Food Truck Events
Food Truck Events in Tennessee
Food truck events in Tennessee — festivals, weekly spots, brewery rotations, and vendor-friendly markets in Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga.
Food truck landscape in Tennessee
Tennessee's food truck scene has exploded over the past decade, driven primarily by Nashville's massive tourism boom. The city now attracts 15+ million visitors annually, and food trucks are woven into the entertainment district fabric. Memphis has a strong food culture rooted in BBQ traditions that food trucks translate well. Knoxville and Chattanooga are smaller but fast-growing markets with low competition and supportive local food cultures. The state's permitting process is relatively streamlined compared to coastal markets.
6 Food Truck Vendor Events in Tennessee
Last updated: March 2026Below are 6 active food truck vendor events in Tennessee — including festivals, weekly spots, brewery rotations, and vendor-friendly markets. Each listing includes vendor fees, attendance, and application requirements. Updated monthly.
Nashville Food Truck Festival
Nashville, TN
Attendance
12,000–20,000
Vendor Fee
$500–$1,500
Schedule
Annual, September, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Vendor Requirements
Tennessee Department of Health food establishment permit, Nashville Metro health permit, event application
Insider Tip
Nashville's flagship food truck event. Vendor spots sell out fast. Tourism creates a high-spending, curious crowd that's open to trying new things. Have a clear, memorable signature item.
Memphis in May BBQ Festival
Memphis, TN
Attendance
100,000+ over the weekend
Vendor Fee
$800–$3,000 (non-BBQ vendor category)
Schedule
Annual, May, Tom Lee Park
Vendor Requirements
Shelby County health permit, event vendor application (separate track for food vendors vs. competition teams)
Insider Tip
The BBQ competition is the main draw, but non-BBQ food vendors do exceptionally well here because attendees want variety. Cold drinks, loaded fries, and Latin/Asian concepts fill gaps the BBQ booths don't cover.
Tailgate Brewery Rotation
Nashville, TN
Attendance
300–800/night
Vendor Fee
No fee — revenue kept by vendor
Schedule
Thu–Sun year-round
Vendor Requirements
Nashville Metro health permit
Insider Tip
Nashville has 30+ craft breweries and nearly all run food truck programs. Tailgate, Tennessee Brew Works, and Yazoo all have active rotations. The bachelor party and bachelorette crowd that visits breweries spends freely on food.
12 South Farmers Market
Nashville, TN
Attendance
1,500–3,500/week
Vendor Fee
$100–$200/day
Schedule
Saturdays year-round, 8am–1pm
Vendor Requirements
Nashville Metro health permit, market vendor application
Insider Tip
12 South is one of Nashville's wealthiest and most walkable neighborhoods. Market attracts a mix of locals and tourists. Strong brunch-hour foot traffic — breakfast and morning food concepts do particularly well.
Knoxville Food Truck Fridays
Knoxville, TN
Attendance
600–1,500/week
Vendor Fee
$75–$150/week
Schedule
Fridays April–October, Market Square
Vendor Requirements
Knox County health permit, city business license
Insider Tip
Knoxville has a loyal food truck community and Market Square is a pedestrian hub. Lower revenue ceiling than Nashville, but also far lower competition and vendor fees. Great for building consistent regulars.
Chattanooga Market
Chattanooga, TN
Attendance
5,000–10,000/week
Vendor Fee
$100–$250/day
Schedule
Sundays May–December, 11am–4pm, First Tennessee Pavilion
Vendor Requirements
Hamilton County health permit, Chattanooga Market vendor application
Insider Tip
Chattanooga Market is one of the best-run markets in the Southeast. Strong repeat customer base, covered pavilion that handles rain, and friendly management. Apply in winter for the following spring season.
Pro tips for food trucks in Tennessee
Nashville's tourism creates a double-edged sword: huge spending from visitors, but also high vendor competition and landlord leverage. Local events in the neighborhoods (12 South, East Nashville, Germantown) often have better margins than tourist zones.
Tennessee requires a state food establishment permit AND a separate county/city permit. Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis all issue their own permits independently.
July and August are hot and humid in Memphis and Nashville. Evening events do better than midday — plan your calendar accordingly.
Running a food truck in Tennessee?
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