Knoxville Events and Festivals

(Knoxville, Tennessee - TN, USA)

Knoxville has a busy calendar of events and there is generally something going on during most months of the year. The city can often be a fairly exciting place for visitors who are keen to gain an insight into Tennessee culture and traditions, with a host of seasonal festivals and things to do.

While all the usual annual festivals are celebrated here, there are many smaller events that are unique to Knoxville. Visitors to the city are often invited to participate in the annual festivities or certainly observe from the sidelines.

Those here in February are strongly advised to look out for the fun-filled Mardi Gras procession, which is followed by the Knox News Women Today Expo each March and the Spring Sprint in April. In May, the charity based American Indian Celebration and Powwow (May Powwows) is another notable event, being staged by the East Tennessee Indian League.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - featuring a parade and memorial service, this event is a tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. and includes a choir performance by the Knoxville Symphony and Chamber Orchestra and guest speakers

February

• Dogwood Village House and Garden Show - Knoxville Convention Center -see the finest in the house and garden trade. Part of the Dogwood Arts Festival
• Mardi Gras - mid-February, a charity-organized event including a race, fun walk, live music, parade and a costume competition

March

• Knox News Women Today Expo - mid-March, women are invited to come and participate in fashion shows, food sampling, seminars and cooking classes as well as exploring new products and discussing career options
• Kuumba Festival - a celebration of African-American Appalachian arts and heritage including everything from visual and folk art to dance, games, storytelling, theater, music and ethnic cuisine, the Kuumba Festival is hugely popular

April

• Spring Sprint - early April, participants compete in this run for a chance to win the Triple Crown cash prize. The race is held in the Blount County area
• Dogwood Arts Festival - early to mid-April, a two-week event featuring crafts, fine arts and antiques, as well as local entertainment, food and bus tours of the Dogwood Trails
• Bark in the Park - late April, held at Knoxville's Chilhowee Park, the Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley is the organizer for this canine event showcasing thousands of dogs

May

• American Indian Celebration and Powwow - yearly fundraising event that is aimed at spreading cultural awareness, featuring crafts, music and dance. Held by the East Tennessee Indian League at Knoxville Convention Center

June

• Bark in the Park - second Saturday of the month at World's Fair Park, this is a Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley fundraising where dogs and their owners can celebrate all things canine, includes the Lick-Off contest

July

• Festival on the Fourth - Independence Day celebrations take place at World's Fair Park, with musical entertainment including the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Choir, fireworks begin, food and beverages
• Grainger County Tomato Festival - late July, this county festival sees a celebration of the all-delicious tomato. Incorporating food, vendors and activities including the 'Tomato Wars', this festival is fun for all the family

August

• Scholars Run - mid-August, part of the Triple Crown annual running event, this race sees Blount County residents compete for a chance to win a cash prize
• Cherokee Heritage Days - come and see demonstrations of tomahawk throwing, blow gun weaponry and other activities that are part of traditional Cherokee everyday life. Held at James White Fort, this event gives visitors a chance to experience an insight into American Indian culture including dance, storytelling, crafts, face painting and cooking

September

• Knoxville Tennessee Valley Fair - early to mid-September
• Boomsday - visitors are invited to join this celebration held at Volunteer Landing and featuring food, beverages, entertainment and an impressive firework display
• Country Market Days - Ramsey House Plantation celebrates the start of fall with this event that attracts more than 50 craft dealers. Visitors can view demonstrations of craft making and enjoy local musical acts, food and other activities
• Knoxville East Tennessee Pride Weekend - mid-September, attracting many gay and lesbian visitors to the city
• Greek Fest - mid-September, an all-day Knoxville affair celebrating Greek tradition and culture with food, beverages, dancing and music

October

• Halloween Fun - late October, spooky celebrations at the Everett Recreation Center in Maryville including carnival games, crafts, activities and costumes throughout the evening
• Brewer's Jam - this yearly regional festival incorporates crafts, beer and music into an event that is fun for all the family. Regional brewers are on-hand to offer participants free samples. Held at World's Fair Park

November

• Christmas in the City - November to December, Knoxville celebrates the festive season with this two-month festival showcasing the annual Riverlights Festival's Boat Parade, 'The Nutcracker' by the Appalachian Ballet, Fantasy of Trees and the Santa Claus Parade. Guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit

December

• Reindeer Run - early December, the final fun run of Ruby Tuesday's Triple Crown of Running, this event sees participants compete in the final run to win the Triple Crown cash prize. Race begins at the Maryville Municipal Parking Garage
• Festival of the Trees - early December to early January, Blount County Courthouse is illuminated with Christmas displays and trees in order to mark the festive season. Residents can enter a tree in this event
• New Year's Eve - celebrate the arrival of the new year in Knoxville with a huge firework display at World's Fair Park