Franklin’s Southern Food & Whiskey Experience – An Unforgettable Tennessee Night

Forty distilleries unite with acclaimed chefs for Franklin’s most celebrated culinary and spirits experience this August.

Rex Freiberger Avatar
Rex Freiberger Avatar

By

Image Credit: Franklin Southern Food & Whiskey

Key Takeaways

  • Over 150 whiskey and spirit varieties from 40+ distilleries are available for tasting.
  • Ten local chefs create exclusive pairings with distillers in a dedicated collaboration space.
  • Silent auction proceeds support OneGenAway mobile food pantry, connecting celebration with community service.

You can hear the sizzle from cast iron skillets while amber spirits catch the golden hour light streaming through The Factory’s industrial windows. Franklin’s Southern Food & Whiskey Experience transforms a simple tasting into a cultural immersion, where forty distilleries converge with ten acclaimed local chefs to celebrate the artistry of Southern hospitality.

August 9, 2025, at The Factory promises an evening where culinary boundaries dissolve into something more meaningful than mere consumption. Guests navigate through tasting rooms where master distillers pour stories alongside their spirits, each glass carrying the weight of tradition and innovation that defines contemporary Southern drinking culture.

Community impact flows through every element of this celebration. The Southern Whiskey Society orchestrates not just tastings, but charitable giving through silent auctions benefiting OneGenAway, a mobile food pantry serving Middle Tennessee families. This marriage of indulgence and service reflects the deeper values of Southern hospitality—abundance shared with intention.

The Pairings Room showcases creative partnerships between Middle Tennessee chefs and distillers, producing combinations that challenge expectations while honoring regional flavors. These collaborations represent more than novelty—they demonstrate how Southern cuisine continues evolving while maintaining its soulful foundation.

Whiskey Lifestyle vendors extend the experience beyond consumption, featuring craftspeople who understand whiskey culture, which encompasses glassware, accessories, and the rituals surrounding mindful drinking. Meanwhile, Poppa P’s Smoke Shoppe curates a Premium Cigar Experience, adding aromatic complexity to an already rich sensory journey.

Ticket prices range from $99 for designated drivers to $399 for VIP+Early Cigar Lounge access. VIP ticket holders enjoy early entrance starting at 5 p.m., exclusive pours, and lounge access before general admission begins at 6 p.m. The Factory’s industrial charm provides ample space for exploration, with convenient parking available on-site and additional street parking throughout Franklin’s downtown district.

Rapid sell-out patterns reflect Franklin’s growing reputation as a culinary destination where food and drink culture intersect with authentic Southern hospitality. Each August gathering reinforces the city’s commitment to celebrating local artisans while creating experiences that resonate long after the final pour.

Purchase tickets online early to secure your place at this convergence of Southern tradition and contemporary innovation. The Southern Food & Whiskey Experience offers more than tastings—it provides cultural immersion where every sip tells the story of a region that continues redefining itself while honoring its roots.

OUR Editorial Process

Every travel tip, dining recommendation, and review is powered by real human research. See our Code of Ethics here →



Read our Code of Ethics to see how we maintain integrity in everything we do.