2026 Townsend Grains & Grits Festival

2026 Townsend Grains & Grits Festival

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Parking Opens: 5:00 p.m.
Location: Greater Smokies Event Grounds / Townsend Event Center
Address: 7930 E. Lamar Alexander Parkway, Townsend, TN 37882
Admission: Ticket required
Age Requirement: Ages 21 and older
Event Website: https://grainsandgritsfest.com/
Tickets: https://www.eventeny.com/events/ticket/?id=24106

Celebrate Southern flavor and Tennessee craftsmanship at the 2026 Townsend Grains & Grits Festival. This popular fall event brings together regional distillers, talented chefs, local restaurants and food purveyors for an unforgettable evening on the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

Guests can discover a wide selection of craft spirits from some of the region’s legendary distillers and blenders while enjoying savory dishes, sweet treats and creative culinary pairings. Live entertainment throughout the evening adds to the festive atmosphere, making Grains & Grits a must-attend event for food lovers and craft-spirit enthusiasts.

One of the festival’s signature attractions is the returning Ring of Fire. Five chefs will gather around a large fire pit to roast a whole pig, lamb, chickens and sausages. Each participating chef will be paired with a distillery and will incorporate the distillery’s spirit into a specially prepared dish.

Surrounded by the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains during fall, the Townsend Grains & Grits Festival offers a delicious celebration of Tennessee’s thriving culinary and craft-distilling communities.

Event Schedule

5:00 p.m. – Parking opens
6:00 p.m. – Festival gates open
7:00–8:30 p.m. – Live entertainment
9:00 p.m. – Festival closes

Tickets

Tickets go on sale Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. EDT.

General Admission: $106.60, including processing fees
Designated Driver Admission: $64.09, including processing fees

Tickets are limited, available on a first-come, first-served basis and nonrefundable.

Know Before You Go

The Townsend Grains & Grits Festival is open only to guests 21 years of age and older. The event will take place rain or shine, and animals are not permitted.

Shuttle transportation is planned from select participating Townsend accommodations. Guests using the shuttle should review the official festival website for current stops and pickup information. The final shuttle is scheduled to leave the event at 9:30 p.m.

Make the festival part of a memorable fall getaway to the Smoky Mountains. Reserve a stay with Bear Tracts Vacation Cabins and enjoy a comfortable place to relax after an evening of Tennessee spirits, gourmet food and live entertainment.