Tennessee Best Food and Drink Festivals 

Chattanooga: Whiskey, Wine and Food 

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Chattanooga's stunning natural landscapes provide the backdrop for some equally picturesque food and beverage events.

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Tennessee Whiskey Festival: September

 

Thousands of spirit enthusiasts gather at the First Tennessee Pavilion in downtown Chattanooga for a celebration of the region's finest distilleries. The Tennessee Whiskey Festival features over 40 distilleries from across the state, including renowned names like George Dickel, Jack Daniel's, and Chattanooga Whiskey Company serving their finest bourbon and whiskey varieties. Local food vendors offer Southern barbecue, artisanal cheeses, and gourmet food pairings specifically chosen to complement the whiskey tastings.

 

Live bluegrass and country music performances keep the energy high throughout the event, with regional bands playing on the main stage. Master distillers host educational seminars teaching attendees about the whiskey-making process, while specialty vendors sell whiskey-related merchandise and hand-crafted items. The VIP section provides access to rare whiskey tastings and exclusive meet-and-greets with master distillers in a more intimate setting.

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​Wine Over Water Festival: October

 

A cherished tradition spanning over two decades draws thousands of wine enthusiasts to the historic Walnut Street Bridge in downtown Chattanooga. The Wine Over Water Festival features over 50 wineries pouring more than 300 different wines from across the globe, including notable vintners like Napa Valley's Robert Mondavi and France's Louis Jadot. Local restaurants such as Easy Bistro, St. John's, and Public House serve gourmet small plates to complement the wine selections. Live jazz and acoustic performances from regional artists fill the air while attendees stroll the 2,376-foot pedestrian bridge spanning the Tennessee River.

 

Around 3,000 people typically attend this sophisticated outdoor tasting event, which has become the signature fundraiser for Cornerstones Inc., a local historic preservation organization. The festival's unique venue allows guests to sample wines while enjoying panoramic views of the riverfront, Lookout Mountain, and the city skyline at sunset.

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Knoxville: A City of Festivals and Flavors

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Knoxville, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, offers a vibrant food and beverage scene that caters to all tastes.

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Southern Tacos, Tequila & Margaritas Festival: April

 

A vibrant celebration of Mexican cuisine and culture brings thousands of food enthusiasts to World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville. The Southern Tacos, Tequila & Margarita Festival featured over 25 local and regional food vendors, including popular spots like Alebrijes Mexican Street Food, El Mezcal, and SoKno Taco Cantina. Festival-goers enjoyed an extensive selection of handcrafted margaritas, with flavors ranging from classic lime to unique combinations like spicy watermelon and lavender-peach, alongside premium tequila tastings from regional distributors.

 

Local musicians kept the energy high throughout the day with live performances from Knoxville's own Conjunto Bravo and La Fusion Latina Band. The event transformed the park into a colorful fiesta atmosphere with traditional papel picado decorations, custom photo opportunities, and interactive culinary demonstrations from visiting chefs. Unique festival features included a salsa-making competition, taco-eating contests, and an artisan marketplace showcasing local Mexican handicrafts and artwork.

 

Knoxville BrewFest: June

 

Local craft beer enthusiasts annually gather at World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville for one of Tennessee's largest beer sampling events. The Knoxville BrewFest features over 50 regional and national breweries, including local favorites like Crafty Bastard Brewery, Xul Beer Co., and Pretentious Beer Co. serving more than 150 different craft beers. Food trucks line the festival grounds offering everything from wood-fired pizza and gourmet tacos to artisanal pretzels and locally-made ice cream, while live performances from local bands like The Dirty Guv'nahs and Electric Darling keep the energy high throughout the day.

 

Nearly 3,000 attendees sample unlimited 2-ounce pours while exploring specialty tents featuring rare barrel-aged beers, sour varieties, and cider offerings. The festival's VIP area provides access to exclusive brews, climate-controlled spaces, and a dedicated food buffet. A portion of proceeds supports the CureDuchenne organization, adding a charitable component to this celebration of craft beer culture.

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Tennessee's food, wine, spirits, and beer festivals are a testament to the state's rich culinary heritage. Whether you're a barbecue lover in Memphis, a wine aficionado in Chattanooga, a craft beer enthusiast in Knoxville, or just looking for a great food experience in Nashville, Tennessee has something for everyone.