Annual Events in Knoxville, Tennessee: A Warm Welcome to Year-Round Celebrations
Explore the top annual events in Knoxville Tennessee including festivals, fairs, and community gatherings that showcase the town’s vibrant culture.
Spring in Bloom: Knoxville’s Dogwood Arts Festival
As the first blossoms of spring arrive, Knoxville lights up with the Dogwood Arts Festival. This beloved tradition celebrates not only the natural beauty of blooming dogwoods but also the creativity of local artists and performers.
Families stroll through art markets, enjoy live music in World’s Fair Park, and explore neighborhood trails lined with colorful blossoms. It’s more than just an event—it’s a warm reminder of community pride and the renewal that spring brings.
Where Creativity Finds a Home: Big Ears Festival
Every spring, Knoxville becomes a meeting ground for artists, musicians, and dreamers during the world-renowned Big Ears Festival. Known for its innovative programming, the event welcomes jazz legends, experimental performers, and classical ensembles into intimate venues around town.
This isn’t just a festival—it’s a creative community gathering where new friendships spark, and visitors leave with lasting memories. Knoxville proudly rolls out the red carpet for anyone ready to experience art in its boldest form.
Holiday Magic: Knoxville’s Christmas in the City
When December arrives, downtown Knoxville transforms into a glowing holiday wonderland with Christmas in the City. Streets shine with twinkling lights, Market Square hosts festive markets, and the Peppermint Trail invites you to taste seasonal treats.
From ice skating at Holiday on Ice to enjoying carriage rides under the lights, Knoxville makes the holidays extra special. It’s an open invitation for families, couples, and friends to come together and share the joy of the season.
A Southern Hug in Every Bite: International Biscuit Festival
Nothing says “welcome to the South” like a warm biscuit, and Knoxville celebrates this tradition in style with the International Biscuit Festival.
Chefs, bakers, and food lovers gather downtown to showcase their best recipes—whether traditional buttermilk biscuits or inventive flavors like bacon-maple. Visitors get to taste, vote, and enjoy the experience with live music, contests, and family fun. It’s Knoxville’s way of saying: pull up a chair and eat with us.
Culture in the Streets: Rossini Festival and International Street Fair
The Rossini Festival and International Street Fair brings together Knoxville’s love for music, food, and diversity. Streets fill with the sounds of opera, orchestras, choirs, and international performers.
Meanwhile, vendors offer global cuisine and handmade crafts, turning downtown into a friendly street party. Free and open to all, the event embodies Knoxville’s welcoming spirit, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore culture in a fun, festive way.
Down-Home Fun: Tennessee Valley Fair
Every September, Knoxville welcomes families, neighbors, and travelers to the Tennessee Valley Fair at Chilhowee Park. With its century-long history, the fair feels like an old friend you meet again each fall.
Expect rides, agricultural shows, craft competitions, and nightly concerts featuring music across all genres. And of course, the comfort food—funnel cakes, fried Oreos, and corn dogs—adds to the charm. It’s a joyful celebration that invites everyone to slow down and savor the season.
Stars and Stripes: Knoxville’s Fourth of July Celebrations
Knoxville shines with patriotic pride during Fourth of July festivities along the Tennessee River. Families gather with blankets and lawn chairs for a day of live music, food, and children’s activities.
As night falls, the sky bursts into color with fireworks that light up the city, creating magical moments for families and friends. Knoxville’s Independence Day celebrations remind everyone that togetherness is what makes holidays truly meaningful.
Holiday Warmth: Fantasy of Trees
One of Knoxville’s most heartwarming traditions, the Fantasy of Trees, benefits East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. Every Thanksgiving season, the Knoxville Convention Center transforms into a glowing holiday forest filled with beautifully decorated trees.
Families wander through displays, enjoy entertainment, and shop for seasonal gifts. The event offers both festive fun and an opportunity to support a meaningful cause, making it a beloved part of Knoxville’s holiday season.