SNAIL DARTER FEST
SNAIL DARTER FEST ‘26
Tennessee Brew Works, the Tennessee-based craft brewery with locations in Nashville, BNA Airport, and soon Lenoir City, will usher in spring with the inaugural Snail Darter Fest on April 25 at its new Lenoir City location, 200 East Depot Street. A portion of beer sales from this event will benefit the Kid’s First Child Advocacy Center (CAC) of the Ninth Judicial District serving Loudon, Meigs, Morgan and Roane Counties.
Free and open to the public, this all-day celebration will feature more than 800 pounds of fresh Gulf shrimp served with all the traditional fixings of a classic Low Country Boil. Guests can also enjoy a dynamic lineup of live music curated by the legendary Mike “Grimey” Grimes, highlighted by headliner Greasy Chicken Review.
In addition to Tennessee Brew Works’ craft beer portfolio, we’ll have Tennessee cider for those seeking gluten-free or beer alternatives.
Tennessee Brew Works will also be releasing the Snail Darter Amber Ale, exclusively at the festival.
Local businesses, including members of the Historic Downtown Lenoir City Merchants Association, will join the festivities, showcasing their vocations and wares in celebration of the city’s vibrant small-business community.
Created with the whole family in mind, Snail Darter Fest will include a dedicated “Kids Park” area complete with a bouncy house. Walk-ups are welcome throughout the day on a first-come, first-served basis, and friendly, leashed dogs are invited to join the festivities.
Snail Darter Fest will take place rain or shine on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free, with ample seating available. Parking is plentiful; however, guests are encouraged to use ride-share services when possible.
LIVE MUSIC SCHEDULE – SATURDAY, APRIL 25
12:00 p.m. Cole Sitzlar
2:00 p.m. Willow & Jesse
4:00 p.m. Rebecca Frazier & Friends
6:00 p.m. Greasy Chicken Review
The brewery is pleased to announce that we’ll be joined by the Knox Brew Stories podcast, streaming live on location at the Snail Darter Fest!
Knox Brew Stories: Knoxville’s Finest Local Podcast
Since 2021, Knox Brew Stories has been broadcasting live from the heart of Downtown Knoxville, delivering brew news & local tunes while showcasing the city’s movers, shakers, dreamers, and makers. Recently honored as Knoxville’s Finest Local Podcast by Blank Newspaper, Knox Brew Stories provides an in-depth look into the beverages, businesses, artists, and inspiring humans that make East Tennessee an amazing place.
The Knox Brew Stories team will broadcast live starting at 11am from the new Tennessee Brew Works Lenoir City Barrel House, as they feature special guests from the local craft beer community, local music scene, and area philanthropic change-makers. For this episode they will interview members of the Tennessee Brew Works team, including founder Christian Spears, head brewer Clark Brandon, executive chef Alex Leibow, musical guest Chris Morel, and Chris Evans-Longmire, Executive Director for the Kids First Child Advocacy Center.
Tennessee Brew Works extends its sincere appreciation to its valued partners: the Downtown Merchants Association of Lenoir City; Jack Qualls of the Loudon County Economic Development Agency; the Lenoir City Council and Mayor Tony Aikens; Mike “Grimey” Grimes for curating the musical lineup.
