Calendar of Events

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/11th-annual-knox-asian-festival-tickets-876326364747

VIP Show (Sep 7th) VIP & Friend of Festival Members
Enjoy Ninja Show & take photos with them, Japanese Drum from Disney world show & Award winning Indian dance show
Paid Customers will receive the official T-shirt & Sep 8th General admission.

1 Day Ticket (Sep 8th) General Admission $3, FREE under 12 years old
3 stages of performances all day, Authentic foods, Passport program to travel 12 countries, Market Place

The 11th Knox Asian Festival will make its return to World’s Fair Park on September 8, 2024, with a special “Friends of the Festival” VIP event occurring the evening before, on September 7th. Taking place on Sep 7th, from 6PM until 9PM, the VIP event will be a magical night of performances featuring this year’s special guests, the ASHURA ninja corps from the Ninja Museum of Iga-ryu. As part of the first authentic ninjutsu demonstration in East Tennessee, these real-life ninjas will perform their incredible fighting skills and the ancient arts of one of Japan’s oldest ninja traditions. Also performing at the VIP event are returning fan favorites the Matsuriza Taiko Drum Troupe, as well as dancers from the Natyarpana Dance Company. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased. The cost of admission includes a festival t-shirt and all-day access to the festival the next day.

On the 8th, the 11th Annual Knox Asian Festival will begin at 10:30AM and end at 6PM. This year, the festival will charge a small fee to help cover costs and ensure the sustainability of the Knox Asian Festival and the Asian Culture Center of Tennessee, which remains a nonprofit organization dedicated to education and outreach. Admission will be $3.00 for visitors 12 years and up and free for children under 12. All entry gates will be cashless, so visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets ahead of time to expedite entry into the festival—tickets can be bought online.

People who do not want to wait at the entrance on the Festival, We will have Pre-Check-in days on September 3rd 3PM -8PM at the Dicks Sporting goods at Western Mall. You can Pre-check in and receive the wristband. So you can just show it when you come in on the Festival day. NO waiting time.

As customary, the day will begin with the parade of nations, featuring representatives from over a dozen Asian countries. The parade will start at the splash pad fountains, traverse the Festival Lawn, and conclude at the Amphitheater stage.

Other performances throughout the day include the performers from the VIP event (including ninjas), as well as a variety of other acts, including gamelan musicians from Bali island Indonesia, Filipina singer Khay Shaw, and the Mabuhay Dancers, winners of the 2023 Atlanta, Georgia Philippine Independence Day cultural dance contest. Japanese Shamisen (Banjo) Music concert, Nepal Dance performance, Korean Fan Dancers from Atlanta GA, K-pop Dance, Dragon & Lion Dance by Wah Lum Kang Fu school, Nashville Tiko drum performance, Matsuriza Drum and Ninjya show is on 1:30PM and 4:30PM. There will also be a cosplay contest. Visitors will also be treated to over Forty food vendors, dozens of arts and craft vendors, and activities for the whole family.

The popular passport program will also return, encouraging all to visit each country’s representative pavilions, collect stamps, and win prizes. Thailand pavilion organize “Loy Krathong “ which is old festival that paid respect to the water sprit. You can float beautiful flower basket to pray. Japan Pavilion will have Green Tea Ceremony. Enjoy the Teahouse, which UTK students made. You also can wear summer kimono and take the photo. Indian Pavilion will organize Holi Festival, which is a popular, and significant Hindu festival celebrated as the Festival of Colors, Love, and spring. Vietnam Culture tent will have the sample of Vietnam French Coffee.

Proceeds from the Knox Asian Festival will fund year-round cultural outreach programs that help East Tennessee’s K-12 students grow up to be global citizens & serve senior citizens and other educational non -profits.
https://www.asianculturetn.org

Tennessee’s only tribally owned museum will host its 33rd annual Cherokee Fall Festival on September 7th & 8th, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day.

Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to experience Native American food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance. In the museum we will be demonstrating our 1800’s Acorn Printing Press. A blacksmith will be doing on-site demonstrations in the shop both days. Other demonstrations and displays will include Cherokee life in 1700’s and a Civil War encampment.

