Combining southern hospitality, a seemingly endless list of live music venues, and attractions for all interests, Nashville is a can't miss Tennessee destination. Any first time visitor should immerse themselves in the city's rich music heritage at the Country Music Hall of Fame, which is one of the largest museums in the world. If you’re thirsty for libations, the Music City features fantastic bars and restaurants like The 404 Kitchen, Bastion, and No. 308.
The Bloody Mary Festival is America’s premier bloody mary tasting event, and it will take place March 11 at Track One. Attendees can expect a showcase of the best bloody mary’s in the Nashville area. This year’s event will include bloody mary offerings from more than 14 local bars and restaurants. Professionals from the food and beverage industries will judge the drinks in a variety of categories, and the crowd will determine the people’s choice winner. Food and beverage vendors from the community will serve delicious treats and non-bloody mary drinks. Full meals will also be available for purchase from select vendors. A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to Fannie Battle, which is an organization that provides high-quality child care to low-income families. ResortsandLodges.com interviewed Event Organizer, Yunna Weiss, to learn more about this great event.
RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.
YW: 2018 is our 5th year! Our first festival took place in New York City in 2014.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
YW: Overall, we see around 12,000 attendees across ten cities around the U.S.
RAL: What demographic does your event attract? Children? Families? Couples?
YW: Our demographic consists of bloody mary lovers who are also foodies. The events are usually enjoyed together by groups of friends, bringing Sunday Funday to a whole new level.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
YW: We are the largest event of its kind, celebrating the most beloved brunch cocktail. Our festivals bring together the best local bloody marys for all to enjoy under one roof.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event. What can I expect as an attendee?
YW: The event brings together the best bloody marys made by local bars and restaurants to make cocktails for all attendees. Attendees sample bloody marys and vote for “The People’s Choice” award. In addition to bloody marys, attendees enjoy live music, food & drink tastes from local vendors, temp tattoos, and more.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
YW: Several judges from the food and beverage industry judge the event to crown the “Best Bloody Mary” in several categories.
RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?
YW: Local food vendors offer tastes of food and beverage products. Full lunch is also available for purchase.
RAL: Tell us about the overall atmosphere?
YW: The event takes place during brunch time, so it is a fun-filled afternoon. The bloody mary participants, local vendors, musicians, and attendees bring high energy to the day.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
YW: We intend to bring together local businesses, providing them with exposure to potential customers and media outlets. The focus is always on our participants, and we always encourage our attendees to visit and support these local businesses after the event.
RAL: Does the event support a particular cause in the community?
YW: This event will benefit Fannie Battle, a local non-profit that provides high-quality child care to low-income households.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
YW: The festival is a unique chance for bloody mary lovers to taste the best versions of the cocktail all under one roof and take part in crowning the winner in Nashville.
For more information about The Bloody Mary Festival, please visit the event website.
Photography Credit: Castle Hill Photography