Mother’s Day is this weekend, and that means two things: We get to show moms how much we love them, and we get to experience Vestival again!
An annual event held on the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend on the grounds of the Candoro Marble Building, 4450 Candora Ave., Vestival began in 2000 as a crusade to save the historic Candoro building. With that mission accomplished, the festival has evolved into a celebration of the people, talent and history of all of South Knoxville.
The Candoro Marble Works created a lasting legacy for an industry that once dominated South Knoxville. But SoKno has also produced a host of notables. On May 11, Vestival will feature a tribute to writer Cormac McCarthy, a native son who passed away last year.
“In the future, we hope to bring attention to South Knoxvillians such as William Hastie, Mary Flenniken and more,” says Patrick Michael, chair of the Vestal Arts & Heritage Association board.
Vestival always draws a great lineup of performers. The 2024 list includes Evan Carawan, the Appalachian Equality Chorus, B. Richard, The Pirkles, J.T. Oaks, The New Market Train Wrecks, SoKno Spellbinders, World Belly Dance Day featuring Sandsation Dance and the Knoxville Shimmy Flash Mob Team, Dragonfly Aerial Arts & Circus, the Spooky Ooos and more. Food vendors will have everything from North African cuisine to pizza cones to funnel cakes. There will also be craft vendors and plenty of kids’ activities, including an area across Maryville Pike from the main space.
Free parking will be available at Immanuel Baptist Church, 306 Ogle Ave., two blocks away from the Vestival site. There will be a free shuttle service.
Admission is a suggested $5 donation for adults and free for kids.
Proceeds from Vestival go to the nonprofit Vestal Arts & Heritage Association’s production of next year’s event.
Betsy Pickle is a native Knoxvillian and longtime writer and editor.