Franklin County Watermelon Festival
August 14 & 15, 2026
2026 Vendor Applications will be available until Wednesday, June 10th, 2026.
After that date, a waitlist will be made available for 2027.
To complete the application, please do the following:
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Click to open the fillable PDF (this opens the file in your browser; do not open in Google Docs)
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Complete all form fields
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SAVE the PDF to your device
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Email completed PDF to director@franklincountychamber.org
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Please include pictures of your products and booth set up with your application
“Early Bird” Discount Deadline
Friday, May 20th, 2026
Vendor Application Deadline
Friday, June 10th, 2026
*Any applications submitted after June 10th deadline will be subject to a $100 late fee.
Confirmation & Notification Schedule:
| VENDOR APPLICATION DEADLINES | SUBMITTED BY: | NOTIFIED: |
| Early Bird Deadline May 20th, 2026 | May 20th, 2026 | June 3rd, 2026 |
| Vendor Deadline June 10th, 2026 | June 10th, 2026 | June 24th, 2026 |
| After June 10th, 2026* *Apps received after June 10th will be subject to a $100 late fee | After June 10th, 2026 | Apps received after June 10th, 2026 will have longer notification times. |
Check-In & Set Up Schedule:
| VENDOR TYPE | REGISTRATION DATE | REGISTRATION TIME | SET-UP COMPLETED BY |
| HEART | Thurs. Aug. 13th | 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Fri. at 5 p.m. |
| Food | Fri. Aug. 14th | 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 2 p.m. (to allow time for ADPH inspection) |
| Cottage Food Non-Profit Other Vendor Booths | Fri. Aug 14th | W/ electricity | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. W/O electricity | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | W / electricity | 3 p.m. W/O electricity | 5 p.m. |
FOOD VENDORS
*Includes Health Department Application
FOOD VENDOR APPLICATION 2026
Vendor Rules & Registration Information 2026
COTTAGE FOOD VENDORS
COTTAGE FOOD VENDOR APPLICATION 2026
Vendor Rules & Registration Information 2026
BOOTH VENDORS
*All other Vendors
Including Arts, Crafts, Sales, Business Promotion, Political, etc.
BOOTH VENDOR APPLICATION 2026
Vendor Rules & Registration Information 2026
Vendor FAQs
When is the Franklin County Watermelon Festival?
The Franklin County Watermelon Festival occurs annually the third weekend in August.
What is the estimated attendance for the Watermelon Festival?
Since our festival is free to attend, it’s hard to get an accurate number of attendees. However, our best guess based on recent years is around 30,000 – 35,000 attendees over the two days.
When will the vendor applications be ready?
We usually have our vendor applications available in April/May. The final deadline for us to accept vendor applications is usually the second week in June. All deadlines will be listed on the application and the website.
What does the application process look like?
Once an application is submitted with all required items (insurance for food vendors / non-profit affirmation letters / Cottage Food Certifications / photos of items & booth setup / etc.) ALL applications go to our Board of Directors for approval. Applicants will be notified of their approval/denial and their next steps by the date listed on the application.
What is the difference between a HEART vendor and a non-HEART vendor?
HEART Vendor Booths are located in the “heart” of the festival closest to the entertainment. Although we don’t believe there is a bad booth location for this festival, HEART booths are likely to have more foot traffic. Veteran Vendors who have been committed to our festival for several years will have priority with HEART Vendor Booth placement.
When will we know where our booth placement is?
Vendors will be given their booth assignments on Friday morning of the festival. Vendors are required to “Check-In” at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to receive their booth number, sales tax information, and additional festival information (maps, schedule, etc.)
Do you allow mechanical bulls?
Unfortunately, our festival insurance does not allow the set up or use of mechanical bulls.
Do you have a kids zone / inflatable vendor?
Yes, we currently already have a vendor who handles our kids rides and inflatables.
Where do vendors set up for this festival? Grass, gravel, concrete, asphalt?
All vendor spaces are located on Jackson Avenue on the asphalt in Downtown Russellville.
Does your festival last into the night? Will I need lights in my booth?
Yes! Our festival ends both nights at 10:00 PM. Since we are on a public downtown street, there will be streetlights, however, you may need additional lighting underneath your tent so your items may be visible.
Do you provide water hook-ups for food vendors?
No. We do not provide water. You will need to provide your own water source.
Do I need to bring my own table & chairs?
Yes! Vendors are to provide their own tables, chairs, tents, extension cords, and anything else you may need to have a successful weekend!
Where should I stay during the Watermelon Festival?
We have three great hotels located inside the Russellville City limits:
Best Western Plus : 13770 Hwy 43, Russellville, AL 35653 | 256-332-1002
EconoLodge: 13600 Hwy 43, Russellville, AL 35653 | 256-398-7444
Stricklin Hotel: 114 A N Jackson Avenue, Russellville, AL 35653 | 256-248-9982
What do I do with my booth on Friday night?
Vendors may leave their tents, tables, chairs, trailers, and other bulky items at their booth space. We will have Russellville City Police patrolling the festival space overnight. Smaller items may be locked up and taken with you, however, vendors will not be allowed to drive through the festival area on Friday night to pack items up, or on Saturday morning to unload.
Can I sleep onsite with my booth/trailer.
No. Vendors are not allowed to sleep onsite with their booth or trailer.
Can I bring my pets?
We discourage vendors and attendees from bringing pets to the Watermelon Festival. Exposure of the high temperatures of the Alabama August heat can easily irritate and/or burn the most well mannered pet. Any complaints about pets will be handled by the Russellville Police Department.
