Nashville, Tennessee is known for its vibrant music scene, delicious Southern cuisine, and rich history. But did you know that the city also hosts a variety of unique and lesser-known festivals throughout the year? From celebrating local culture to showcasing international traditions, these festivals offer a one-of-a-kind experience for both locals and tourists alike. As an expert on Nashville's events and festivals, I am excited to share with you some of the hidden gems that make this city truly special.
The Tomato Art Fest
Every August, East Nashville transforms into a sea of red as it hosts the annual Tomato Art Fest. This quirky festival celebrates all things tomato, from tomato-themed art to tomato-inspired dishes.The event was started in 2004 by two local artists who wanted to bring the community together through their love for this juicy fruit (yes, tomatoes are technically fruits!). Today, it has grown into a beloved tradition that attracts over 60,000 visitors each year. The Tomato Art Fest features a variety of activities such as a parade, live music, a costume contest, and even a Bloody Mary competition. But the highlight of the festival is the "Tomato Art Show" where local artists display their tomato-themed creations. From paintings to sculptures to jewelry, you can find all sorts of unique and creative pieces that pay homage to this humble fruit.
Festival in Nashville Tennessee
is not complete without indulging in some delicious tomato-based dishes.The festival offers a wide range of food options including fried green tomatoes, tomato pie, and even tomato ice cream! And if you're feeling adventurous, you can participate in the "Tomato Toss" where participants throw tomatoes at each other in a friendly competition.
The Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
While most people associate cherry blossoms with Japan, Nashville has its own cherry blossom festival that takes place every April. The festival celebrates the friendship between Nashville and its sister city, Kamakura, Japan. It also honors the 1,000 cherry trees that were gifted to Nashville by the Japanese government in 2009. The Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival offers a unique cultural experience with traditional Japanese performances, food, and activities. You can watch a taiko drumming performance, try on a kimono, or participate in a tea ceremony.The festival also features a 2.5-mile walk called the "Walk of Fame" where participants can admire the beautiful cherry blossoms while learning about Japanese culture and history. One of the highlights of the festival is the Sakura Walk, a guided tour that takes visitors through the cherry blossom trees while sharing interesting facts and stories about them. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive "sakura snow" - when the cherry blossom petals fall like snowflakes.
The Music City Hot Chicken Festival
Hot chicken is a staple in Nashville's food scene, and this festival celebrates this spicy dish in all its glory. Held every 4th of July, the Music City Hot Chicken Festival brings together some of the best hot chicken restaurants in the city for a day of food, music, and fun. The festival kicks off with a parade featuring live music and floats decorated with giant hot chicken sculptures. After the parade, visitors can sample different variations of hot chicken from various vendors and vote for their favorite.The event also features live music performances, cooking demonstrations, and even a hot chicken eating contest for those brave enough to handle the heat.
Festivals in Nashville Tennessee
are not just about food and music, but also about giving back to the community. The Hot Chicken Festival partners with local charities and encourages visitors to donate to support their causes. So while you're enjoying your hot chicken, you're also making a positive impact on the community.The Nashville Film Festival
While Nashville may not be as well-known for its film industry as Hollywood, it still has a thriving community of filmmakers and movie enthusiasts. The Nashville Film Festival, held annually in October, celebrates this community by showcasing independent films from around the world. The festival features a diverse selection of films including documentaries, short films, and feature-length films.It also offers workshops, panels, and networking events for aspiring filmmakers to learn from industry professionals and connect with like-minded individuals. One of the unique aspects of this festival is its focus on music in film. As the Music City, it's only fitting that the festival includes a category for music-related films. This allows filmmakers to showcase their work and for audiences to discover new music and artists.
The Nashville Greek Festival
Nashville may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Greek culture, but this festival proves that the city has a thriving Greek community. Held every September, the Nashville Greek Festival celebrates Greek food, music, dance, and traditions. The festival offers a variety of delicious Greek dishes such as gyros, souvlaki, and spanakopita.You can also indulge in some traditional Greek desserts like baklava and loukoumades (fried dough balls drizzled with honey). And while you're enjoying your food, you can watch live performances of traditional Greek dances or even join in on the fun yourself. The Nashville Greek Festival also features a marketplace where you can purchase Greek products such as olive oil, honey, and handmade crafts. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at some Greek cooking by attending one of the cooking demonstrations.
Conclusion
Nashville is a city that is constantly evolving and surprising its visitors with its unique and diverse festivals. From celebrating local traditions to embracing international cultures, these festivals offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of this vibrant city.So the next time you're planning a trip to Nashville, make sure to check out these hidden gems and experience the city in a whole new way.
