Tennessean Photo Gallery: All the Fun at Tomato Art Fest 2026

The Tennessean's Denny Simmons captured another round of scenes from this year's Tomato Art Fest parade, spotlighting the characters and community moments that give the festival its charm. Gallery includes performances from the East Nashville High School Enchanting Ladies and the Stratford Spartanettes, plus candid moments like 2-year-old Briar Rose Frankum spotting the marching band and Redding Beach keeping the bubbles flowing for parade-goers. A "Sharkmato" sighting, announced by lifeguards along the route, rounds out the day's cast of tomato-and-summer-themed characters, all set against a hot August afternoon in Five Points.

Tennessean Photo Gallery: Tomato Art Festival Celebrates Community and Of Course, Tomatoes

The Tennessean's Denny Simmons was on the ground for this year's parade, capturing the full spectacle of costumes, characters, and neighborhood spirit that make Tomato Art Fest one of a kind. The gallery follows the Ketchup Krewe walking the parade route, complete with a Dolly Parton tribute. See the full gallery of parade moments, tomato-themed costumes, and East Nashville color.

WKRN: 23rd annual Tomato Art Fest begins in Five Points

The Five Points neighborhood in East Nashville came alive this weekend for the 23rd annual Tomato Art Fest, with organizers estimating around 75,000 visitors would flock to the historic district over the two-day celebration of all things tomato. The festival's signature mix of quirky programming returned in full force, including a haiku contest, costume and decoration competitions, a parade, and a tomato-themed cornhole tournament, alongside hundreds of local vendors.

WSTV Gallery: Nashville celebrates all things tomato at 2026 Tomato Art Festival

The art festival also included many different activities and contests for participants to join. Contest categories included Beautiful Tomato, Ugliest Tomato, Redhead Contest and Tomato 5K. (Photo: Ashley Griffin FOX 17 News)