Tennessee Best Food and Drink Festivals 

From the musical beats of Nashville to the bluesy vibes of Memphis, the scenic beauty of Chattanooga, and the charm of Knoxville, each corner of Tennessee offers its unique flavors. Here, we'll explore some of the best food, wine, spirits, and beer festivals that these cities have to offer.

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Nashville: The Music City's Food and Drink Epicenter

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Nashville Wine & Food Festival: April

 

The largest wine and culinary gathering in Middle Tennessee welcomes thousands of attendees to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for a celebration of regional flavors. The Nashville Wine & Food Festival features over 150 wine and spirits vendors, including notable names like Chateau Ste Michelle, Josh Cellars, and local favorite Arrington Vineyards. Festival-goers can sample artisanal foods from 45 local restaurants and food trucks, with offerings ranging from gourmet sliders by Party Fowl to fresh seafood from Henrietta Red. Live music fills the air throughout the day with performances by local jazz ensembles and acoustic artists on two separate stages.

 

Expert sommeliers lead educational wine seminars in the VIP tasting pavilion, while interactive cooking demonstrations showcase techniques from celebrated regional chefs. The festival's unique "Bubble Lounge" area specializes in champagne and sparkling wines, complemented by a dedicated bourbon trail featuring premium Tennessee whiskeys.

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​East Nashville Beer Festival: April

 

This annual craft beer celebration in East Nashville returns once again to East Park, drawing thousands of beer enthusiasts from across the region. The East Nashville Beer Festival features over 45 craft breweries including local favorites like Southern Grist, Living Waters, and Bearded Iris, alongside national standouts such as Bell's and Dogfish Head. Food trucks line the festival grounds serving everything from hot chicken and wood-fired pizza to gourmet tacos, perfectly complementing the extensive beer selection. Live music keeps the energy high throughout the day with performances by local artists The Love Band and Steel Blossoms on the main stage.

 

With over 3,000 attendees, this makes it one of the largest beer festivals in Tennessee. Special features include a VIP tent offering exclusive rare beer tastings, a homebrew demonstration area, and a designated spirits section featuring local distilleries like Nashville Craft and Corsair.

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Whiskey Warmer Franklin TN: April

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Each spring, whiskey lovers gather in Franklin, Tennessee, for a popular festival held at the Westhaven Lake venue. With over 50 vendors participating, including well-known distilleries like Jack Daniel’s, George Dickel, and Uncle Nearest, offering samples of premium whiskey, bourbon, and scotch. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food from local trucks such as The Grilled Cheeserie and Southern Spoon, with drinks ranging from whiskey tastings to beer and wine at a cash bar.

 

The event draws around 1,000 people annually, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. Live bluegrass music from local bands plays throughout the night, though specific lineups vary year to year. Special features include a cigar lounge, a photo booth, and educational talks by master distillers for those eager to learn more about whiskey craftsmanship.​​

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Memphis: Where Barbecue Meets Blues and Brews

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​World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest: June

 

The largest barbecue competition in the world draws over 75,000 attendees to Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River in Memphis. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest features more than 200 teams competing in categories including whole hog, ribs, and shoulder, with legendary pit masters like Melissa Cookston and Chris Lilly showing off their smoking skills. Local favorites like Central BBQ and The Bar-B-Q Shop serve up pulled pork, smoked wings, and Memphis-style dry rub ribs, while dozens of vendors offer cold beer, bourbon tastings, and classic Southern sides.

 

Live music fills the air from multiple stages, with performances by Blues legends Bobby Rush and Southern Avenue, along with regional rock and country acts throughout the three-day event. Festival highlights include hands-on grilling demonstrations, a sauce-making competition, and the unique "Patio Porkers" division where amateur teams compete for bragging rights. Judges evaluate each entry on presentation, taste, and tenderness, with winners taking home over $115,000 in total prize money.

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Memphis Food & Wine Festival: October

 

This annual culinary celebration at Memphis Botanical Garden draws thousands of food enthusiasts to sample creations from over 40 local and national chefs. The Memphis Food & Wine Festival features acclaimed restaurateurs like Kelly English of Restaurant Iris, Andrew Ticer and Michael Hudman of Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen, and Jose Gutierrez of River Oaks. Attendees enjoy unlimited tastings of signature dishes ranging from elevated Southern cuisine to international fare, paired with selections from more than 150 wines and craft cocktails. Live entertainment includes performances by local jazz ensemble The Memphis Jazz Orchestra and blues guitarist Eric Hughes.

 

Festival highlights include chef demonstrations on the main stage, a VIP lounge with premium wine selections, and intimate meet-and-greet opportunities with participating chefs. The sprawling garden setting provides a picturesque backdrop for the event, with themed areas like the Champagne Garden and the Artisan Market featuring local food artisans selling specialty items.