Major Events & Festivals in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States
1. Knoxville Pride Festival
Celebrating diversity and equality in Knoxville, this festival features parades, music, food, and vendors. It's a significant event for the LGBTQ+ community.
- Community Gathering: Provides a platform for the local LGBTQ+ community to connect and celebrate their identity.
- Inclusion and Equality: Promotes understanding, acceptance, and equality among all people.
- Entertainment and Fun: Offers a fun-filled day with music, food, and activities for all ages.
2. Big Ears Festival
A unique blend of classical and contemporary music, visual arts, and cultural events. It's a must-visit for music and art enthusiasts.
- Artistic Diversity: Combines various genres of music with visual arts to create an immersive experience.
- Cultural Exchange: Brings together artists and audiences from around the world for a truly international event.
- Innovative Programming: Features unique performances and collaborations that are not typically found at other music festivals.
3. Knoxville Jazz & Blues Society Festival
A three-day event featuring local and national jazz and blues artists. It's a great opportunity to immerse in Knoxville's vibrant music scene.
- Local Talent Showcase: Gives a platform to local musicians and bands alongside renowned national artists.
- Jazz & Blues Education: Offers workshops, seminars, and discussions about jazz and blues music history and techniques.
- Community Engagement: Brings together music lovers of all ages for a shared passion in jazz and blues music.
4. Volunteer Tamale Festival
A celebration of traditional Mexican food, culture, and community. Over 100 teams compete to make the best tamales.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding and appreciation of Mexican culture through food and tradition.
- Competitive Spirit: Encourages friendly competition among tamale-making teams, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
- Foodie Delight: Offers an opportunity to taste a variety of delicious tamales from around Knoxville and beyond.
5. Dogwood Arts Festival
A city-wide celebration of the arts featuring visual arts exhibitions, live performances, workshops, and more.
- Artistic Diversity: Showcases a wide variety of artistic mediums, from painting to sculpture to performance.
- Community Involvement: Engages local artists and art enthusiasts in a city-wide celebration of the arts.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides workshops, seminars, and discussions for those interested in learning more about various art forms.
6. Knoxville Film Festival
A showcase for independent filmmakers from around the world. It features screenings, workshops, and industry events.
- Independent Cinema: Highlights innovative and thought-provoking films created by independent filmmakers.
- Filmmaker Networking: Provides opportunities for filmmakers to network, collaborate, and learn from industry professionals.
- Cultural Exchange: Brings diverse perspectives and stories to Knoxville's cultural landscape.
7. Summer in the City Concert Series
Free outdoor concerts featuring local and national music acts. It's a great way to enjoy live music under the stars.
- Community Gathering: Brings together music lovers for free, enjoyable evenings of live music.
- Support Local Music Scene: Gives a platform to local musicians and bands alongside renowned national acts.
- Family-Friendly Fun: Offers a fun, family-friendly environment for evenings out in the city.
8. Knoxville Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
A weekend of hot air balloon rides, competitions, and entertainment. It's a breathtaking sight to see these colorful balloons filling the sky.
- Aerial Spectacle: Offers a unique opportunity to witness the beauty of hot air balloons in flight.
- Competitive Spirit: Features competitions and races among experienced pilots.
- Family Fun: Includes activities, food vendors, and entertainment for all ages.
9. Knoxville Food Truck Festival
A gathering of some of the city's best food trucks, serving a variety of delicious cuisines. It's a great way to sample Knoxville's diverse food scene.
- Foodie Delight: Offers a taste of Knoxville's vibrant and diverse food truck culture.
- Community Gathering: Brings together food lovers for a shared appreciation of good food.
- Support Local Businesses: Supports local food truck owners and entrepreneurs.
10. Knoxville Oktoberfest
A celebration of German culture featuring beer, food, music, and dancing. It's a fun and lively event for all ages.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding and appreciation of German culture through food, drink, and music.
- Community Gathering: Brings together people for a shared celebration of German heritage.
- Fun Activities: Includes games, contests, and activities for all ages to enjoy.
11. Knoxville Christmas Market
A traditional German-style Christmas market featuring local crafts, food, and music. It's a festive way to celebrate the holiday season.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding and appreciation of German Christmas traditions.
- Community Gathering: Brings together people for a shared celebration of the holiday season.
- Unique Shopping Experience: Offers handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts and decorations.
12. Dragon Boat Races
A fast-paced and exciting event where teams race dragon boats on the water. It's a unique spectacle to witness.
- Competitive Spirit: Encourages friendly competition among teams.
- Community Involvement: Engages the community through participation, volunteering, and spectatorship.
- Fun Activities: Includes activities, food vendors, and entertainment for all ages.
13. First Friday Art Crawl
A monthly event where galleries, studios, and businesses throughout downtown Knoxville stay open late to showcase local art.
- Artistic Diversity: Showcases a wide variety of artistic mediums, from painting to sculpture to performance.
- Community Engagement: Engages local artists and art enthusiasts in a city-wide celebration of the arts.
- Accessibility: Makes art accessible to the general public by offering events in various galleries and studios throughout the city.
14. Knoxville Jazz & Big Band Dance Weekend
A weekend of jazz music and dance lessons. It's a great opportunity to learn and enjoy swing dancing.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides dance lessons for those interested in learning swing dancing.
- Community Engagement: Brings together dancers and music lovers for a shared passion in jazz and swing dance.
- Historical Preservation: Preserves and celebrates the history of jazz music and dance.
15. Appalachian Fair
A celebration of Appalachian culture featuring music, food, crafts, and agriculture. It's a great way to learn about the region's heritage.
- Cultural Exchange: Promotes understanding and appreciation of Appalachian culture.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers workshops, demonstrations, and exhibits about traditional crafts, music, and agriculture.
- Family Fun: Includes activities, food vendors, and entertainment for all ages.