages 12+)

Axe Throwing – Warrior Throwing (Ages 12+)

N. Michigan Ave.

Saturday - 11 am - 5pm 
Sunday - 10 am – 4pm
 

Join Warrior Throwing at the Howell Melon Festival and try out axe throwing for the first time!

 

What Sets Us Apart 

Unlike most axe-throwing setups, we don’t just hand people an axe and hope for the best. Our experienced coaches (who have trained league throwers and worked in top-tier axe-throwing venues) work one-on-one with each participant to help them find a throwing style that clicks. We assign one coach for every two lanes to keep turnaround times fast and the action flowing smoothly, even when things get busy. There are dozens of ways to throw an axe—we make sure everyone learns, succeeds, and has a blast doing it. 

  

Participant Info & Waivers 

  • Ages 12+ (insurance requirement) 

  • Waiver required (name, signature, date) 

  • Minors (under 18) need a parent/guardian’s signature 

  • Closed-toe shoes are required 

Cost: $5 for 5 throws

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CornHowell (Cornhole) Tournament
Aug
16
11:00 AM11:00

CornHowell (Cornhole) Tournament

CornHowell Cornhole Tournament

Festival Tent, N. State St.

CornHowell Tournament Details — READ CAREFULLY!

Location: State Street Lot in Downtown Howell (next to the historic Livingston County Courthouse), in the festival tent area. NO OUTSIDE ALCOHOL PERMITTED; drinks will be available for purchase on site.

Time: Player check-in begins at 11:00 AMBAGS FLY AT NOON SHARP! (Estimated end time: 6:00 PM)

Tournament Play:

  • Double elimination

  • Two-player teams

$50/team — payment due at the registration table day of (cash only)

Fun for all skill levels

Bring Your Own Bags

3 rounds of Switcholio to determine rankings/divisions, then double elimination — minimum 5 games per team!

Upper & Lower divisions with prizes for both!

Prize Purse: Upper Division:
1st place - $250 + Trophy
2nd place - $150 + Trophy
3rd place - $100

Lower Division:
1st place - $150 + Trophy
2nd place - $100 + Trophy
3rd place - $50

💸 50/50 Raffle: Payout up to $500 — drawn at 3:00 PM!


IMPORTANT — YOU MUST REGISTER USING THIS LINK:

AND PAY ON SITE THE DAY OF (CASH ONLY)!

 Proceeds benefit the Howell High School Global Scholars International Travel Scholarship — helping students gain invaluable international experience!

Participants throw bags in the 2023 cornhole tournament.
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