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

Tomato Art Fest - Facebook
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

Brent Moore - Flickr
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

Stephen Yeargin - Flickr
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.

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4. CMA Fest

Denise Mattox - Flickr
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

Kellsboro - Flickr
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

Brian Hancill - Flickr
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

Friends of Warner Parks - Facebook
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:

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Where can we find historic Civil War sites near Nashville?

  • Shy's Hill played a key role in the Battle of Nashville as it is where the Union forces defeated the Confederate army.
  • The Travellers Rest Historic House Museum was the headquarters of Confederate General John Bell Hood during the Battle of Nashville.
  • Fort Negley as built by Union troops after they commandeered the city in victory in 1862.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other fascinating historic Civil War sites in Nashville.

Where can we go bargain shopping in Tennessee?

  • Starland Vintage & Unusual in Nashville sells vintage clothing, home goods, jewelry, records, novelties, books, and more.
  • The Ogle Brothers General Store in Sevierville features everything you can think of and has been owned by the same family for well over a century.
  • The Great Smokies Flea Market in Kodak features over 1,000 rotating vendors.

Read on to learn about some of the many other wonderful places to go bargain shopping in Tennessee.

Where can we find river towns in Tennessee?

  • Chattanooga is one of the state’s favorite river towns, although it is really considered to be a “big city.”
  • Clifton is a charming little town set alongside the Tennessee River and a big draw for those desiring to get away from it all.
  • Tiptonville, located between the Mississippi River and Blue Basin has managed to maintain its small-town ambiance since its early founding.

Read on to learn more about some of the other beautiful river towns in Tennessee.

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