Tennessee's delectable Southern cuisine ranges from barbecue and hot chicken to biscuits and banana pudding.
One of the reasons why Southern food is so popular is that it appeals to everyone - from the persnickety toddler's taste buds to the fully developed palate.
April is the perfect time to celebrate good eats in Tennessee!
We’ve rounded up food festivals from all over the state and given them a full Tennessee Family Vacation Review.
April 15: World Championship Hot Wing FestivaL
Admission: Free - Donations are welcome
The World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival has been bringing the people of Memphis world-class hot wings and fun for more than 18 years. Teams compete while giving samples to attendees in return for donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis.
Children are welcome to this community event with food, music, contests & fun!
April 16: Rajun Cajun Crawfish FestivaL
Admission: FREE. No parking on the festival grounds
be prepared to pay for parking off-site
Every year, over 35,000 people attend the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival.
Live music is a HUGE part of the event. Bring a lawn chair if you plan to sit by the stage.
Food vendors will sell carnival food, BBQ, sandwiches, grilled corn, and more!
PARIs
April 26-29: World’s Biggest Fish FrY
Admission: Both Free & Paid Events (see website for more info)
The World's Biggest Fish Fry festival revolves around the "Fish Tent," which serves over 12,500 pounds of catfish with all the trimmings.
DECHERD
April 1: Decherd Potato Festival
Admission: FREE
The 2023 Decherd Potato Festival is a FREE one day celebration of the history of Decherd TN when it provided the country with potatoes. Come join the celebration with food, music, entertainment, and shopping for residents and visitors alike.
April 15: SLAWBURGER FESTIVAL
Admission: Free
Fayetteville Main Street presents the Slawburger Festival!
The day is packed full of Downtown Fayetteville events - including shopping in the stores on the Square! Kids ages 5-12 can sign-up on the event website to participate in the Ice Cream Eating Contest.
Admission: FREE
The Upper Cumberland Spring Market & Food Truck Festival celebrates the Spring season featuring handcrafted & handpicked items, home decor, local artistry, candles, baked goods, woodwork, Food Trucks & Much More!
April 1: Cookeville Banana Pudding Festival
Admission: FREE
Over 150 Handmade Arts & Crafts, Local Small Businesses, Boutiques and Food Vendors. Also, a free petting zoo, and taste testing of over 15 banana puddings for $5 per person.
cleveland
April 22: Sweet Tea and Sunshine Family Festival
Admission: FREE
Stop by the 6th annual Sweet Tea & Sunshine Family Festival & Craft Fair at the Greenway Park & Pavilion in Cleveland.
Enjoy over 150 vendors, trackless train rides, pony rides, petting zoo, food trucks, entertainment on stage and more! Poppea’s Children’s Boutique will be hosting a beauty pageant for kids!
south pittsburg
April 29-30: National Cornbread Festival
Admission: $1o per person - Children under 5 are free
(purchase tickets in advance or at the door)
The National Cornbread Festival is a weekend-long celebration of cornbread and many cornbread-related activities for adults and kids.
Enjoy wandering through the booths that line the streets of historic South Pittsburg. The festival is packed with great family fun - including a kid's corner.
April 30: “Knoshville” Jewish Food Festival
Admission: see website for more info
Knoxville's Jewish Food Festival where you can nosh on yummy favorites like challah, bagels and lox, and Bundt cakes as well as less familiar (but equally delicious!) treats like kugel, rugalach, shakshuka, and more.
We'll also have Jewish art, music, and crafts plus games for the kids. Bring your family and your appetite - it's time to nosh at Knoshville 2023!