Annual Events

Where the Whole Town Shows Up

These are the Chamber's signature annual traditions — events that have shaped Chiefland's community calendar for decades and welcome visitors from across the state.

Coming Up

Upcoming events

Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 8:00 AM

Rudolph Fun Run 5K

Trail Head Park, Chiefland

A festive 5K run/walk starting at Trail Head Park, across the street from the Historic Train Depot. Registration opens at 7:00 a.m. and the run starts at 8:00 a.m. $30 in advance, $35 on race day, and children under 8 run free — costumes encouraged. All proceeds support the Chamber and its programs.

Saturday, December 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Chiefland Christmas Festival & Lighted Parade

Trail Head Park, 23 SE 2nd Ave, Chiefland

The festival runs 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Trail Head Park with live entertainment, food, and games. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The Lighted Christmas Parade steps off at 6:00 p.m. (staging begins at 5:00). This year's theme is "Star Spangled Christmas," celebrating America's 250th birthday. Parade entries are due December 1; vendor application deadline is 2 weeks prior to event.

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Mark Your Calendar

Signature annual events

From a summer festival with 70-year roots to a festive December weekend, every event below is a free or low-cost way to experience the best of Chiefland.

First Saturday in June

Watermelon Festival

One of Chiefland's most beloved traditions, the Watermelon Festival has been running every summer since 1954 — when local farmers donated their last watermelons to celebrate the completion of new city streets. Today, farmers still donate watermelons served ice cold to all visitors.

Highlights include arts and crafts exhibits from across Florida and neighboring states, a watermelon seed-spitting contest, the watermelon parade, auction, weighing contest, and the crowning of the Watermelon Queen. Coordinated by the Chiefland Women's Club, this annual tradition draws thousands from across the state.

Each December

Christmas Festival & Parade

Chiefland's biggest winter tradition brings the whole community downtown. The festival runs 11 a.m.–4 p.m. with live entertainment, food, and games, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are on hand from 3–4 p.m. Then at 6 p.m., the street lights up with the beloved Lighted Christmas Parade.

Become a sponsor Vendor application Enter the parade

Each December · Trail Head Park

Rudolph Fun Run 5K

A festive 5K run/walk from Trail Head Park held each December during Christmas Festival weekend. Registration opens at 7 a.m. and the race starts at 8 a.m. Costumes are enthusiastically encouraged — the more holiday cheer, the better.

Entry fees: $30 advance / $35 day-of. Children under 8 run free. Proceeds support Chamber programs and community initiatives throughout the year.

Chamber ribbon cutting and awards ceremony

Each Spring

Annual Awards Banquet

Each spring, the Chamber gathers to recognize the individuals and organizations who made an extraordinary difference in our community over the past year. Awards are presented for:

Citizen of the Year
Business of the Year
Law Enforcement of the Year

Chamber members gathered at a local business ribbon cutting

Monthly · Members Only

Monthly Member Luncheons

Every month, Chamber members gather for a networking luncheon — a relaxed setting to make connections, share referrals, hear from local leaders, and strengthen the business community that makes Chiefland run.

Luncheon tickets are included with every membership level, making them one of the most tangible day-one benefits of joining the Chamber. Whether you're a longtime member or brand new to the area, these monthly gatherings are where relationships are built.

Become a member

Need this year's exact dates?

Event dates and times are confirmed each year. For the current schedule, call the Chamber or stop by the Welcome Center in the Historic Train Depot — we'll have the latest information on hand.

Call 352-493-1849 Contact us