International Cowpea Festival 2026 | Charleston, Tennessee Food & Cook-Off

The International Cowpea Festival & Cook-Off 2026 in Charleston, Tennessee is one of East Tennessee’s most unique food festivals — and we spent the day experiencing the food, people, competition and fun! Come along with us to the International Cowpea Festival and Cook-Off in Charleston, TN, where cowpeas take center stage with creative food, a professional chef cook-off, live entertainment, vendors, local history and plenty of small-town Tennessee festival fun. One of the highlights of the festival is the Cowpea Cook-Off, where local professional chefs create their own dishes using varieties of cowpeas. Festival visitors get the opportunity to sample the creations and vote for a favorite. In this video, we explore the festival, check out some of the food, meet some great people and experience what makes this annual Charleston tradition such an unusual Tennessee event. We also get to see the people behind the winning cook-off entry! The 2026 International Cowpea Festival & Cook-Off was held September 12 at Charleston City Park in Charleston, Tennessee. The festival combines food with music, handmade crafts, family activities and other events throughout the day. If you're looking for things to do in East Tennessee, unusual Tennessee festivals, food festivals, small-town events, Charleston Tennessee attractions, Cleveland Tennessee area events or unique stops while traveling through Tennessee, put the International Cowpea Festival on your radar. And yes... if you've never heard of a cowpea before, you're probably not alone! 👇 Tell us in the comments: Have you ever eaten cowpeas — and which cook-off dish would YOU have wanted to try? If you enjoy exploring unusual places, roadside attractions, festivals, restaurants, campgrounds and adventures around Tennessee and beyond, subscribe and come along on the next Dash For Adventure! 📍 International Cowpea Festival & Cook-Off Charleston City Park Charleston, Tennessee 🌱 Cowpea Cook-Off 🍴 Food & Tastings 🎵 Live Entertainment 🛍 Local Vendors & Crafts 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun 🏆 Cook-Off Competition Subscribe for more Tennessee adventures, hidden gems, festivals, restaurants, off-road adventures and interesting places to visit! #CowpeaFestival #CharlestonTN #TennesseeTravel