Summer in Southern California is about to get a whole lot sweeter and more fragrant! The highly anticipated Watermelon & Lavender Festival at Mellano Farm Stand is returning to Oceanside for not just one, but three spectacular weekends in July. This beloved annual event combines the juicy celebration of watermelon harvest season with the aromatic beauty of blooming lavender fields, creating a delightful experience that captures the essence of summer.
Festival Overview & Essential Details
- Welcome to Mellano Farm Stand for the Watermelon & Lavender Festival. Source: patch.com
The Watermelon & Lavender Festival offers locals and visitors alike the chance to experience farm-to-table offerings just a short drive from Encinitas. Taking place over three consecutive weekends (July 12-13, July 19-20, and July 26-27), this family-friendly celebration runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day. The Mellano Farm Stand has expanded the festival this year to accommodate growing popularity, ensuring everyone has a chance to participate in this seasonal celebration. A modest $5 parking fee applies, with ample space available for festival-goers throughout the event dates.
What makes this festival particularly special is its unique pairing of summer favorites – the refreshing sweetness of just-harvested watermelons alongside the calming fragrance of lavender in full bloom. The farm’s newly established lavender fields create a perfect purple backdrop for photos, while their watermelon patches yield both traditional red and surprising yellow varieties fresh for sampling and purchase. Visitors should note important timing details: the last tractor ride departs at 3:30 p.m., final entry to u-pick fields closes at 3:00 p.m., and bounce house activities end at 3:45 p.m. While leashed dogs are welcome in the farm stand area, they aren’t permitted in u-pick fields or on tractor rides due to safety regulations.
Activities & Attractions Breakdown
The festival boasts an impressive array of activities centered around its star attractions. Visitors can stroll through fragrant lavender fields, selecting and cutting their own bunches to take home, or participate in the popular lavender crown-making workshop where they can craft wearable floral souvenirs. Watermelon enthusiasts will delight in the farm’s three varieties of freshly harvested melons, including both traditional red and the more unusual yellow watermelon – perfect for sampling, purchasing, or enjoying in the farm’s signature watermelon lemonade. Throughout the day, live music creates a festive atmosphere while visitors browse unique offerings from local artisan vendors or sample treats from the lineup of food trucks.
Beyond the headlining watermelon and lavender experiences, the festival offers numerous additional attractions to round out the day. Visitors can explore the colorful zinnia fields for more flower picking opportunities or visit the “Build Your Own Bouquet” bloom bar, where Mason jars are provided for creating personalized floral arrangements. Family-friendly tractor rides traverse the picturesque farm property, offering views of the agricultural landscape. For younger guests, the Kids Corner provides free craft activities, bounce houses for burning off energy, and gem panning adventures. Adults can relax at the bar area featuring local wine and beer options, including special tasting flights from Beach House Winery alongside the farm’s beloved watermelon and lavender lemonades – the perfect refreshment for a warm July afternoon.
