Have the urge to wear a tomato costume lately? Us too.
You’ll have the opportunity to do that and more at next weekend’s Tomato Art Fest. It kicks off Thurs., Aug. 11 with a preview party — so here’s a quick guide to enjoying this Five Points tradition.
Now in its 19th year, the free festival brings in tomato lovers of all ages with themed art, hundreds of vendors, quirky contests, kids activities, and live music across three stages.
🗺️ Map out your tomato adventure
Five Points is bustling on a normal day, let alone when ~60,000 people flock to the streets. Use this festival map to find a list of road closures + hotspots like the parade route, concert stages, and the Bloody Mary garden party.
🎨 Parade + Art Show
Have you ever seen a gallery full of tomato-inspired art? Stop by the Tomato Art Show at 1106 Woodland St. on Fri., Aug. 12 (12-9 p.m.), Sat., Aug 13th (9 a.m -7 p.m.), and Sun., Aug. 14 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.). Take a break from perusing art to watch the “Push, Pull, and Wear” Parade on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. — local bands and drumlines will bring the marching jams.
🗓️ Don’t miss events
Think you have the most beautiful tomato in East Nashville? Dress up your homegrown or store-bought contestant for the Beautiful Tomato Contest. Don’t worry, the festival loves ugly tomatoes, too. We’ve rounded up a few more activities below.
- Home Decorating Contest | Judging will be on Wed., Aug. 10 | Turn your East Nashville yard, porch, garage, or front door into a tomato masterpiece next week — sign up to participate.
- East Nashville Tomato 5K | Sat., Aug. 13 | 7:30-8:30 a.m. | East Park Community Center, 700 Woodland St. | Kick off your tomato day with a 5K — register to race.
- Tomato Red Head Contest | Sat., Aug. 13 | 2:30 p.m. | Hip Zipper, 1008 Forrest Ave. | Redheads of all ages can participate.