Visitors will be able to meet and talk with Cherokees from the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. Special entertainment will be provided by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa who are the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians official ambassadors. Check out our reconstructed 1800’s dog-trot log cabin. Meet and chat with Miss Cherokee and have your name written in Cherokee.

Other activities include posters from Cherokee Elementary school. We will also host a children’s blowgun competition and an adult blowgun competition on both days. Traditional Indian Fry bread and Indian tacos, and other food and drinks will be sold.

This event is funded in part by Tennessee Arts Commission Rural Arts Program Grant, and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians.

Tickets Adults are $10.00, children 13-18 years old are $5.00 and children 12 and under are free. Family rate( 2 adults and 2 children 13-18 yrs. old) for $25.00 also available.

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, 576 Hwy 360, Vonore, TN 37885. Hours: M-Sa 9-5, Su 12-5. Information: 423-884-6246, www.sequoyahmuseum.org

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum is proud to partner with the Smoky Mountain Orchid Society (SMOS) for their annual juried show. Come enjoy a magical display of unique orchid specimens at the Garden’s Dogwood Center. Orchids, special supplies and art will also be for sale from local vendors. Admission is $5 at the door (plus $0.15 additional fee for credit cards).

The show will be open to the public from Noon to 5:00 PM on September 7 and 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM on September 8.

SMOS is an affiliated society of the American Orchid Society (AOS) which is the international organization responsible for the education, conservation, and research of the largest group of flowering plants in the world. The AOS has many centers of educated and trained judges around the world who are experts in the culture of orchids, their flowers and the plants as a whole, both in captivity, labs or in nature. The SMOS orchid show is an AOS sanctioned and judged show. A number of judges from the Atlanta Center will be present to judge the plants and exhibits of our show entries. Show ribbons, trophies, and special awards will be granted to the entrants based on specific attributes that are best for each class of orchid.
https://www.smokymountainorchidsociety.org/

Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum, 2743 Wimpole Ave, Knoxville, TN 37914. Hours: Gardens open daily from sunrise to sunset. Information: 865-862-8717, www.knoxgarden.org

Adapted by James Still
From the classic story by Margery Williams

In the world of toys, life begins when humans leave the room. Enter a realm of wonder and imagination when one group of toys learn what it means to be truly loved by their owner. Adapted from Margery Williams’ timeless tale that has enchanted generations, the play embarks on the journey of a brave velveteen rabbit as he learns the true meaning of friendship, courage, and love. Witness his transformation of a cherished toy into something more – a symbol of enduring affection and strength.

FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES
https://www.orplayhouse.com/

The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, Tennessee’s only tribally owned museum, will host its 33rd annual Cherokee Fall Festival on September 7th & 8th, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. each day.

Visitors will have the opportunity to step back in time to experience Native American food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music, and dance. In the museum we will be demonstrating our 1800’s Acorn Printing Press. A blacksmith will be doing on-site demonstrations in the shop both days. Other demonstrations and displays will include Cherokee life in 1700’s and a Civil War encampment doing living history demonstrations. There will be infantry, cannon and calvary demonstrations throughout the day.

Visitors will be able to meet and talk with Cherokees from the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina. Special entertainment will be provided by the Warrior Dancers of Ani-Kituhwa who are the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians official ambassadors. Check out our reconstructed 1800’s dog-trot log cabin.

There will be free Cherokee name cards and kits available for children. Traditional Indian Fry bread and Indian tacos, and other food and drinks will be sold.

Tickets Adults are $10.00, children 13-18 years old are $5.00 and children 12 and under are free. Family rate for $25.00(2 adults and 2 children 13-18) also available. For more information about the Festival, contact the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum at (423) 884-6246.

September 7: Powell Branch Used Book Sale, 10:00-5:00

Since 1970 Friends has donated over $1M to the Knox County Public Library. Our used book shop and book sales raised nearly $98,000 in FY 2023. Some of the library programs currently receiving support from Friends of the Library include the new Storybook Trails program, the Children’s Festival of Reading, Summer Library Club, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Knox County.
https://www.knoxfriends.org/book-sales/

Don't miss this opportunity to be part of "Miracles and Mingling," an event that celebrates the transformative power of art and its ability to heal and strengthen our community. Come join us for a day of artistic wonder and inspiration, where miracles happen through the strokes of a brush, the rhythm of a dance, and the harmony of our hearts.

