Barnwarmin’: Bigger and Better Than Ever Before!
Friday, October 2, 2026—the day before the Tennessee Volunteers take on the Auburn Tigers in Neyland Stadium.
Ag Day is one of UTIA’s most beloved traditions—a celebration of agriculture and the university’s vital role in supporting Tennessee’s number one economic driver. This year, Ag Day is moving to a new date: Friday, October 2, 2026, the day before the Tennessee Volunteers take on the Auburn Tigers in Neyland Stadium.
We have reimagined Ag Day in a way that both honors our traditions and improves the experience for all involved. While this change may feel new, it is actually a return to Ag Day’s origins. The earliest version of this event—known as a “Barnwarmin’”—was held on a Friday in October before a rivalry game. These gatherings brought faculty, staff, students, and the community together for an afternoon and evening of food, fellowship, entertainment, celebration, and even the crowning of a Barnwarmin’ queen. In many ways, moving to Friday allows us to reclaim that spirit—while enhancing it for today’s audience.
We believe this new format creates an exciting opportunity to offer a more engaging, accessible, and memorable experience for our visitors. Plans for the day include:
Interactive Expo in the Brehm Animal Science Arena from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- A full exhibition in Brehm Animal Science Building
- Expanded and interactive programming, including a robust animal petting area
- Classic staples, pumpkins and antique tractors are back
- Food options available throughout the afternoon, including steak sandwiches and milkshakes
Ag Day After Hours at the UT Gardens, Knoxville from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Live music performed by Natalie Haslam College of Music students and Mark Taylor, an experienced singer-songwriter out of Nashville
- Yard games, hands-on activities, and food for purchase from various food trucks
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Herbert College of Agriculture student organizations will square off in a round bale decoration competition
2025 Ag Day Photos
Entomology and Plant Pathology students hold insects at a booth at Ag Day 2025 in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 19, 2025. 
Keith Carver, Sr. Vice President and Sr. Vice Chancellor for UTIA, awards Kent Kilpatrick, owner of the Apple Barn, the Meritorious Service Award, recognizing a half-century of shared growth and commitment to community during Ag Day 2025. 
Attendees interact with UT Knoxville Mascot Smokey at Ag Day 2025. 
Clyde Austin 4-H Center staff member Michael Stapleton interacts with attendees at Ag Day 2025. 
Attendees interact with animals at Ag Day 2025. 
Keith Carver, Sr. Vice Chancellor and Sr. Vice President for UTIA, poses with Ashley Reeves, winner of the Horizon Award, during Ag Day 2025. 
Keith Carver, Sr. Vice Chancellor and Sr. Vice President for UTIA, poses with Jerome Grant, Professor in the Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology with the annual Cricket Spittin’ Contest t-shirt. 
A banner promoting Ag Day displayed above a statue of UT Knoxville Mascot Smokey in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 19, 2025. Photo by Haley Harbin/University of Tennessee.