👶 MaryvilleKids.com

Alright, listen up, mama friends. We need to have a real talk for a minute.

This is an adult event. I mean it. It's 21+ for a reason. No kids, no exceptions, no "but they're so small."

But here's the thing - I love that this exists for us. For me. For us moms who want to remember we're people first, parents second. This is one of those events where I get to take off the mom hat, sit down, have a good beer, listen to live music, and actually talk with other grown adults without anyone asking me what my toddler's favorite snack is.

What I'm excited about: The fact that they're featuring regional craft breweries from around our area. I've been exploring craft beer a little in the past year or two - nothing crazy, just exploring what's local and interesting. It's actually kind of fun to taste the difference between breweries and find new favorites.

The venue is chef's kiss. Maryville Greenway Amphitheater? With the Smoky Mountains in the background? That's the kind of scenery that makes you remember why you fell in love with this town in the first place.

The deal: - You get tastings from all the breweries - Food is available (because what else, right?) - Official event t-shirt included - Games and lounging area if you want to just kick back and enjoy - Live music to set the vibe

My practical mom tips for this: - Arrive early if you want to get there right when it opens and beat any crowds - Wear something comfortable - we're walking around, we're standing, we're talking - Bring your ID. Obviously. I know it's the most obvious thing, but I've seen it happen. - Hydrate between tastings. You'll thank yourself later. - Think about transportation. I'm all for celebrating responsibly, which means getting home safely.

The vibe: This is going to be grown-up fun. No strollers, no high chairs, no playground time. Just adults hanging out, enjoying local craft beer, music, and good company. I expect it to be relaxed but still festive - think "fun social gathering" rather than "raucous party."

Why I'm putting this on the calendar: Because I need reminders of these things. Not because I'm desperate or anything (I'm not), but because life with kids gets loud and fast and I sometimes forget what it's like to just... be a person without "mom" as my primary job for a few hours.

This feels like one of those things I might actually remember to look for next year. Not because I'm going to go alone (probably not), but because I think there are other families with kids who could use a night like this. Partner swap? Friends who have a babysitter? This might be one of those rare occasions where the adults genuinely need their own event.

Plan ahead: Check the Blount County Chamber website for any updates on the lineup, exact times, or other details. Sometimes these festivals have different schedules or add more info as we get closer to the date.

Anyway, just wanted to put this out there honestly. It's a 21+ event. I'm not trying to be the mom who ruins the vibe - I'm just being the mom who wants everyone to know what they're signing up for. But I'm also not saying you shouldn't go. Go if you want to. I might be there. Or I might just be thinking about it while I'm home drinking coffee with my own kids.

Either way, the calendar's saved. You do you, mama friends.