Cooking on the square
Cooking on the Square fills downtown Cookeville with good food and good people. Locals line up for gumbo, jambalaya, and a handmade bowl to take home—all to support Habitat for Humanity. It’s a small-town tradition with a big heart.
A Taste of Cajun, Right in Cookeville
Every fall, the heart of downtown Cookeville fills with music, laughter, and the smell of gumbo and jambalaya. Cooking on the Square is more than a food event—it’s a local tradition that brings neighbors, families, and businesses together to share a meal for a cause.
You’ll see tents lined around the square, each one serving up a different Cajun recipe. The food is homemade, the competition is friendly, and the energy feels like a big family reunion.
All for a Good Cause
Every bowl and every bite supports Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity, which helps families right here in Putnam County build affordable homes. That’s what makes the event special—you get amazing food while giving back to the community.
Buying a ticket gets you a handcrafted ceramic bowl and all-you-can-eat lunch from more than 75 cooking teams. It’s simple, fun, and full of heart.
Why Cookeville Loves It
Cooking on the Square captures everything that makes Cookeville great: small-town charm, good food, and big-hearted people. It’s a reminder that this city doesn’t just talk about helping others—we show up and do it.
If you’ve never gone, mark your calendar for next October. Come hungry, bring a friend, and enjoy the best lunch in town surrounded by good folks doing good work.
Join the Spirit of Service
Events like Cooking on the Square fit right in with what we believe at The Good Work Crew—neighbors helping neighbors and building community through action. We’re proud to see Cookeville come together like this, and we’ll always be there to lend a hand where it’s needed most.
