News Summary
Tallahassee is set for a vibrant weekend featuring festivals, musical performances, and Father’s Day events. Highlights include the Monticello Watermelon Festival and various cultural celebrations. Musical acts promise lively entertainment across venues, while community activities provide opportunities to celebrate heritage. From honoring fathers to enjoying local arts, there’s something for everyone this weekend.
Tallahassee Weekend Roundup: Festivals, Music, and Father’s Day Celebrations
For residents and visitors alike, Tallahassee offers a vibrant weekend filled with festivals, musical performances, and special events in honor of Father’s Day. Key celebrations start this weekend, including the 74th Annual Monticello Watermelon Festival, taking place on Friday, June 13, and Saturday, June 14. This event, coupled with various musical performances and community gatherings, promises to bring the community together for an enjoyable time.
Weekend Highlight Events
The Monticello Watermelon Festival will kick off with a Vendor Village, Beer Garden, and an antique car show. Notably, the Watermelon Parade is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 14, followed by festival activities running until 3 p.m. Additionally, the Afrikan Dance Festival will feature dance and drum classes at the FSU School of Dance on June 13-14.
Father’s Day celebrations are set for Sunday, June 15, including an event at Hearth & Soul titled “Pops, Hops & Hot Rods,” scheduled for 1-3 p.m. This event will feature classic cars and food to honor fathers in the community. The Irish Repertory Theater’s Bloomsday Festival will also take place on this day, showcasing Irish culture with live music and a performance of “Sea Marks.”
Musical Performances
Numerous musical performances are lined up throughout the weekend. On Friday, June 13, bluegrass fans can enjoy a performance by the Bottom Dollar Boys at Blue Tavern at 5 p.m. Later that evening, “Songwriters in the Round” will spotlight local talents at 8 p.m.
On Saturday, at 8 p.m., the Will Fulkerson Quartet will take the stage following the 2nd Saturday Old Time Jam, which starts earlier at 4 p.m. The Great Oaks Pub will also host The Intoxicators and the Disasternauts from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, promising local music lovers a lively atmosphere. Other local acts include the J Morgan Band performing on June 13 and Bluesdog and the Howlers on June 14 at The Sound Bar.
Community and Cultural Events
The weekend will also feature community-driven activities, including the 5th Annual Juneteenth Empowerment Festival at Cascades Park from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday, June 14, celebrating African American history and culture. Residents can visit the Downtown Market on June 14, where acoustic duo Hot Tamale will perform from 10 a.m. to noon, supporting local artists and creating a festive weekend atmosphere.
On June 14, the 3rd Annual Afrikan Dance Festival will take place, providing engaging classes to celebrate African culture through dance. Events during this festival will be held at the FSU School of Dance for interested attendees.
The Tallahassee Film Society will screen the film “Secret Mall Apartment” at the Challenger IMAX on June 14-15, offering an entertaining option for movie enthusiasts. Additionally, open mic nights at Blue Tavern on June 17 will provide local talents an opportunity to showcase their skills to appreciative audiences.
A Schedule of Events
- Friday, June 13: Monticello Watermelon Festival (3-9 p.m.); Bottom Dollar Boys (5 p.m.); Songwriters in the Round (8 p.m.); J Morgan Band (Evening); The Great Oaks Pub, The Intoxicators and the Disasternauts (6:30-9:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, June 14: Monticello Watermelon Festival (9 a.m.-3 p.m.); 2nd Saturday Old Time Jam (4 p.m.); Will Fulkerson Quartet (8 p.m.); Afrikan Dance Festival (All day); 5th Annual Juneteenth Empowerment Festival (2-8 p.m.)
- Sunday, June 15: “Pops, Hops & Hot Rods” at Hearth & Soul (1-3 p.m.); Bloomsday Festival at the Irish Repertory Theater (All day); Pride Makers Market at 926 Bar & Grill (11 a.m.-3 p.m.)
This weekend promises to be filled with excitement across Tallahassee, with plenty of options for every interest. From celebrating fathers to honoring community heritage and enjoying local music, residents can experience a diverse array of activities designed to engage and entertain.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Lake City Prepares for Multicultural Day Celebration
Women in Leadership: A Call for Transformation
David Hogg Steps Down from DNC Vice Chair Role
Elon Musk and Trump Seek Reconciliation After Tensions
Rising Gun Violence in Florida City Leaves One Hospitalized
Florida Lawmakers Pursue Budget Finalization Amid Property Tax Proposals
Legacy Gold BBQ Sauce Launches in Tallahassee
Protests Signal Need for Change in Los Angeles
Tragic Car Crash Claims Lives of Massachusetts High School Seniors
Texas Man Arrested for Trespassing at Mar-a-Lago
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Top 5 Fun Things to Do Around Tallahassee
- Wikipedia: Tallahassee
- WTXL: Happening This Weekend
- Google Search: Tallahassee events
- The Tallahassee 100: Calendar Full of Fun
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tallahassee
- Tallahassee.com: Essential Summer Calendar
- Google News: Tallahassee entertainment

Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

