If there's one thing we know, it's that Southerners pride themselves on tradition, and nowhere is that more true than in the buckle of the Bible Belt: Nashville, Tennessee. While there are plenty of genteel and time-honored traditions here, there are also plenty of bizarre traditions that show off Nashville's weird and wild side. Not surprisingly, these idiosyncrasies draw folks in from all over the country and even the world. From people dressing like tomatoes to people throwing fish at hockey games, Nashville certainly has its fair share of regular weirdness. Here are just a few of those weird things people from Nashville do!
1. Tomato Art Fest
As if East Nashville wasn't already weird enough, the Tomato Art Fest is here to remind us that it's incredibly and proudly weird. It takes place over a weekend in early August every year and features tomato art, tomato-themed food, and tons of people dressed up like tomatoes.
2. Throwing catfish on the ice at Predators games
When you attend Nashville Predators games, you expect to see people on the ice, but if you're lucky (that's right, we said lucky), you'll see a catfish too. The first documented catfish on the ice was in 2003 and started presumably as a Nashville-style homage to Detroit, where octopuses routinely make it to the ice. Just don't get caught tossing one of these "instruments of crime." You might get arrested.
3. Anything else that happens at Predators games
Nashville fans are known for their weird, popular, and often slightly aggressive chants. From thanking the arena announcer after every "one minute remaining" announcement to reminding the opposing goalie that every goal is "all his fault," Predators chants are a thing that everyone should experience.
4. CMA Fest
Every June, downtown becomes completely inundated with tourists, locals, and big name country musicians for CMA Fest. Lower Broadway is shut down, and stages are set up on the streets and at the waterfront. The festival routinely draws over 250,000 visitors.
5. Iroquois Steeplechase
Since 1941, Nashville's annual rite of spring has been the Iroquois Steeplechase. Every May, the whole city heads out to the Warner Parks to watch the race and dress in their finest Southern horse race garb. It's a truly unique blend of Nashville tradition meeting modern times.
6. Pedal Taverns
Pedal Taverns are great because they truly define the downtown/Lower Broadway scene: Droves of drunk tourists clogging the streets - which is exactly what makes them great. We're kidding, of course. These things are the bane of every Nashvillian's existence.
7. Full Moon Pickin' Party
Also at the Warner Parks, every full moon from May to October sees a bluegrass concert in the park after the sun goes down. It's a great way to get out and enjoy music without baking in the summer sun.
Did you know about any of these weird things about Nashville? If so, which ones? Do you have any other unique traditions in Nashville to share? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!
Continue honing your in-depth knowledge of Nashville by reading 10 Of The Greatest Destinations Most Nashvillians Overlook.
For those who love hiking, you can find some great trails in and around the area by going to the AllTrails website.
If you’re still in the mood for more Tennessee adventures, take a look at this video:
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!