The Only Knoxville Festival Guide You Need
It’s almost festival time in Knoxville! Get ready by using our guide to plan which exciting festivals you'll attend this summer. (P.S. It kicks off NEXT week!)
MARCH FESTIVALS
KNOX SHAMROCK FEST - March 15th at World’s Fair Park
A family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring live Irish music, Irish dancing, delicious food, and fun activities for all ages. Start the day by taking part in the Lucky Kidney Run, hosted by the East Tennessee Kidney Foundation to raise awareness for kidney disease in honor of National Kidney Disease Awareness Month. Enjoy traditional Irish dishes, sip on Irish whiskey, and have fun!
BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL - March 24th & 25th at the Bijou Theatre
Head to the Bijou Theatre for an amazing cinematic experience! For just $20, you can enjoy the best in adventure, exploration, and environmental storytelling. Each evening features a unique lineup of films that will take you on a journey through breathtaking landscapes from around the world. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in some of the most inspiring and visually stunning films!
BIG EARS MUSIC FESTIVAL - March 27th to 30th at various locations across the city
Get ready for four days of music, creativity, and excitement as the Big Ears Festival returns to downtown Knoxville! The annual event transforms various venues across the city—including churches, museums, and clubs—into stages for trailblazing performances. Everything is within walking distance, making it easy to explore all the festival has to offer. Big Ears brings together musical visionaries, composers, musicians, and artists from all genres, offering a one-of-a-kind experience for music fans. Be sure to check out the full lineup for a sneak peek at the incredible acts you won’t want to miss.
APRIL FESTIVALS
KNOXVILLE BOOK FESTIVAL - April 5th & 6th at the Knoxville Convention Center
Calling all book lovers! This unique festival is for you to explore genres of books, meet your favorite authors, and connect with other readers. Whether you're looking to discover new titles, attend panel discussions, or simply indulge in your love for literature, this event offers something for every book enthusiast. Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in the world of books and engage with others who share your passion! Purchase tickets here.
ROSSINI FESTIVAL - April 12th & 13th in Market Square
Hosted by Knoxville Opera this is an International Street Fair celebrating the global influences that shape the music, food, art, and culture of East Tennessee. The public can enjoy multiple stages with concerts and dance performances. As well as a diverse range of food vendors and artisans from East Tennessee offering their talented work for sale. Residents love the Rossini Festival year after year so if you haven’t been make this the year you go!
DOGWOOD ARTS FESTIVAL - April 25th - 27th at World's Fair Park
Get ready for the return of the exciting art festival, where creativity is the center point. The event will feature a wide variety of art vendors, live music performances, activities for kids, delicious food, & more. There is something for everyone at this festival!
ROCK THE COUNTRY - KNOXVILLE - April 25th & 26th at Maple Lane Farms in Greenback, TN
This is scheduled to be an epic two-day event at Maple Lane Farms with some of the biggest names in rock music! Friday kicks off with “You Look Like You Love Me” singer Ella Langley, Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners, and more. The night will be capped off with a surefire epic set by Nickelback. Saturday brings a powerhouse lineup including Afroman, Gavin Adcock, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and more, with the legendary Kid Rock closing out the festival. This is one event rock fans won’t want to miss!
MAY FESTIVALS
OUTLANDISH ADVENTURE FESTIVAL - May 2nd & 3rd at Ijams Nature Center
Celebrate Knoxville’s outdoors! The goal of this event is to promote health and adventure for people of all ages. With a focus on the beauty of Knoxville’s natural surroundings, the event will feature outdoor activities, live music, and plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. Whether you're an adventure seeker or simply looking to enjoy the fresh air, this event promises something for everyone!
KNOSHVILLE, A JEWISH FOOD FESTIVAL- May 4th at The Knoxville Jewish Alliance (6800 Deane Hill Dr)
Make sure to save the date and check back for more info! https://www.jewishknoxville.org/calendar/knoshville-2025
SOUTHERN SKIES MUSIC & WHISKEY FEST - May 10th at World’s Fair Park
The event is returning to World’s Fair Park for the 4th year. Curated by local band The Dirty Guv’nahs. This year’s lineup features an exciting mix of local and national artists. Get ready to enjoy the brand new TN Whiskey Experience along with food trucks, lots of drinks, and plenty of live music.
CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL OF READING - May 17th at World’s Fair Park
Head to the park to meet authors, illustrators, musicians, and witness amazing science demonstrations. There will be plenty of hands-on crafts and so much more for the kids to explore!
BLOOMIN’ BBQ MUSIC & FOOD FEST - May 16th & 17th in Sevierville, TN
This fest is about an hour from Knoxville, but if you’re a barbecue lover then it’s one you can’t miss. Featuring the Tennessee State Championship BBQ Cook Off with live music, craft and merchant vendors, and even more barbeque. This event offers days of delicious barbecue, great entertainment, and fun for all. Don’t miss out!
JUNE FESTIVALS
RHINESTONE FEST - June 6th & 7th in the Old City
In Knoxville, it’s practically a crime not to love Dolly Parton! Celebrate all things Dolly at this two-day event dedicated to the legendary icon. This two-day event is all things Dolly themed. Local artists, food vendors, and plenty of shopping to be done in the Old City.
