A quick scroll of your Instagram feed will probably confirm what a lot of people are already saying. This is the summer of the watermelon pic. Specifically, using the refreshing fruit or an accessory that looks like it to add a little summer spirit to your ‘gram.

Don’t believe us? Do a watermelon hashtag search and you’ll see over 4 million photos that include watermelon lip-looks, watermelon pool toys, watermelon meals, and even watermelon dresses

The Watermelon Dress Trend / Photo Courtesy of Davidson Videos / YouTube

Want to get in on the trend? If you live in California, you’re in luck. The state accounts for 16 percent of all watermelon production in the United States (third overall). Given how many farmers are growing the fruit, there are also lots of festivals throughout the summer for you to enjoy, eat, and of course photograph all that melon.

55th Annual California Watermelon Festival: July 29-30

Photo Courtesy of California Watermelon Festival

Probably the biggest of them all, this festival in Lake View Terrace in Los Angeles is saying this year’s event will be “watermelonier than ever!” They’re doubling the tonnage of fruit on hand and adding a Watermelon Games Arena for activities such as watermelon skiing (don’t ask). They’ll also have cooking demonstrations, food authors, kid’s areas, and live music on hand.

Slice of Chico: July 14-15

While this family-friendly event is about promoting all the shops and eateries that Chico has to offer, watermelon is the main attraction. There will be two official watermelon stations on hand where you can get free slices to enjoy. Local restaurants will also be offering watermelon-themed menu items.

Photo by Mike Ross / CC BY

California Mid-State Fair Watermelon Eating Contest: July 19, July 30

You get not one but two chances to participate in this watermelon-munching event. Each participant even gets a special Watermelon Contest / California Mid-State Fair ribbon just for competing. Afterward, stick around and peruse the carnival rides, exhibits, and other food items available at this Paso Robles tradition.

American Family Housing Ribs, Pigs, & Watermelon Festival: August TBD

Head to Huntington Beach to scarf down some watermelon for a very good cause. Last year, American Family Housing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to permanently ending the cycle of homelessness, raised over $155,000 at this event. See if you’re up for either the watermelon or rib eating contests, then stick around for a car show, live music, and more. 

Watermelon Rock / Photo Courtesy of Walking SF Bay

National Watermelon Day: August 3

This isn’t an event, exactly, but doesn’t it make sense to celebrate National Watermelon Day by eating a slice of watermelon while standing on a slice of watermelon? You can do that if you visit Watermelon Rock in Alameda. This semi-circular piece of concrete was first painted to look like a watermelon slice back in 1983 and is routinely repainted from time to time.