The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has changed plenty of things in and around Nashville, including food-related events that appealed to both locals and visitors. Thankfully, some of the most popular ones, which draw foodies from all over the world, are still taking place, even if some modifications had to be made. Read on to find a few we found, happening in and around Nashville.
[Note: check each website for the latest COVID-19 related updates.]
1. Burger Week
The Nashville Scene‘s Burger Week is still happening, and we couldn’t be happier. If you’ve always wanted to try something different when it comes to your burger, this is your chance. Numerous restaurants all over town are offering up their own unique creation, for only $7 each. There’s even a chance to vote on your favorite burger.
2. Music City Hot Chicken Festival
The Music City Hot Chicken Festival has been held every year since 2007, and will continue in 2020, but with a slight twist. This year’s event, held on July 4, will be a take-out event, with plenty of options for those wanting to socially-distance and try Nashville’s famous food.
“We are bringing this take-out, curbside, coop-side event because our beloved Hot Chicken dish still compels us to stop and celebrate its important, historic, and also legendary history not only for Nashville, but for our country,” said former mayor and Hot Chicken Festival founder, Bill Purcell.
3. Wine Love Dinner
If you love wine and good food, then this event is for you! Held at two Frothy Monkey locations, in the Nations and Franklin, the chef and pastry chefs choose wines to go with each course of the meal. According to the event’s website, the chef sources the “highest quality seasonal ingredients and creates a menu that combines creativity, thoughtful flavor profiles and dishes that are truly inspired by the relationship between the food and wine.” The next two Wine Love Dinners will be held on July 23 in Franklin, and July 24 in The Nations.
4. Tomato Art Fest
The Tomato Art Fest, scheduled for August 7 and 8, appears to still be continuing this year, although it will likely look different than in years past. Known to pull in as many as 60,000 people to the funky East Nashville event, the latest statement from the organizers hints it will still take place, although probably not in the same way as before.
“We are hopeful we can unite this August, though we may look a little different this year,” a statement reads on the Tomato Art Fest Facebook page. “But hey, being unique has always been our thing, right!? We’re up for the challenge (and know our community is too). We promise we’re doing everything we can to keep our wacky and beloved tradition alive this August.
“Whether that means putting some space between our tomatoey attendees or uniting virtually at home, we can’t say for sure,” the statement continued. “But what we can say is that the health and safety of our community, our tomato family, has and will always be what mater’s most.”
5. Nashville Wine and Food Festival
If there are going to be any changes to Corkdorks Nashville Wine and Food Festival, they have yet to be announced. According to their website, this year’s Nashville Wine and Food Festival, which benefits the Nashville Symphony, will be held on August 8 at the Omni Hotel, located downtown. More than 50 wineries and local restaurants participate in the event, which includes wine and food seminars as well.
6. Food Truck Feast
This event is PERFECT for those still leery of eating out because of coronavirus. The Food Truck Fest is held in East Nashville every Saturday through the middle of September, and offers a variety of food truck options, along with live music, beer, and the ability to shop from local vendors. Parking and admission are both free.
7. Arrington Vineyards’ Food Truck Fridays
If East Nashville is too far away for you to enjoy their weekly Food Truck Feast, maybe Arrington Vineyards will be a better option. Held every Friday from 5 to 8 PM, check the calendar on their website for details on which trucks will be there each week. Because of coronavirus, Arrington Vineyards will post on their Facebook or Instagram page if they are at capacity and not allowing new guests.
8. Nashville Farmers’ Market
The Nashville Farmers’ Market is back open, including the popular Market House, which offers 20 locally-owned shops and restaurants, offering something for everyone’s taste buds. Not ready to eat in public yet? They also offer curbside delivery for several of the restaurants, and some of the shops as well.