Every July 4th morning, Winter Park‘s Park Avenue transforms into a race course for the AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k, one of Central Florida’s most beloved Independence Day traditions. Organized by Track Shack, the race kicks off the city’s morning of patriotic celebration before the Winter Park Olde Fashioned 4th of July Celebration begins in Central Park at 8:30 a.m.
2026 AdventHealth July 4th Watermelon 5k
The race starts at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 251 Park Avenue South in Winter Park. The 3.1-mile course runs along Park Avenue and through the neighborhood streets surrounding Central Park. Arrive 45–60 minutes before start time to pick up your race bib. All finishers receive a T-shirt, post-race refreshments, and a watermelon snack.
Registration and pricing
Register at trackshack.com. Pricing increases by registration deadline:
- Through May 11: $35
- May 12 – June 22: $40
- June 23 – July 3: $45
- Race day: $50
A $10 discount applies for participants ages 17 and under and 65 and older. Register early — the lowest pricing tier closes May 11.
Watermelon eating contest and kids’ run
After the 5k finishes, the fun continues with the watermelon eating contest at 8:40 a.m. The free kids’ run begins at 8:45 a.m. — children register on event day. Distances are assigned by age (100 to 400 yards).
What to do after the race
The timing works out perfectly: the race wraps up just as the 31st Annual 4th of July Celebration opens in Central Park and the West Meadow at 8:30 a.m., with the School of Rock, the Bach Festival Choir and Brass Ensemble, the Kids Zone, free Kona Ice, and the bicycle parade at 9:30 a.m. The Morse Museum offers free admission from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. all weekend.
Local Tip: Lock in the $35 registration rate before May 11 — it’s the best deal and race day pricing is $15 more. Parking is tight on Park Avenue by 7 a.m.; aim for the side streets off Pennsylvania Avenue or the New England Avenue garage and walk over. Bring a change of clothes so you can enjoy the rest of the day’s festivities comfortably after the race.
AdventHealth Watermelon 5k Video
Park Avenue Map