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South Florida Watermelon Festival – REVIEW

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South Florida’s Watermelon Festival Debuts a Juicy Slice of Family Fun.

April 13th, 2025

There’s a new fruit stealing the spotlight in Boca Raton—and it’s a sweet one. Making its debut on April 12–13, 2025, the South Florida Watermelon Festival rolled into South County Regional Park with mouthwatering treats, high-flying fun, and plenty of smiles to go around. Brought to life by the same team behind the beloved South Florida Strawberry Festival, this fruity follow-up offered a refreshing twist for spring, and it was anything but a carbon copy.

Following the success of their January event, which drew a staggering 15,000 guests, Artisan Promotions and FOMO Entertainment Group decided it was time to seed a new tradition. “We thought, ‘Hey, let’s build another festival around another delicious fruit,’” said co-organizer Skyler Mendieta. “That’s how the Watermelon Festival was born.”

co-organizer Skyler Mendieta at South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

And what a birth it was. From inflatable obstacle courses to crowd-pleasing carnival rides and quirky attractions like the human hamster wheel and balloon bubble houses, the Watermelon Festival had something for every age. Whether it was toddlers giggling in the soft play area or teens bouncing on bungee trampolines, this event offered a melon-choly-free weekend of entertainment.

South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Watermelon Festival without a few rind-blowing culinary creations. Guests could snack on chocolate-dipped watermelon skewers, watermelon smoothies, and even watermelon-ham-mint-and-cheese combos that blended refreshing with savory. The beloved food vendors from the Strawberry Festival were back too, dishing out fan favorites like smoked pork belly cones and brisket-topped mac and cheese. Safe to say, guests didn’t leave hungry—or thirsty.

On the performance side, the America’s Got Talent–featured pig show stole the stage (and a few hearts). “Oink,” a 700-pound, sunglass-sporting pig, oinked his way through “Old MacDonald,” joined by a charming llama, some sprightly pups, and a band of adorable piglets. It was a PIG-tacular performance that had crowds squealing with delight.

Another highlight? The watermelon eating contest, where guests of all ages competed for glory and a good laugh, diving into juicy slices with watermelon-to-ear grins. And for families with sensory-sensitive kids, the festival introduced a thoughtful Early Access Ticket, allowing entry an hour before general admission to provide a calmer, line-free environment—like having Disney World all to yourself.

But this wasn’t just about thrill rides and tasty treats. There was meaning behind the fun too. Guests could support the IDDeal Foundation by crafting watermelon-scented candles at the Magic Candle Tent, a hands-on activity that combined creativity and compassion.

Between the laughter, the music, the food, and the floats, it was clear the Watermelon Festival wasn’t just trying to copy its strawberry predecessor—it was carving out its own space, one juicy bite at a time.

With free general parking (VIP parking was just $10), a $28 all-inclusive ticket covering rides, inflatables, and shows (kids under two got in free), and plenty of vendor booths for shopping and snacking, the festival truly delivered on its promise of being fun for the whole family.

In a region known for its sunshine and spirit, the Watermelon Festival proved it could hold its own, combining top-tier organization with old-fashioned fun. Thanks to the powerhouse team of Jackie and Skyler from Artisan Promotions and FOMO Entertainment Group, South Florida just might have a new favorite fruit-filled tradition on its hands.

And if this year was any indication, next year’s Watermelon Festival will be even melon-tastic.

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • Bourbon Street Eateryt at South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • Viking Brothers Woodfire Meat at South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • co-organizer Skyler Mendieta at South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

  • South Florida Watermelon Festival ©South Florida Insider

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.

Events

Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

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From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.


June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

  • Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
  • CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
  • Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

  • Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
  • David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
  • Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
  • Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.

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