🍉 Cathedral Commons’ 2nd Annual Watermelon Festival Draws a Crowd

Northwest Washington, DC — June 21, 2025 – For the second year in a row, The Ice God partnered with Cathedral Commons and local businesses to bring summer fun to Northwest DC at the annual Watermelon Festival. The event treated families and neighbors to a vibrant array of watermelon-flavored treats, interactive games, and thirst-quenching beverages—marking the official start of the season.

Gold medalist and master sculptor Angelito “Lito” Baban wowed attendees with both pre-carved watermelon displays and live carving demonstrations. A total of 14 pre-carved sculptures were on display, while Lito performed three live carving sessions throughout the day transforming fresh fruit into dazzling, intricate works of art.

📸 As Seen on 7News

Created to celebrate the first day of summer, the watermelon festival brought Northwest DC neighbors together in joyful community highlighted by Lito Baban’s detailed pre-carved watermelons and mesmerizing live carving sessions, said organizer Kellyn Naing of 12BeesCreative.

📰 Full feature:Watermelon Festival Brings Summer Fun to Northwest DC – WJLA

Cathedral Commons is more than just a retail and residential destination—it’s a neighborhood hub that regularly hosts public events, outdoor markets, and seasonal celebrations to bring the Northwest DC community together. The Watermelon Festival has become a standout summer tradition, attracting families, local businesses, and visitors from across the city.

The Ice God is a Baltimore-based artisan ice company turning ice—and now watermelon—into unforgettable moments. From luxury cocktail ice to live carving at events, we’re proud to expand our summer lineup!

Angelito “Lito” Baban is a chef by day and an internationally celebrated multi-medium sculptor working in ice, fruit, cheese, wood, and chocolate. Originally from Paete in the Philippines, a town renowned for its wood-carving tradition, he brings over 25 years of experience. An accomplished competitor, Lito has earned numerous awards from the National Ice Sculptor’s Association most recently winning won first place in the multi-block and second place in the double-block categories at Ice Alaska’s 2025 World Ice Art Championships. He also claimed top honors at the International Ice Festival in Poznań, Poland, including 1st place in 2011 and 2013, cementing his reputation as a world-class artist.

Watermelon Festivals Drive Engagement & Tourism

The California Watermelon Festival draws over 20,000 attendees each year, demonstrating the power of summer events that blend food, art, and community. For cities in the DMV aiming to grow their own seasonal celebrations, incorporating live carving demonstrations and pre-carved watermelon displays from The Ice God can transform a local gathering into a buzzworthy destination. These festivals don’t just entertain, they support local businesses, attract regional tourism, and generate social media moments that spread organically.