About Us

What is the National Banana Pudding Festival?

The National Banana Pudding Festival is the brain child of twelve community volunteers in Centerville, Tennessee, seeking a way to earn money to help victims of disasters, fires, tornadoes and floods.  In September 2009, this fun lovin’ dozen incorporated the National Banana Pudding Festival as a nonprofit corporation and set about bringing the dream to reality.  They quickly realized they could do more than just help their cause -- they could provide a way for many nonprofits to "earn" much needed funds for their causes and missions too. Each year more nonprofit organizations join us in making this the best festival and the most fun for miles around.

In addition to the National Cook-Off for the Best Banana Pudding in America, we also have the Puddin' Path where you can sample Banana Puddin' made by ten local nonprofit organizations. During this two-day event, there will be entertainment on two different stages, Little Nanner's Children's Area for the little kids, Banana Land - "Where the Big Kids Go Bananas," and a variety of food and craft booths. There will be food for everyone, many varieties of banana pudding to try, and so much more!

We invite you to join us on October 7-8, 2023 for the 13th Annual National Banana Pudding Festival and Cook-off, celebrating the ultimate comfort food, banana pudding. The National Banana Pudding Festival is in Centerville, TN near Grinder’s Switch Rail Station, the inspiration for Minnie Pearl’s fictitious town.  Sarah Cannon, aka Minnie Pearl was born and raised on the Duck River across from Grinder’s Switch in Hickman County, TN.

Ya’ll come and taste the sweetness.