Event Overview

Tomato Art Fest 2026: Your Complete Visitor Guide

Dates:

8 April 2026 - 12 April 2026

Location:

Fundacao Bienal de Sao Paulo, Av. Pedro Alvares Cabral, s/n - Ibirapuera, Sao Paulo - SP, 04094-000, Brazil

Launch your art expedition at SP-Arte 2026! Deploy critical intel: Target Fundacao Bienal de Sao Paulo dates, lock in tickets, scout featured galleries/artists, and command hotels, dining & cultural ops.
SP-Arte 2026
  • Tomato Art Fest 2026, marking its 23rd edition, transforms Historic East Nashville?s Five Points into a vibrant celebration of tomato-inspired art, music, and community spirit on August 7? , 2026.
  • This two-day festival, attracting over 65,000 visitors, features local and regional artists, live music, food vendors, costume contests, and quirky tomato-themed activities, all free to attend.
  • Held in the lively Five Points area, the fest includes highlights like the Push, Pull & Wear Parade, Tomato Art Show, and Bloody Mary Garden Party, embracing the theme ?The Tomato: A Uniter, Not a Divider!?
  • The festival showcases over 300 tomato-inspired artworks, from paintings to sculptures, displayed at venues like Art & Invention Gallery.
  • With 70% of attendees being Nashville locals, the event celebrates the city?s creative heart while welcoming visitors from across the U.S.
  • Curated by Good Neighbor Festivals, the event offers family-friendly activities, local food trucks, and contests like the Ugliest Tomato Competition.
  • Tomato Art Fest 2026 blends Southern charm with artistic eccentricity, creating a joyful, inclusive experience for all ages.
  • Key Information
  • Dates: August 7? , 2026
  • Location: Five Points, East Nashville, TN 37206, USA
  • Hours: Friday 5:00 PM?10:00 PM, Saturday 9:00 AM?7:00 PM
  • Admission: Free (select events ticketed, e.g., Bloody Mary Garden Party)
  • Official Website: www.tomatoartfest.com
  • Contact: info@goodneighborfestivals.com
  • Highlights
  • Explore over 300 tomato-inspired artworks at the Tomato Art Show, featuring local talents like Amelia Bradshaw and Blake Gore.
  • Join the Push, Pull & Wear Parade on August at 10:00 AM, showcasing tomato-themed floats and costumes.
  • Attend the Red Head Contest at 2:30 PM on Saturday, hosted by Hip Zipper Vintage at the Dolly Mural.
  • Participate in the Ugliest, Biggest, and Littlest Tomato Contests, celebrating quirky homegrown produce.
  • Enjoy live music from Nashville bands on the Five Points Stage, performing daily from 12:00 PM to :00 PM.
  • Savor tomato-inspired dishes from food trucks like The Grilled Cheeserie and Bad Luck Burger Club.
  • Organizer
  • Tomato Art Fest 2026 is organized by Good Neighbor Festivals, founded by Meg and Bret MacFadyen, creators of the event in 2004.
  • Their team curates a diverse lineup of artists, musicians, and vendors, emphasizing East Nashville?s creative community.
  • Partnering with local businesses like Art & Invention Gallery and Visit Music City, they ensure a vibrant, community-driven festival.
  • Their commitment to free access and inclusivity makes the fest a beloved Nashville tradition.
  • What to Attend
  • Tomato Art Show: Discover tomato-themed artworks at Art & Invention Gallery, free to view August 7?9.
  • Push, Pull & Wear Parade: Join the Saturday morning parade with colorful floats and costumes.
  • Bloody Mary Garden Party: Enjoy ticketed tastings of full-size Bloody Marys on August (21).
  • Cornhole Tournament: Compete in a bracket-style contest for local restaurant prizes on Saturday.
  • Children?s Activities: Engage in tomato-themed storytime and crafts at the kids? zone.
  • Haiku Contest: Submit a tomato-inspired haiku, with winners read aloud on August .
  • Ticket Information
  • The festival is free to attend, including the Tomato Art Show, parade, and most contests, ensuring accessibility for all.
  • The Bloody Mary Garden Party and Tomato Art Show Preview Party are ticketed, with prices starting at $25, available at www.tomatoartfest.com.
  • Children under 12 enjoy all free activities, with dedicated kids? zones for family fun.
  • The Preview Party on August 6 offers early art sales access, bookable via the website?s VIP program.
  • Commemorative enamel pins, inspired by the 2026 festival art, are available for $10 to support the event.
  • Check the website for group discounts and early-bird ticket promotions for ticketed events.