KNOXVILLE MARG FEST - June 14th at the Mill & Mine
Get ready for the ultimate margarita competition! All the best restaurants of Knoxville come together to compete for the title of “Best Margarita” in town! Spend the evening tasting 10 mini margs, enjoy entertainment, and dinner from local vendors! Make sure to check it out so you can vote for the best marg in Knoxville!
SoKno PRIDE - June 21st on Sevier Ave in South Knoxville
Join SoKno Pride on Sevier Ave for a day full of love, equality, and diversity! Enjoy a local vendor market, performances, and lots of vibrant atmosphere filled with joy and unity!
KNOXVILLE BREWFEST - June 21st at World's Fair Park
The ultimate beer lover’s festival is back! Featuring top breweries from Knoxville and the surrounding region. Enjoy beer tasting, local eats, and live music! Get your tickets before they sell out!
JULY FESTIVALS
FESTIVAL ON THE FOURTH - July 4th at World's Fair Park
Celebrate Independence Day at the premiere spot in World’s Fair Park. This free, rain-or-shine event is fun for all ages. Enjoy exciting games, yummy food, and live music spread out across World’s Fair Park. At 8pm, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform at the amphitheatre. The night ends at 9:45pm with fireworks so make sure to bring chairs or lawn blankets and get ready to watch the display.
FOODEES FOOD AND CULTURE FEST - July 11th - 13th at world’s fair park
World’s Fair Park will be packed with 50 food trucks and dozens of artisans and crafters. The Foodees Fun Park will also be there so you need to experience it. Check it out to taste all sorts of foods and make lasting memories!
GROOVES IN THE GARDEN MUSIC FESTIVAL - July 19th at Knoxville Botanical Garden
This event showcases music performances of RnB, Jazz, Old School, and Soul genres. Enjoy the live music, DJs, food trucks, and more. All proceeds will benefit UUNIK Academy’s Endowment Fund. Make sure to check out the event and support a great cause!
KUUMBA FESTIVAL - July 25th at Market Square
"Kuumba" isn't just a word—it's a celebration of culture & creativity! Hosted by the African American Appalachian Arts, Inc., this electrifying festival is your gateway to a kaleidoscope of cultural art forms, all lovingly shared with the Knoxville community. Come, be inspired, and discover the pulse of artistic expression!
AUGUST FESTIVALS
END OF SUMMER - FROM FOSTER TO FOREVER FESTIVAL - August 1st at Victor Ashe Park
If you’re interested in becoming a foster parent this is an event you need to have on your calendar. With music, food trucks, family activities, job fair, and more, it’s a fun and informative way to learn all about becoming a foster parent. Don’t miss out on learning how you can make an impact!
IRISH FEST ON THE HILL - August 9th at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
This fest is exactly what it sounds like! All things Irish! Music, food, drinks, and tons of fun! It’s a great celebration you won’t want to miss.
KNOXVILLE WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL - August 9th at Chilhowee Park
Experience a stunning display of community and light at this beautiful festival! Thousands of lanterns will light up the park, symbolizing hope, happiness, unity, and more. Enjoy food trucks, live music, and fun activities for the whole family.
GERMANFEST - August 23rd at First Lutheran Church
Celebrate German culture at this lively festival! Enjoy German music, delicious food, and more! The event is family-friendly and packed with fun for everyone!
KNOXVILLE ASIAN FESTIVAL - August 23rd at World’s Fair Park
Celebrate the vibrant Asian cultures of Japan, China, The Philippines, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, and more! Be ready to try authentic foods, captivating performances, and traditional activities representing all Asian cultures.
BIG KAHUNA WING FESTIVAL - August 31st at World’s Fair Park
Get ready for a wind lover’s paradise! Enjoy thousands of pounds of wings with incredible flavors from around the world. There will be eating and cooking competitions, live entertainment, activities for the kids, and a musical fireworks show! Enjoy Labor Day weekend in World’s Fair Park at one of the city’s most exciting festivals!
2025 FESTIVAL QUICK LIST
March 15 - Shamrock Fest
March 24 & 25 - BANFF Film Fest
March 27 thru 30 - Big Ears Music Festival
April 5 & 6 - Knoxville Book Festival
April 12 & 13 - Rossini Festival
April 25 thru 27 - Dogwood Arts Festival
April 25 & 26 - Rock the County
May 2 & 3 - Outlandish Adventure Festival
May 4 - Knoshille
May 10 - Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival
May 17 - Children’s Festival of Reading
May 16 & 17 - Bloomin’ BBQ Music & Food Fest
June 6 & 7 - Rhinestone Fest
June 14 - Knoxville Marg Fest
June 21 - SoKno PRIDE
June 21 - Knoxville Brewfest
July 4 - Festival on the Fourth
July 11 thru 13 - Foodees Food and Culture Fest
July 19 - Grooves in the Garden Music Festival
July 25 - Kuumba Festival
August 1 - End of Summer | From Foster to Forever Festival
August 9 - Irish Fest on the Hill
August 9 - Knoxville Water Lantern Festival
August 23 - Germanfest
August 23 - Knoxville Asian Festival
August 31 - Big Kahuna Wing Fest
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