I hope you’re thirsty, because you’ve got some great chances to try new beverages over the next few weeks. The return of two festivals and a cocktail-pairing dinner will fill your cup with opportunities.
The first event is the latest iteration of the Nashville Brew Fest, returning to First Horizon Park on Friday, Sept. 20. Early admission gets you in at 7 p.m., an hour before the gen pop arrives at 8 to enjoy tastings from more than 50 breweries arranged around the ballpark’s concourse.
The event will run until 11 p.m. and offer food trucks in the outfield, live music, lawn games and more fun activities. Tickets to the 21-plus event range from $55 to $70 and are available at the event website.
Tempo by Hilton
For a more exclusive opportunity, check out the debut of the Spirited Sessions Dinner series at the Tempo by Hilton Nashville Downtown on Wednesday, Sept. 25. The series will feature Lovelorn Lounge executive chef Jason Lawson creating four-course dinner menus to pair with a specific new spirit.
For the first dinner, they’re actually featuring two new spirits with a welcome cocktail courtesy of Gray Whale Gin followed by pairings from Redemption Bourbon. The menu includes elevated takes on cabbage salad, pappardelle and tuna, Ibérico pork and vanilla bun cake.
Tickets for the dinner are $184.23 all-in, and are available here.
Finally, the biggest tasting event in Donelson will return to the grounds of the historic Two Rivers Mansion as the Tennessee Beer, Wine and Shine Festival takes over the property on Saturday, Oct. 19. The annual outdoor event is presented by Tennessee Shine Co. and Ryman Hospitality Properties and raises funds for local nonprofit organizations in the Hermitage and Donelson communities. The 14th edition of the festival will feature more than 100 different beers and almost that many wines available for sampling.
Tickets are now on sale and include access to the event, samples of beer, wine, moonshine and seltzer, a commemorative tasting glass and an invitation to the event’s official after-party at Scoreboard Sports Bar & Grill. The VIP ticket includes entry one hour early, special tastings from exhibitors and a gift bag. Free parking at the event is available for all attendees.
Attendees will also enjoy music from Juke Skywalker and the 24s, featuring Peter Keys of Lynyrd Skynyrd and other special guests, and football fans needn’t fret because big screens will be showing all the games. Arts and crafts vendors will be selling their wares, and food truck vendors will be, well, vending. You won’t go home hungry or thirsty, but you might want to consider availing yourself of a rideshare.
