A Guide to the Top Annual Events in Blount County, TN

Courtesy of Blount Partnership

Blount County’s community calendar is chock full of events you won’t want to miss, from food festivals and marathons to hot air balloons and so much more. Encompassing a wide range of interests and activities, there’s so much to do throughout the year, and so many great ways to gather with fellow locals to bond, celebrate and continue enriching the region’s identity. 

Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival 

Celebrating local craft brewing, the Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival showcases regional pride in both fermentation and flavor. This annual celebration, which typically takes place in June at the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater, features around 30 regional breweries, inviting attendees to taste brews and interact with the artisan brewers while enjoying live music, games and more. The festival also coincides with Brew Week, which spotlights Maryville’s local venues. 

Smoky Mountain Bike Week 

A massively popular motorcycle rally in the early fall, Smoky Mountain Bike Week serves as a siren call to motorcyclists in the region who embark on scenic rides on gorgeous Smoky Mountain roads. Beyond the rides themselves, bike week also includes bike shows, vendor booths, live entertainment and evening social meets. This event is an essential bonding opportunity for the region’s vibrant motorcycling community and highlights the natural beauty residents enjoy year-round. 

Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K 

Each September, runners sign up to participate in the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon & 5K, racing on a gorgeous course that winds through wooded landscapes. The race starts on the Townsend Historic Trail, ending near Tally Ho Inn. The views are breathtaking, but so are the hills – literally. It’s a challenging course at times, but so rewarding, and a great way to connect with other runners and the beautiful scenery. 

Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival 

The larger-than-life Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival is awe-inspiring, with colorful hot air balloons taking center stage in Townsend. Occurring in August, the family-friendly event raises funds for local schools and fire services. From balloon launches and tethered rides in the daytime to the stunning balloon glow at night, this is one addition to the calendar that will lift your spirits. 

Courtesy of Blount Partnership

Taste of Blount 

Taste of Blount, typically held in September, is an exquisite tasting event that spotlights local restaurants, caterers and even grocers. With over 30 vendors offering appetizers, entrees, desserts, beverages and more, this delicious evening at Theater in the Park in Maryville is a must-attend. It’s a great way to sample Blount County’s culinary landscape, all while supporting local businesses and talented food-makers. 

Townsend Fall Heritage Festival 

Hosted at the Townsend Event Center each September, the free Townsend Fall Heritage Festival celebrates all things Appalachian culture, from clogging, crafts and cooking to bluegrass music and other mountain traditions. Artisans demo their skills, such as blacksmithing and wood turning, while young attendees can get a more hands-on experience by participating in “Farmer in the Cove,” where farm chores like sweeping, gathering eggs and corn shelling are on the docket. 

Long Table Community Dinner 

Imagine a single table stretching across the Maryville Greenway-Library Bridge, where strangers become friends over plates of incredible food. The Long Table Community Dinner is an annual invitation to connect with the community and the creative genius of area chefs. It’s a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures of good food and great company, all set against the stunning backdrop of an October sunset. 

Courtesy of Blount Partnership

Grains & Grits Festival 

The Grains & Grits Festival in November is all about food and drink, featuring everything from craft distillers and Southern spirits to gourmet food. Head to Townsend to sample bites and sips from local restaurants and distillers against a backdrop of live music and marvel at the “Ring of Fire,” a unique live-fire cooking demonstration in which five chefs grill a whole pig, chickens and more. Each chef must incorporate an assigned distillery’s spirit into their culinary creation!