NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
East Nashville's popular Tomato Art Festival is returning for its ninth year Saturday.
The festival will cover several blocks near east Nashville's Five Points and is expected to draw more than 18,000 people.
The day kicks-off at 9 a.m. with a New Orleans style Second Line Parade beginning in front of Bongo Java East followed by a full schedule of music on the Vietti Foods Main Stage including Elmo Buzz and the Eastside Bulldogs, Half Brass, Jessica Rae, Richard DuBois, Rock City Birdhouse and more.
Attendees can participate in or watch a variety of events and contests throughout the day including the Tomato 5K, costume contests for people and pets, Tomato Art Show, bobbing for tomatoes, Bloody Mary Competition at 3 Crow Bar, Wet Burrito contest at Nuvo Burrito, Ugly Tomato contest and more.
New this year, festival goers can enjoy food and drinks under a tent in the First Tennessee Bank VIP Area.
The Tomato Art Festival got its start in the summer of 2004 when Art and Invention Gallery owners Meg and Bret MacFadyen hosted an art show to celebrate tomatoes.
It has quickly grown each year garnering more than 18,000 attendees in 2011 and adding to east Nashville's reputation as one of the most unique, vibrant areas in Middle Tennessee.
For more information including VIP Ticket purchases, parade route and schedule of events, visit TomatoArtFest.com.
The following streets will be closed during the event:
- Woodland between South 10th Street and South 12th Street
- South 11th Street between Russell Street and Forrest Avenue
- Clearview Avenue from South 10th Street to South 11th Street
