65th Howell Melon Festival
The Howell Melon Festival turns 65 this year. This annual community tradition celebrates Howell’s agricultural roots with headline events like the Howell Melon Run, live music, and of course delicious Howell Melon Ice Cream.

Schedule:

Thursday, August 14, 2025

8:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m: Melon Quest Scavenger Hunt at Downtown Howell
Melon Quest is a team scavenger hunt journey that will take place during the Melon Festival weekend! Your team will go on a scavenger hunt to complete the tasks and answer questions about the Howell businesses and the Melon Festival. Melon Quest will be run through the Goosechase app.

Cost: $15/team (Resident) / $20/team (Non-Resident)
Click Here For Registration Information

4:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m: Friends of the Howell Carnegie Library Booksale (Members Preview) at Howell Carnegie Library
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.

5:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: Festival Tent at Festival Tent
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 and all ages are welcome until 9:00 p.m. Drink tickets are Cash Only.

5:30 p.m - 7:30 p.m: Sporcle Trivia Night at Festival Tent
Join us for a night of Trivia at the Festival Tent. Beer and wine will be available for purchase (21 and Up Only). Your team must have a cellphone in order to participate. Cost: Free

8:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: Live Music - Jason Harper at Festival Tent
Local musician Jason Harper will be performing live music from the Festival Tent Thursday evening.

Friday, August 15, 2025

9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m: Friends of the Howell Carnegie Library Booksale at 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.

3:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m: Art at the Opera House
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.

5:00 p.m - 11:00 p.m: Festival Tent
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 and all ages are welcome until 9:00PM. Drink tickets are Cash Only.

6:00 p.m - 6:15 p.m: Howell Melon Roll at Corner of State St. and Michigan Ave
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. Limited spots are available. Sign up early to reserve your spot. Cost: $5/person. Click Here For Registration Information

6:15 p.m - 6:30 p.m: Mascot Dash at Downtown Howell
Join us in kicking off the Howell Melon Run and One in a Melon Mile with our annual Mascot Dash.  This short 100m dash starts the run festivities and is a great way for your business to get visibility.

6:30 p.m - 7:00 p.m: One in a Melon Mile at Downtown Howell
This one mile fun run/walk takes participants through the historic neighborhoods of Howell. Click Here For Registration Information

7:00 p.m - 8:00 p.m: Howell Melon Run 5K at Downtown Howell
Howell Recreation and presenting sponsor ChemTrend proudly present the 48th Annual Howell Melon Run (we welcome runners, walkers, and those racing in wheelchairs and other assistive devices) on August 15, 2025, 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. Click Here For Registration Information

7:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m: Concert at the Courthouse - Alan Turner - "The Gambler Returns" The Ultimate Kenny Rogers Tribute
Not since Garth Brooks jumped off the stage and into people’s hearts has the country scene delivered such riveting entertainment as southeastern Michigan’s Alan Turner and his Steel Horse Band. His connection with his fans makes him stand out, and his rugged good looks, rich baritone vocals and the way he delivers the song to his captivated audiences has set him above the rest.

Saturday, August 16, 2025

9:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m: Einstein Dog Training at S. Center St
Come watch the talented dogs of Einstein Dog Training in this dog show live at the Howell Melon Festival.

Schedule:
9:00 a.m: Speed Jump 1
10:00 a.m: Long Jump 1
11:00 a.m:  Long Jump 2
12:30 p.m: Long Jump 3
2:00 p.m: Long Jump 4
3:30 p.m: Long Jump 5
5:00 p.m: High Jump

9:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m: Friends of the Howell Carnegie Library Booksale at 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.

10:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m: Live Music - Flint Scottish Pipe Band at Mainstage
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.

10:00 a.m - 11:00 p.m: Festival Tent
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 and all ages are welcome until 9:00PM. Drink tickets are Cash Only.

10:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m: Melon Festival Classic Car Show at Downtown Howell
Come check out classic cars at the annual classic car show, presented by the Howell Historical Society. Click Here Fort More Information

10:30 a.m - 11:30 a.m: Animal Magic Show at Kids Melon Patch
Join Mark Rosenthal for a fun show combining education and magic involving some animals you may have never seen before!

11:00 a.m - 6:00 p.m: CornHowell (Cornhole) Tournament at Festival Tent
Click Here For More Information

11:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m: Axe Throwing (Saturday) (Ages 12+) at N. Michigan Ave
Join Warrior Throwing at the Howell Melon Festival and try out axe throwing for the first time.

11:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m: Live Music - Buzztop Studios at Mainstage
Join the talented kids of Buzztop Studios for a Free Concert during this year’s Howell Melon Festival.

12:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m: Art at the Opera House
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.

12:00 p.m - 1:00 p.m: Mini Stage Magic Show at Mini Stage
Join magician and entertainer Joel Tacey at the Mini Stage on S. Michigan Ave. for a magic show.

12:00 p.m - 1:00 p.m: Animal Magic Show at Kids Melon Patch
Join Mark Rosenthal for a fun show combining education and magic involving some animals you may have never seen before.

2:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m: Princess Show at Main Stage
Join Neverland Entertainment for a Free Princess Show at the Mini Stage on S. Michigan Ave. during this year’s Howell Melon Festival.

2:00 p.m - 3:00 p.m: Kids Magic Show at Kids Melon Patch
Join magician and entertainer Joel Tacey at the Kids Melon Patch on S. Michigan Ave. for a Free Magic Show.

2:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m: Live Music - The Vibe Tribe at Main Stage
Local band the Vibe Tribe will be performing a Free Concert during this year’s Howell Melon Festival.

5:00 p.m - 7:00 p.m: Live Music - Double Wide Ride at Main Stage
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.

8:00 p.m - 10:00 p.m: Live Music - First Time Crush at Main Stage
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.

Sunday, August 17, 2025

9:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m: Einstein Dog Training at S. Center St
Come watch the talented dogs of Einstein Dog Training in this dog show live at the Howell Melon Festival.

Schedule:
9:00 a.m: Long Jump 6
10:00 a.m: Long Jump 7
11:30 a.m: Long Jump 8
1:00 p.m: Speed Jump 2
2:30 p.m: Long Jump Event Finals

9:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m: Howell Farmers Market
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.

10:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m: Festival Tent
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.

10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m: Axe Throwing (Sunday) (Ages 12+) at N. Michigan Ave
Join Warrior Throwing at the Howell Melon Festival and try out axe throwing for the first time.

11:00 a.m - 12:00 p.m: Michigan Hula Dancers Show
Join us on Sunday at the Mini Stage for a Free Performance by Hula Michigan.

11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m: Live Music - Jayden Savage at Festival Tent
Join us at the Festival Tent on Sunday for a Free Concert from local singer/songwriter Jayden Savage.

11:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m: Art at the Opera House
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.

12:00 p.m - 4:00 p.m: Friends of the Howell Carnegie Library Booksale
Most hardcovers are $1.00, most paperbacks are only $.50, and all children's books are only $.25. Special pricing on current books.

1:00 p.m - 2:00 p.m: Dinosaur Show at Main Stage
Join Neverland Entertainment for a Free Show all about dinosaurs on the Mini Stage during this year’s Howell Melon Festival.

Date: August 14 - 17, 2025

Location: Various Venues in Howell, MI 48843

Click Here For More Information