Middle Tennessee likes to eat. And not just in restaurants. We like to celebrate food. Take a look at some of the food festivals happening this summer all dealing with the art of food:
1. GOO GOO SHOP & DESSERT BAR CLASSES
ONGOING
Visit the Goo Goo Shop & Dessert Bar for a sweet treat, a little history lesson, and the chance to make your own candy bar. Taste your way through a sample of classic Clusters or customize your own.
2. NASHVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET
ONGOING
The Farm Side is open with local produce, meats, cheeses, and more. The Market House restaurants and shops have special hours and menus. Cooking demos, wine & beer, and more make for a great night out at the Farmers’ Market.
3. YUM!EAST
MAY 26
East Nashville‘s food scene is on display for all to see during Yum!East. Let the fun come to you and join the online auction featuring exclusive and priceless experiences.
4. BREW AT THE ZOO
JUNE 3
Sampling brews from more than 80 craft breweries while strolling through the Nashville Zoo is most definitely a unique experience. Animals, live music, and food from local food trucks fill out the evening.
5. SUN DROP FEST
JUNE 11
The annual Sun Drop Fest in downtown Pulaski features music, food, and vendors from 1 – 11:45 p.m. In addition, the fest includes a variety of activities for all ages exploring local music and arts, history and culture. Pulaski is the home of Sundrop Bottling which makes the Southern soda Sundrop. It was also made popular by race car driver Dale Earnhardt and others.
6. RC COLA-MOONPIE FESTIVAL
JUNE 18
This wacky, fun for the whole family event celebrates the South’s original fast food — RC Cola and a fresh MoonPie. Wander into downtown Bell Buckle to find plenty of music, cloggers, weird-but-fun contests, MoonPie games and a colorful parade to name a few of the many things that occur throughout the day.
7. TACO & MARGHERITA FESTIVAL
JUNE 18
The family-friendly event will feature delicious tacos and treats prepared by Legends Hospitality, live performances across four stages and an array of more than 40 local vendors from 12 – 6 p.m. at Nissan Stadium (1 Titans Way, Nashville). The event will take place at Nissan Stadium from 12 – 6 p.m. Standard tickets are $15 in advance/$20 at the door, and include general admission, access to arts and crafts vendors and live entertainment. Food and drink options will be purchased separately.
8. WATERMELON FESTIVAL
JULY 2
Crawl on down to Lucky Ladd Farms for some summertime family fun and enjoy a FREE slice of refreshing watermelon. Cool off in the Splash Zone featuring a Splash Pad, Bubble Blast Pool, inflatable water slides, and more. Test your skills and win prizes in the Watermelon Crawl and Watermelon Eating Contests.
10. MUSIC CITY HOT CHICKEN FESTIVAL
JULY 4
Each year, hot chicken lovers gather to celebrate Nashville’s unique dish on the traditional July 4 date. Nashville’s best hot chicken creators offer up tastes of their fiery dishes to all. It’s FREE and the perfect opportunity to try Nashville’s staple food before watching the Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th celebration.
11. SIP TN
JULY 4
Sip TN, is Nashville’s first all Tennessee wine festival and coming to the Nashville Farmers’ Market this season. Wine producers from across the state will showcase their best selection during this festive food event. Plus, there will be live music, artisan crafts, and gourmet food.
12. MUSIC CITY JERK FESTIVAL
JULY 9
Take part in Nashville’s Annual Jamaican and Caribbean Food Festival at Music City Walk of Fame Park this Summer. Enjoy the tantalizing flavors of authentic Island cuisine while basking in the atmosphere rich with Culture from the Tropical Islands of the Caribbean, live music, and activities for the entire family. Free general admission to access food & craft vendors with the option to purchase picnic-style seating stage side for live music and entertainment!
13. MUSIC CITY BREWER’S FESTIVAL
JULY 23
Grab your pretzel necklace for the annual beer festival that celebrates brew from local, regional, national, and international breweries. Live music and food also play a key role in this summer staple event happening at Music City Walk of Fame Park.
14. RED, WHITE, & ZOO
JULY 29
Savor the evening in Music City during Red, White & Zoo as you explore the Nashville Zoo’s exotic habitats while tasting wine from around the world. Patrons to the event will also enjoy live music, food bites from local restaurants, and craft beer and spirits.
15. TOMATO ART FEST
AUGUST 12-13
The Tomato Art Fest is an art show celebrating the tomato during late summer. The festival is FREE and takes place in East Nashville’s Five Points area or online. There are multiple stages throughout the area, which host FREE music for everyone to enjoy.
16. NASHVILLE MAC & CHEESE FESTIVAL
October 14
Celebrate and enjoy the world’s most comforting dish at First Horizon Park (19 Junior Gilliam Way, Nashville). Enjoy over 30 kinds of mac and cheese to sample from top chefs and food vendors; great wines and ciders to sample; and live bands and entertainment from 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Tickets range from $20 – $40. Children 12 years old and under get free admission!
