As the weather warms up here in Tennessee, Knoxville is host to a variety of fun-filled festivals. Whether you’re a music-lover, foodie, artist, or just looking to enjoy the sunshine in Scruffy City, Knoxville has a festival for you. Check out our top five picks for upcoming Knoxville festivals.
Southern Tequila and Tacos Festival
Looking for a relaxing event to kickstart your summer plans? Coming April 28th, Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza will be home to the Southern Tequila & Tacos Festival. This event will feature taco booths from various Mexican, South American, and Cuban restaurants with samples of tequilas, mezcals, and more! This 21+ event is a great opportunity to relax outdoors with your friends and family as summer quickly approaches. Designated Driver and Non-Alcoholic ticket and beverage options are available for those unable to drink.
Dogwood Arts Festival
April 28-30th, one of the most celebrated cultural events will be taking place at the World’s Fair Park. The Dogwood Arts Festival will feature over 100 fine art vendors, entertainment, live music, activities for children, food and beverages, and more. A new feature of this year’s festival is the Emerging Makers Tent on the World’s Fair Park Amphitheater stage. This exciting new feature will be open on the final day of the festival and will showcase 30 local artists to help them gain real experience selling their artwork. Come celebrate the blooming of the dogwood trees with your friends or family this Spring!
Southern Skies Musical Festival
Southern Skies Music Festival is Knoxville’s homegrown festival happening at World’s Fair Park on May 21-22, 2023. Twelve acts will perform, headlined by The Dirty Guv’nahs, Grace Potter, and St. Paul & The Broken Bones. You can expect there to be two stages, food trucks, craft beer, wine, cocktails, markets, and more. The Southern Skies Music Festival is a fantastic way to listen to local artists and discover rising stars. In addition, the location is only a few minutes away from more amazing food and drinks in the Downtown Knoxville area!
Rhinestone Fest
June 2-4, Old City will transform into a Dolly Parton-lover’s paradise during the 3rd annual Rhinestone Fest (formerly Dolly Fest). To celebrate Dolly’s rhinestone-studded career, guests can enjoy art shows, live music, screenings of Dolly movies, costume contests, talent shows, and more! This festival benefits the Dogwood Arts’ Art Kits for Kids program and the Historic Old City Association. Join some fellow Dolly fans to celebrate the East Tennessee native and support local Knoxville organizations.
Knoxville BrewFest
The perfect kick-off for summer, Brew Fest takes place June 24th in Worlds Fair Park. Brew Fest is spotlighting breweries small and large, as well as multiple Knoxville-owned breweries such as Yee Haw and Hi-Wire. For those not interested in alcoholic beverages, Brew Fest encourages people to sign up for designated driver tickets and enjoy available non-alcoholic beverages! Brew Fest provides an opportunity for beer lovers alike to enjoy the summer sun and try different flavors and fusions. Brew Fest is partnering up with Tailgating for a Cause and supporting CureDuchenne. Come support a fantastic cause and enjoy different beers and ciders at this ideal Knoxville summer festival!
Whether you are looking to listen to some good music, eat delicious food, admire fine art, or grab some drinks with your friends and family, there is a festival for everyone in Knoxville this spring and summer. And what better way to attend these festivals than by rocking some Wear Knox gear!