Artist Competition: Witness the incredible talent within our community as local artists compete in a thrilling art competition. These artists have created masterpieces, each telling a unique story of resilience, hope, and transformation through their art.

Art Gallery: Immerse yourself in a captivating gallery showcasing the works of local artists. These pieces, curated specially for this event, reflect the profound impact of art on individuals and the community as a whole.

Live Performances: Enjoy The Kentucky Gentlemen! Their soulful country expressions will remind us of the arts' ability to heal, unite, and uplift.

Culinary Delights & Cocktails: Savor delicious culinary creations from local caterers. The exquisite flavors will tantalize your taste buds as you mingle with fellow art enthusiasts.

Community Healing: Discover stories via our Sponsor Just Juice, of individuals who have experienced personal transformations through the power of art. These heartwarming testimonials will remind us of the incredible healing potential that art offers.

Networking and Mingling: Connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the arts and its ability to heal. Build meaningful connections and collaborations that can help our community thrive.

https://www.tennesseetheatre.com/events/detail/canvas-can-do-miracles-g5vizb2pxronv

Saturday, September 7

Join us for our September offering of our “Beyond Petticoats” series - "Matriarchs, War Women, and Entrepreneurs: Cherokee Women in the 18th Century Colonial World." Beginning at 11:00 am, Casey Price, a Ph.D. candidate from the University of Tennessee, will explore the powerful roles of Cherokee women in their matrilineal society. Please RSVP with a $5 donation to help us manage seating. A Q&A will follow. Don’t miss this chance to learn about these remarkable women!

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/b3bafe6a-a9d7-4785-bb9b-a332d8f198a8

Marble Springs State Historic Site: 1220 West Governor John Sevier Highway, Knoxville, TN 37920. Information: 865-712-9076, www.marblesprings.net

Saturday September 7 2024 at the Rothchild Conference Center, 8807 Kingston Pike in Knoxville TN. This annual event features vinyl and CD dealers from all over the Southeast selling vinyl records, CDs, music DVDs, memorabilia, and more .. Admission $2.00, show time 10am-4pm. Come shop at the biggest record store in the Southeast - for one day only, September 7!

Info: gregnealshow@gmail.com>

Join the Knoxville Writers' Guild for A Gathering of Madville Poets, Saturday, September 7, 6:00-9:00PM at Addison's Bookstore, 126 S. Gay St.

Featured Poets will include Earl Braggs, Lisa Parker, Linda Parsons, Rita Quillen, Susan O'Dell Underwood, Dana Wildsmith and William Woolfitt.
Five dollar cover charge.

Knoxville Writers’ Guild meetings take place at Central United Methodist Church's Fellowship Hall, 201 E. Third Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37917. Information: www.KnoxvilleWritersGuild.org

Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Saturday, September 7, 8:00 PM at the Bijou Theatre.

Tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1B0060F0EC4D60B7

Bijou Theatre, 803 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information/tickets: 865-522-0832, https://knoxbijou.org/

Get ready for a day of music, shopping, and fun because the Punk Rock Flea Market Knoxville is returning to The Mill and Mine! Mark your calendars for a full day of action on Saturday, September 7th from 12:00 noon to 9:00 pm. This year’s market is bigger and better, with over 150 vendors offering a variety of unique, punk-themed items. We’ve closed down the street to make room for non-stop music, food trucks, brews, and a gathering of friends who share your love for all things punk rock. Entry is just $5, and the event is open to all ages. Kids 12 and under get in free with a parent, and remember to bring your ID if you’re 21+ to get a wristband for the brews.

Music Schedule:
• 12:15 - 12:45: Stupid Wish
• 1:00 - 1:30: Serial Baby
• 1:45 - 2:15: Tweejy
• 2:30 - 3:00: Good Vibes Only
• 3:15 - 3:45: Realm
• 4:00 - 4:30: Delta 8
• 4:45 - 5:15: PAL
• 5:30 - 6:00: Shrudd
• 6:15 - 6:45: Cel Ray
• 7:00 - 7:30: CDSM
• 7:45 - 8:15: DANA
• 8:30 - 9:00: Inner Peace

Come out and support local vendors, enjoy some great tunes, and soak in the punk rock vibes. We can’t wait to see you there! https://www.facebook.com/events/393335833137348/