Jackson County Watermelon Festival-Rock the Rind

The Jackson County Watermelon Festival - Rock the Rind is a lively country music and community celebration held annually in Brownstown, Indiana, typically over three days from July 31 to August 2. It centers around the famous Jackson County watermelon season, offering an energetic combination of live country music concerts, watermelon-themed contests, runs, and fun activities in a family-friendly environment.

Event Overview and Atmosphere:
Brownstown transforms into a festive hub celebrating its renowned watermelon crop with a vibrant, hospitable vibe. The festival, set in the Town Square, accommodates around 4,000 fans in an intimate setting praised for cleanliness and hospitality. Sugar Street lines up with various food vendors where visitors can enjoy delicious local bites paired with watermelon shakes or cold drinks. The occasion has a community and country charm with enthusiastic crowds and a welcoming feel, making it one of the region’s premier gatherings.

Music and Headliners:
The core of Rock the Rind is the country music festival headlined by prominent artists such as Tracy Byrd, Justin Moore, and Stephen Wilson Jr., alongside rising acts. Performances run nightly with a schedule as follows:

• Thursday, July 31: Jake Dodds (5:00 PM), Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper (6:00 PM), Deana Carter (7:30 PM), Tracy Byrd (9:00 PM)
• Friday, August 1: The Local Honeys (6:00 PM), Josh Ward (7:45 PM), Justin Moore (9:30 PM), plus late-night sets by Gannon Fremin & CCREV
• Saturday, August 2: Arlo McKinley (3:35 PM), Taylor Hunnicutt (4:50 PM), Silverada (6:10 PM), Southall (7:45 PM), Stephen Wilson Jr. (9:30 PM), plus a late-night set by Luke Borchhelt

General admission allows bringing chairs, though canopies are restricted, and a "Pit" section encourages more active dancing and participation.

Key Activities and Events:

• Jackson County Watermelon Steal: A signature fun event where participants try to retrieve a soapy watermelon from a huge pile of straw and race back to the finish line, adding playful competition.
• Watermelon 5K Run & Walk: Held on Saturday morning (August 2), this race celebrates the watermelon harvest, supporting community outreach, and invites participants of all fitness levels.
• Pickleball tournament: An engaging sports activity included in the festivities.
• Seed Spitting Contest: A classic watermelon-themed challenge that adds to the lighthearted competition.
• Various food vendors and beverage stands provide local flavors and watermelon-inspired treats throughout the festival.

Location and Accessibility:
The festival is located at the Town Square in Brownstown, Jackson County, Indiana (111 S Main St), with easy accessibility and accommodations including handicapped accessible areas.

History and Founding:
While specific founding details are not extensively documented, the Jackson County Watermelon Festival has gained considerable momentum since its inception, with Rock the Rind being highlighted as one of the region's most hospitable and clean music festivals. Its reputation grew since at least 2023 and continues to feature prominent country artists alongside traditional watermelon celebrations, emphasizing community spirit and local agriculture.

Festival Tickets and Options:
Tickets range from single-day passes to weekend general admission and pit passes. VIP passes often sell out, reflecting the event’s popularity. Camping packages are offered in limited numbers for attendees wanting to immerse in the full festival experience.

In summary, Jackson County Watermelon Festival - Rock the Rind is a dynamic, music-driven celebration blending Jackson County’s agricultural heritage with country music, community fun, and family-friendly contests in a clean, intimate setting over a summer weekend in Brownstown, Indiana.