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

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/

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/

Get ready for 10 fun-filled, action-packed days full of your fair favorites: concerts, rides, food, competitions, and more! Details TBA. Information: 865-215-1471 or https://www.tnvalleyfair.org/

Every Wednesday, May 1 – November 20, 10 am – 1 pm
Market Square in downtown Knoxville

Every Saturday, May 4 – November 23, 9 am – 1 pm
Market Square, Union Avenue, and Market Street in downtown Knoxville

The Market Square Farmers’ Market is an open-air farmers’ market managed by Nourish Knoxville. Everything at the Market Square Farmers’ Market is grown, raised, and/or made by our vendors within a 150-mile radius of Knoxville, Tennessee. Products vary by season and include fresh fruits & vegetables, eggs, honey, pasture-raised meats, edible & ornamental plants, cut flowers, bread & baked goods, jams & jellies, coffee, artisan crafts, and more! We offer SNAP & SNAP Doubling services every Wednesday and Saturday, and Nourish Kids – a free kids activity on the 2nd Saturday of each month.

https://www.nourishknoxville.org/market-square-farmers-market/

Get ready for an exciting kickoff to the 2024 season of the New Harvest Farmers Market! Join us on Thursday, April 25th, from 3-6 PM at New Harvest Park for a fantastic event packed with fun activities and fresh, local goods! Here's what's in store for you:
FARMERS MARKET: Explore a diverse array of local produce, baked goods, meat, eggs, crafts, and more at our vibrant market stalls!
NOURISH MOVES: Lace up your sneakers and join us for the launch of the 2024 season of Nourish Moves! Learn more about how you can turn your steps into Produce Bucks by visiting nourishknoxville.org/nourish-moves/
SNAP & SNAP DOUBLING: shoppers with SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) are able to swipe their EBT cards at the info booth for tokens to spend on groceries at the market! Plus Nourish Knoxville will be doubling those dollars, up to $20/day, in Double Up Food Bucks tokens to spend on fresh fruits & vegetables! Learn more about this program at nourishknoxville.org/programs/snap/

Thursdays from 3 pm – 6 pm
New Harvest Park, 4775 New Harvest Lane, Knoxville, TN 37918

https://www.nourishknoxville.org/new-harvest/