On the Calendar for August 2013
Tomato Art Fest
Saturday, August 10, 2013
10 am – 10 pm
I’ve lived in Nashville for 11 years. This year is the Tomato Art Fest’s 10th anniversary. It’s almost embarrassing for me to admit that in all of those years, I have not been to a single Tomato Art Fest.
However, for once, I’m in town and have the day free so as the plan currently stands, I’m going this year!
I’d love to be able to give you guys some tips and tricks on what is most important to see or do, but I clearly have no idea. This time I’m turning the tables and asking YOU for advice. What time should we plan to arrive? Where should we park? Any must-not-miss exhibits, vendors, etc?
I’m checking out the list of happenings on their website, and I’m fairly certain that with a kiddo in tow, it’ll be pretty difficult to do it all, so any advice you may have is greatly appreciated!
NFM Saturday Night Market
Saturday, August 17, 2013
5 – 8 pm
Nashville Farmers’ Market
900 Rosa Parks Blvd
I just heard that for the first time ever, Nashville Farmers Market will be doing their popular Night Market on a Saturday this month. After receiving feedback from several vendors and customers that holding the events on Friday nights made lives a little hectic, they decided to test this Saturday night thing out. I’m not sure how I feel about this, but I guess we’ll see how it goes…
My Saturday nights seem to be busier with weddings, supper clubs, parties, and other social events. And then, of course, you’ve got college football starting soon– that has to affect attendance, right? Well, it IS just a test, so time will tell!
Nashville Lifestyles Bartender Bash
Thursday, August 22, 2013
6 – 8 pm
Loews Vanderbilt Hotel
2100 West End Ave
Nashville, TN 37203
Cost: $30 in advance; $40 at the door*
You’ve seen how much fun I’ve had at Bartender Bash in years past, and I have no doubt that this year I will have just as much (if not more). Yes, I’m thrilled to once again be judging the competition and can’t wait to see what drinks some of the best bartenders in town come up with!
As before, they’ll be competing to take home bragging rights for the Best (Belvedere) Martini and Most Creative Cocktail. In addition, everyone in attendance gets to put in a vote for “Fan Favorite”. The $30 entry into the event includes a Belvedere Martini, tastings from every bartender, and hors d’oeuvres from Mason’s.
*Take my advice and click here to get your tickets early because it tends to sell out in advance. I don’t want to see you turned away at the door on the night of!
Curious who these awesome bartenders are that will be competing? Well, here ya go:
Dennis Butler of 1808 Grille
Taylor Edwards of Tavern
Brian Busher of Virago
Faith Barnes of Hard Rock Cafe
Joshua Jackson of The Oak Bar
Doc Downs of Flyte World Dining
Nicholas Diel of Mason’s
Christian Todd of The Southern Steak & Oyster
Matt Zimmerman of The Palm
Annmarie Frenzell of {PUB}licity
Lauren Hawkins of Cabana
Kids Zone at Riffs Food Truck Jam, every Friday night in East Nashville
Riffs Food Truck Jam
Every Friday Night (until the weather turns cold)
6 – 10 pm
400 Main Street
Parking lot between 5th and Main condominiums
Last week on Twitter, I heard about the new(ish) Riffs Food Truck Jam, a family-friendly dining and music event happening every Friday in East Nashville. The sweet words that specifically caught my attention in those tweets? Kids Zone.
While it might seem silly that I chose to post a picture of the bouncy houses as my one visual for this event, it really is what fueled my curiosity. If you have kids, you understand this. If you don’t, you will some day!
In addition to the aforementioned entertainment for the kiddos, every week there will be at least 15 food trucks, live music, a Yazoo beer tent, and a full bar in the parking lot of 5th and Main condos. Set up sort of like tailgating, it’s probably a good idea to bring your own chairs.
The food trucks will rotate, so check the Riffs Facebook page each week to see who will be there on that particular Friday.
For the tomato fest, go early, but not too early (around 10-ish), get some food truck grub, walk around and then head to East End Methodist Church’s kids’ area and rest. The little man would probably enjoy the parade, but that would make for a LONG day for a toddler. :)
Thanks for the advice! Hoping the temps aren’t too hot and he’ll hold up okay. He usually goes down for a nap at noon but can hold off until 1, maybe even 2. Do you think 10-1 is enough time to take in the festival?
Lesley’s tips are all great. I think 10-1 is enough time to take in everything, especially with a toddler on hand. You should be able to see most of the arts/crafts kiosks, check out the art gallery + shops, + maybe even still grab a bloody mary! =) It’s a really fun festival – hope to see y’all there!
Oooh the Bartender Bash sounds divine. I’ve always been out of town for it in the past so might have to buy a ticket this year now that I’m around!
yes, you should grab a friend and go! So much fun. Just plan on spending the night in Nashville because you are NOT going to be able to drive home. Massive qty of booze floating around this event ;-)