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From West to East Tennessee, farmers and backyard gardeners alike produce tasty tomatoes all summer long. Two Tennessee communities in Lauderdale and Grainger counties are especially well known for their excellent tomato crop and have been celebrating the summertime fruit with an annual tomato festival for decades.  In Middle Tennessee, a third festival hosts an artistic tomato celebration each August in Nashville. Check out this year’s lineup of Tennessee tomato festivals below:

See more: Tomatoes Star in Summer Recipes

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2023 Tennessee Tomato Festivals

In West Tennessee, the Lauderdale County Tomato Festival celebrates its 39th year this summer on July 14-15 in Ripley. Festivities include a tomato parade, food and craft vendors, a petting zoo, a tomato contest, live music, a 5K run or walk, a 1-mile fun run and much more. For more details and a complete lineup of activities and entertainment, visit facebook.com/ripleytomatoes.

See more: Tomato Tips for Your Summer Garden

In East Tennessee, you can sample some of Grainger County’s world-famous tomatoes at the 30th Annual Grainger County Tomato Festival on July 21-22 in Rutledge. The free festival features live entertainment on Friday night followed by the main festival on Saturday with food and craft booths, a pageant, antique tractors, tomato “wars” and, of course, plenty of fresh tomatoes from local growers. Learn more or plan your visit at graingertomatofestival.com.

 

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Looking for some tomato-themed fun in Middle Tennessee? The Tomato Art Fest highlights the artistic side of the summer fruit in East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood. This annual festival takes place the second weekend in August (Aug. 11-12, 2023) and includes a tomato art show, the TomatOlympics, tomato jewelry making and more.

See more: 5 Farm Facts About Tennessee Tomatoes