  • Getting There
  • Tomato Art Fest 2026 is held in Five Points, East Nashville (37206), a vibrant hub at Woodland Street and 11th Street.
  • The nearest public transit stop is Five Points Station, served by WeGo buses (routes 4, 56), with fares at $2 via WeGo tickets.
  • Nashville?s Music City Central Station, 10 minutes away by bus, connects to regional cities like Memphis (4 hours) via Greyhound for $30?$50.
  • International visitors can fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA), 10 km away, with rideshares to Five Points costing $20?$30 in 15?25 minutes.
  • Limited street parking is available; rideshare drop-offs at 10th/Woodland or Forest/N 11th are recommended due to road closures.
  • Biking or walking from downtown Nashville (2 miles) is encouraged, with B-Cycle rentals available for $5/day.
  • Download the WeGo Transit app or visit www.tomatoartfest.com for festival maps, road closure details, and shuttle schedules.
  • History
  • Tomato Art Fest was founded in 2004 by Meg and Bret MacFadyen, owners of Art & Invention Gallery, to celebrate East Nashville?s quirky spirit.
  • The inaugural event drew 3,000 visitors, showcasing 50 tomato-inspired artworks and a small parade, sparking a local tradition.
  • By 2010, the fest grew to 20,000 attendees, introducing contests like the Ugliest Tomato and Red Head Competition.
  • The 2020 event shifted to virtual tours due to COVID-19, maintaining engagement with online art sales and livestreamed music.
  • In 2022, the fest set an attendance record of 65,000, with ?500,000 in art and merchandise sales, reflecting its growing popularity.
  • Past editions featured artists like Frannielizdesigns and Friendly Arctic Printing, with the Tomato Art Show becoming a regional highlight.
  • The fest?s growth mirrors East Nashville?s rise as a creative hub, blending Southern hospitality with artistic innovation.
  • The 2026 edition will celebrate its 23rd year, introducing new contests and sustainability initiatives, managed by Good Neighbor Festivals.
  • Mission
  • Tomato Art Fest 2026 is dedicated to uniting communities through art, music, and the playful celebration of the tomato as a symbol of creativity.
  • It champions local artists and vendors, ensuring accessible, free programming to inspire all attendees to engage with art.
  • The fest promotes inclusivity with family-friendly activities, engaging 40% of visitors under 1 in creative workshops.
  • It celebrates Nashville?s cultural heritage while welcoming diverse visitors, fostering a sense of unity through quirky traditions.
  • Sustainability is prioritized with eco-friendly vendor practices and waste reduction efforts, supported by local green initiatives.
  • By partnering with East Nashville businesses, it strengthens the local creative economy and community pride.
  • The fest creates a joyful, inclusive space for art lovers to connect, inspiring lifelong creativity and community engagement.
  • Its mission is to position Tomato Art Fest as a global symbol of fun, accessible art, rooted in Nashville?s vibrant spirit.
  • Tips for Visitors
  • Explore the festival map on www.tomatoartfest.com to navigate Five Points and locate key events.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and tomato-themed costumes to fully embrace the festive vibe.
  • Arrive early for the parade on August to secure a good viewing spot along Woodland Street.
  • Bring cashless payment methods, as the festival is cashless; check vendor policies on the website.
  • Visit on Friday evening for a quieter experience, avoiding Saturday?s peak crowds.
  • Savor a tomato-inspired dish at a local eatery like The Grilled Cheeserie in Five Points.
  • Extend your trip with a visit to the Frist Art Museum for contemporary art inspiration.
  • Follow @tomatoartfest on Instagram for real-time updates and contest schedules.
  • Over 100 galleries participating from around the world
  • A diverse range of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photography
  • A showcase of emerging and established artists, with a focus on innovative and cutting-edge art practices
  • A series of talks, tours, and events, including artist interviews, panel discussions, and curator-led tours
  • A unique opportunity to discover new artists, galleries, and art trends, and to purchase art at affordable prices

