Calendar of Events
Sunday, April 13, 2025
Knoxville Museum of Art: Second Sunday Art Activity & Docent Tour
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Festivals, special events, Free event, Kids, family, Lecture, panel and Meetup
Second Sunday Art Activity, 1-4 PM. Drop-in for hands-on art activity taught by a certified art teacher on the second Sunday of every month.
Second Sunday Docent Tour, 2-3 PM. Join us for a Docent Guided Tour. KMA visitors can follow a trained docent educator through the galleries to learn more about the KMA collection and temporary exhibitions. Tours are 60 minutes; visitors can meet at the front desk at 1:55 pm to join the tour.
Free and open to the public!
Knoxville Museum of Art, 1050 World's Fair Park, Knoxville, TN 37916. Hours: Tu-Sa 10-5, Su 1-5. Information: 865-525-6101, www.knoxart.org. Admission and parking are free.
Old City Market: Sunday Market
Category: Exhibitions, visual art, Festivals, special events, Fine Crafts, Free event, Kids, family and Meetup
Shop the Old City Market! On West Jackson Avenue. The Old City Market transforms the historic Old City into a curated, outdoor market showcasing artists, crafters, and creative makers.
First Friday Markets: Apr 4 · May 2 · Aug 1 · Sep 5 · Oct 3 · Nov 7 · Dec 5, 5PM to 9PM
Sunday Markets: Apr 13 · May 18 · Rhinestone Fest June 7 · June 15 · July 20 · Aug 17 · Sep 21 · Oct 19 · Nov 16 · Small Business Saturday Nov 29, 11AM to 4PM
Dogwood Arts: Spring Featured Gardens
Category: Festivals, special events, Free event and Science, nature
We are honored that these Knoxville residents have opened their properties to the public as a part of our annual celebration of East Tennessee's natural beauty! Properties for our 2025 Spring Featured Gardens are still TBD.
This event is free though a $5 donation per garden is suggested. Tours are self-guided; although Dogwood Arts staff and volunteers will be on-site for questions. No tickets are required.
NOTE: There is limited parking at each garden, and guests will be admitted on a first-come-first-served basis. Comfortable or hiking shoes are recommended. No pets allowed.
Dogwood Arts, 123 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com
Knoxville Opera: Rossini Festival
Category: Culinary arts, food, Dance, movement, Exhibitions, visual art, Festivals, special events, Fine Crafts, Free event, Kids, family, Music and Theatre
Join us for Knoxville Opera’s annual Rossini Festival, an international street fair celebrating the music, food, art, and culture that shape East Tennessee! This beloved event transforms downtown Knoxville into a vibrant, family-friendly celebration with non-stop entertainment, delicious food, and local artisan vendors. April 12 & 13, in Downtown Knoxville Admission: Always FREE!
• Live Performances on Four Stages – Enjoy opera, jazz, gospel, classical, ballet, modern, and ethnic dance for 11 hours each day!
• Food & Drink Vendors – Savor delicious international and local flavors!
• 75+ Artisans & Vendors – Discover handmade jewelry, clothing, home décor, and more from talented creators across East Tennessee.
• The Y FunZone – A special area packed with activities to keep the kids entertained!
For over 20 years, the Rossini Festival has been a must-attend event, bringing together more than half a million visitors to experience the arts and culture of Knoxville. Don’t miss this fun, family-friendly celebration—there’s something for everyone at the Rossini Festival!
Knoxville Opera: 865-524-0795, https://www.knoxvilleopera.org/rossini/
TennGreen Land Conservancy: Hike-a-Thon
Category: Festivals, special events, Free event, Health, wellness and Science, nature
It's fun, free, and easy! The Hike-a-Thon is free to register and you can participate from anywhere in the world. This month-long competition in April supports the protection of our lands and waters—where people and nature can thrive. https://campaigns.tenngreen.org/event/hike-a-thon2025/
TennGreen Land Conservancy empowers landowners and communities to protect large, connected natural areas that support diversity of life, inspire appreciation of nature, and spark action to protect the water we drink, the air we breathe, and the land that sustains us all. To learn more, visit tenngreen.org.
Dogwood Arts: Open Trails
Category: Festivals, special events, Free event and Science, nature
2025 Featured Dogwood Trails: Holston Hills & Morningside. The Dogwood Trails are open annually from April 1-30th, just in time to showcase the beauty of spring in East Tennessee! Knoxville’s iconic Dogwood Trails date back to 1955 and today cover more than 90 miles in 13 neighborhoods throughout the city. Take a drive, a walk, or a bike ride and enjoy the scenic natural beauty of our region.
No RSVP required. Please email vbaumgartner@dogwoodarts.com or call (865) 637-4561 with questions or concerns.
Dogwood Arts, 123 W. Jackson Ave, Knoxville, TN 37902. Information: 865-637-4561, www.dogwoodarts.com
Knoxville Walking Tours
Category: Festivals, special events and History, heritage
Storyteller Laura Still helps you live the stories of pioneers, soldiers, outlaws, and even fictional characters who walked these streets before you.
Knoxville has a rich history full of colorful characters and famous, and infamous, figures whose lives have been the inspiration for books, movies, and works of art. Take a stroll through history in beautiful downtown Knoxville while listening to true tales of the heroes, heels, and hardened criminals that are part of the hidden lore of this unique East Tennessee town.
A portion of the proceeds for downtown tours go to help fund the work of the non-profit Knoxville History Project. Many stories are based on the books and stories of award-winning journalist and writer Jack Neely. Knoxville Walking Tours opens a window to Knoxville’s varied past and leads you on a journey through both hard times and high times of a city growing through over two centuries of history.
Tours include:
• Knoxville: The Early Years
• Misbehaving Women
• Civil War
• Gunslingers
• Musical History
• Literary Heritage
• Side Street Shadows Ghost Tours
• Knoxville Botanical Garden
• Old Gray Cemetery
• Side Street Shadows Ghost Tours
Tour on Your Schedule! Rather than posting a calendar, we’re letting you pick the tour and time — subject to availability. Call (865)309-4522 or visit https://knoxvillewalkingtours.com/