12 Food Events this Summer

Nashville likes to eat. And not just in restaurants. We like to celebrate food. Take a look at some of the events happening this summer all dealing with the art of food.

Nashville Hot Chicken Festival
Ongoing
Goo Goo Shop & Dessert Bar Classes
Goo Goo Candy making class

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.

May 4-5
Pickin' & Grinnin' Strawberry Jam Festival
Lucky Ladd Watermelon Fest

Sweet southern fun that brings families and small-town communities together to celebrate strawberry farms across Tennessee. Festival highlights include strawberry picking and pre-picked berry flats for purchase, exceptional strawberry-themed food and beverages, a pie eating contest, shop the Makers market, live music, and entertainment, a homemade strawberry jam contest, along with over 50 fun and exciting attractions for kids and adults alike to enjoy.

May 5
Cinco de Mayo
Saint Anejo Taco

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage. It commemorates the date of the Mexican army's victory over France at the Battle of Puebla, on May 5, 1862. Celebrate with tacos or a meal inspired by Latin American flavors. Nashville area restaurants serve authentic, flavorful meals that will have you singing for more. Nashville’s Hispanic & Latin American culture is lively and growing. Discover something new by exploring the Hispanic & Latin American culture through businesses and events celebrating Cinco de Mayo.

May 10
Margarita Festival

Join the Nashville Scene for the 11th annual Margarita Festival at oneC1TY! Your ticket gets you entry to the event and 12 margarita samples from the city's best margarita makers. Sip and vote for your favorite marg while DJs rock the park, and enjoy food trucks, salsa dancing, photo booth fun, and more!

May 11
Strawberry Jubilee

Save the date for all things strawberry! Nashville Farmers' Market will have tons of fun activities for the whole family, live music, and strawberry-themed specials from vendors!

May 16
YUM!EAST

East Nashville's food scene truly shines during Yum!East, a vibrant festival that invites food lovers to explore the culinary delights this unique neighborhood has to offer. The event not only showcases the exceptional talent of local chefs and restaurants but also brings the community together through an online auction, offering exclusive and unforgettable experiences. It's a perfect opportunity for both locals and visitors to dive into the heart of East Nashville's rich food culture and celebrate the flavors that make this area so special.

May 18
Pups and Pints

Bring your canine companions to oneC1TY for an afternoon of dog-centric activities and local pet vendors, food trucks, beer tastings, and more. This free-admission fest will feature the best in local pet-product vendors plus pup-tastic activities for all. Humans can enjoy beer tastings or grab a pint in the craft beer courtyard, sip a Pickers Vodka or Tincup cocktail from the bar, play lawn games, and grab a bite to eat from tasty local food trucks. Don't have a pup? There will be adoptable pets onsite. Bar proceeds benefit the Nashville Humane Association, so every sip counts.

June 14
Brew at the Zoo

Sampling brews from over 60 craft breweries while strolling through the Nashville Zoo is a unique experience you can't miss. Animals, live music, and food from local food trucks fill out the evening.

June 15
Peach Jam Festival

Make this summer sweeter at The Peach Jam Festival at the Nashville Farmers' Market. This event showcases the versatility and deliciousness of peaches through a variety of vendors offering everything from fresh peach pies to savory peach salsas. Wander through the market sampling different peach-themed foods, participate in cooking demonstrations, and even take part in peach pit throwing contests.

June 22
Nashville Predators Craft Beer Festival

Get out of the summer heat and join the Preds for craft brews, food, games, and entertainment at the Nashville Predators Craft Beer Festival. This event is guaranteed to be the coolest beer festival in town!

July 4
Music City Hot Chicken Festival
Nashville Hot Chicken Festival

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.

July 13
Tomat-O-Rama Festival

Join the Nashville's Farmers' Market for the Tomat-O-Rama Festival! Celebrate all the colorful varieties of tomatoes you can imagine with Bloody Marys, a salsa contest, tomato-themed crafts and specialty foods, live music, food trucks, a kids’ zone, and more!