Mission:

The fair aims to promote the appreciation and understanding of modern and contemporary art, and to support the development of the art market in Brazil and internationally.

Organizer:

SP-Arte

Key Highlights of Tomato Art Fest 2026

  • Over 100 galleries participating from around the world
  • A diverse range of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photography
  • A showcase of emerging and established artists, with a focus on innovative and cutting-edge art practices
  • A series of talks, tours, and events, including artist interviews, panel discussions, and curator-led tours
  • A unique opportunity to discover new artists, galleries, and art trends, and to purchase art at affordable prices

Why attend to Tomato Art Fest 2026?

SP-Arte 2026 is a premier art fair that brings together a diverse range of modern and contemporary art from around the world . Here are some reasons why you should attend:

Discover New Artists and Galleries
  • SP-Arte 2026 features over 100 galleries and showcases the work of more than 1,000 artists
  • Discover new and emerging artists, as well as established ones, and learn about their creative processes and inspirations

Experience the Best of Modern and Contemporary Art
  • SP-Arte 2026 showcases a wide range of modern and contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photography
  • Experience the best of Brazilian and international art, and get a glimpse of the latest trends and innovations in the art world

Networking Opportunities
  • SP-Arte 2026 is a great opportunity to meet and network with art professionals, including gallery owners, artists, curators, and collectors
  • Make connections, learn about new opportunities, and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the art market

Buy Art at Affordable Prices
  • SP-Arte 2026 offers a unique opportunity to buy art at affordable prices, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars
  • Find the perfect piece of art to add to your collection, or discover new artists and galleries to follow

Enjoy a Unique and Engaging Experience
  • SP-Arte 2026 is a vibrant and engaging event, with a range of activities and events, including talks, tours, and performances
  • Enjoy a unique and immersive experience, and take part in the excitement of the art world

Support the Art Community
  • SP-Arte 2026 is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and develop the art market in Brazil
  • By attending the fair, you are supporting the art community and contributing to the growth and development of the art market

Be Part of a Global Art Event
  • SP-Arte 2026 is part of a global art event, with art fairs and exhibitions taking place around the world
  • Be part of a global community of art lovers and professionals, and stay connected with the latest developments in the art world
  • Don't miss out on the opportunity to attend SP-Arte 2026 and experience the best of modern and contemporary art !

Ticket Information:

  • General Admission: R50/12 USD
  • Students and Seniors: R30/7 USD
  • Children under 12: Free
  • Multi-Day Pass: R100/25 USD
  • Private View: R200/50 USD

Getting There:

By Metro
  • The nearest metro station is "AACD-Servidor" (Green Line)
  • From the metro station, take a taxi or bus to the Fundacao Bienal de Sao Paulo (approximately 10-15 minutes)
By Bus
  • Several bus lines pass through Ibirapuera Park, including lines 106A, 106B, and 107A
  • Get off at the "Bienal" stop and walk to the Fundacao Bienal de Sao Paulo (approximately 5-10 minutes)
By Taxi
  • Taxis are widely available in Sao Paulo and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance
  • The journey from the city center to the Fundacao Bienal de Sao Paulo takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic
By Ride-Hailing
  • Ride-hailing services such as Uber and 99 are widely available in Sao Paulo
  • The journey from the city center to the Fundacao Bienal de Sao Paulo takes approximately 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic
On Foot
  • The Fundacao Bienal de Sao Paulo is located in Ibirapuera Park, which is a beautiful and safe area for walking
  • If you are staying in the nearby area, you can walk to the Fundacao Bienal de Sao Paulo (approximately 10-20 minutes)
Parking
  • There is a parking lot available at the Fundacao Bienal de Sao Paulo, with a fee of approximately R$ 20 per hour
  • Please note that parking spaces are limited and it is recommended to arrive early to secure a spot

Gallery: Tomato Art Fest 2026

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Mission of Tomato Art Fest 2026

The mission of SP-Arte 2026 is to promote and develop the art market in Brazil and internationally, while fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and excellence in the art world . Our mission is guided by the following principles:

Promote Brazilian Art
  • To showcase the best of Brazilian modern and contemporary art, and to promote the work of Brazilian artists and galleries
  • To provide a platform for Brazilian artists to exhibit their work and to connect with international art professionals and collectors

Foster International Exchange
  • To bring together art professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts from around the world, and to foster international exchange and collaboration
  • To provide a unique opportunity for international galleries and artists to showcase their work in Brazil, and to connect with the Brazilian art market

Support Emerging Artists
  • To provide a platform for emerging artists to showcase their work and to gain international recognition
  • To support the development of new and innovative art practices, and to encourage experimentation and creativity in the art world

Educate and Engage
  • To educate and engage the public about modern and contemporary art, and to promote a culture of art appreciation and criticism
  • To provide a range of educational programs and activities, including talks, tours, and workshops, to enhance the visitor experience and to foster a deeper understanding of the art on display

Nurture a Community
  • To nurture a community of art professionals, collectors, and enthusiasts, and to provide a platform for networking and collaboration
  • To foster a sense of belonging and shared purpose among members of the art community, and to promote a culture of mutual support and respect

Innovate and Evolve
  • To innovate and evolve in response to changing trends and technologies in the art world, and to stay at the forefront of contemporary art practices
  • To continuously evaluate and improve our programs and services, and to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in promoting the art market and supporting the art community

By fulfilling our mission, we aim to make a positive impact on the art world, and to contribute to the growth and development of the art market in Brazil and internationally .

Tips for Visitors of Tomato Art Fest 2026

  • Plan your day: With so much to see, plan your day in advance to make the most of your visit .
  • Wear comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk and stand for long periods .
  • Bring a water bottle: Bring a water bottle and stay hydrated throughout the day .
  • Take breaks: Take breaks and rest your feet at one of the fair's many cafes or restaurants .
  • Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask gallery owners, artists, or fair staff questions about the art, prices, or anything else .

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