7 Food Festivals Worth the Drive
National Cornbread Festival (South Pittsburg, TN)
When: April 27-28
Why it’s worth it: From Friday night’s Street Dance to The Cornbread Fondo — a road ride through the beautiful Sequatchie Valley — this festival means you can immerse yourself in all things cornbread. It's a delicious and fun-filled way to experience Southern culture and crown the king (or queen) of cornbread.
West Tennessee Strawberry Festival (Humboldt, TN)
When: May 5-11
Why it's worth it: Tennessee’s longest-running festival — it debuted in 1934 — sprawls across nine blocks and offers everything from a grand float parade, a fireworks show, a corn hole tournament and, of course, a whole lot of delicious, strawberry-themed food.
Pink Tomato Festival (Warren, AR)
When: Second full weekend in June
Why it's worth it: Farmers in Bradley County have been raising tomatoes for sale since the 1920s. They chose a variety that would ship well if picked when the tops of the fruit just barely turned pink. This festival, just a three-hour drive from Memphis, celebrates that legacy with a tomato-eating contest, live music, and plenty of foods highlighting the sweet-tart tomato.
Tomato Art Fest (East Nashville, TN)
When: August 9-10
Why it's worth it: Everything revolves around the tomato! Tomato-themed art, costume contests, quirky competitions like the Bloody Mary throwdown, and plenty of tomato-infused dishes.
When: September
Why it's worth it: Fulton earned the title "Banana Capital of the World" due to its role as an ice re-supply station for banana shipments heading north. This unusual bit of history sparked a festival filled with banana-themed events, a sense of humor, and much potassium-filled fun.
International Cowpea Festival and Cook-Off (Charleston, TN)
When: September 14
Why it’s worth it: Take the trek across the state to celebrate this humble but mighty legume – the cowpea. With delicious cowpea dishes, live music, and a lot of small-town charm, this festival offers a delightful taste of Tennessee's agricultural heritage.
Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue (Lynchburg, TN)
When: October 11-12
Why it’s worth it: Top pit masters from around the globe converge on the home of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. The invitation-only format means teams must earn their spot, ensuring the highest levels of barbecue mastery and a truly unforgettable competition.
