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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.

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Luli Fama Launches Paradise Found Cruise ’27 Swimwear Collection in Miami

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Luli Fama celebrates its Paradise Found Cruise ’27 swimwear and resortwear collection with a luxury Miami launch at its Dadeland Mall boutique.


 August 20, 2026

Miami swimwear favorite Luli Fama is stepping into Cruise ’27 with Paradise Found, a new swimwear and resortwear collection inspired by tropical escapes, exotic prints and effortless vacation glamour.

South Florida Insider has already taken a closer look at the Luli Fama Paradise Found collection, and it feels made for Miami.

The new Cruise ’27 collection combines the bold, body-confident swimwear Luli Fama is known for with elevated resort pieces designed to move effortlessly from the beach and pool to cocktails and dinner.

On Thursday, August 20, Luli Fama will celebrate Paradise Found with an exclusive evening at its newest Dadeland Mall boutique in Miami, complete with fashion, light bites, personalized surprises, and a luxe espresso martini bar.

Inside Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 Collection

Paradise Found is inspired by the feeling of discovering a hidden tropical retreat.

Think lush landscapes, warm golden hour light, exotic patterns, and silhouettes made for somewhere beautiful.

The collection features Luli Fama signatures, including flattering ruched details, seamless construction, adjustable fits, and statement swimwear, alongside an expanded selection of resortwear.

We especially love the pieces that blur the line between swim and ready-to-wear.

Flowing dresses, sleek coverups, and body-skimming silhouettes make it easy to transition from a sun-drenched afternoon to an evening out without losing that relaxed resort feeling.

It is sensual, polished, and unmistakably Miami.

Luli Fama Brings Luxury Resort Style to Miami

There is a reason Paradise Found feels so natural in South Florida.

In Miami, resortwear is not reserved for vacation.

A swimsuit can become part of an outfit. A coverup can take you to lunch. A flowing resort dress can carry you from an afternoon by the water straight into cocktails and dinner.

Luli Fama has always understood that lifestyle.

Paradise Found takes it a step further, creating a Cruise ’27 wardrobe that feels as appropriate for a tropical getaway as it does for a weekend in Miami.

The campaign captures that mood beautifully, pairing the collection with palms, lush greenery, tropical architecture and the kind of sun soaked setting that makes you want to extend your vacation indefinitely.

Paradise Found Comes to Luli Fama at Dadeland Mall

Luli Fama will bring the world of Paradise Found to life on Thursday, August 20 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at its newest boutique at Dadeland Mall in Miami.

The intimate celebration will bring together invited guests, influencers, celebrities and media for an early look at Cruise ’27.

Luli Fama is also dressing invited guests in pieces from the brand, allowing the new collection to be experienced the way it was designed to be worn: in motion, styled and out for the evening.

Luli After Hours Espresso Martini Bar

Fashion is only part of the experience.

For the Paradise Found celebration, Luli Fama is introducing Luli After Hours, an Espresso Martini Bar inspired by the glamour of the collection.

Guests will be able to sip three specialty espresso martinis created for the evening.

The Luli Babe puts a polished spin on the classic espresso martini, while Golden Hour pairs salted caramel with edible gold shimmer. Miami After Dark takes a richer approach with chocolate hazelnut and a cocoa dust finish.

Along with cocktails, guests can expect light bites, curated details and a special personalized surprise.

The result feels less like a traditional retail event and more like checking into a private resort for the evening.

A Miami Swimwear Brand Celebrates at Home

For a brand with such a strong connection to South Florida, launching Paradise Found in Miami feels especially fitting.

Luli Fama has built its identity around colorful, confident swimwear and resort fashion with a distinctly tropical point of view.

Paradise Found carries that identity into Cruise ’27 while giving it a more elevated, escapist mood.

And with Luli Fama’s newest boutique now at Dadeland Mall, Miami shoppers have another destination to experience the brand in person.

After getting our own closer look at Luli Fama’s Paradise Found Cruise ’27 collection, we can safely say the name fits.

Paradise has officially been found, and this time, it is in Miami.

Check out the collection HERE

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