Join us each Thursday as we uncover exhibitions featuring emerging artists, art walks, and opportunities to immerse yourself in the culture that shapes our community. Let’s celebrate the power of art to connect, inspire, and transform our lives.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from the area’s events:

Cultural Festivals reflect the specific cultures and communities they represent. 

April 1-30: Dogwood Trails with open gardens and camera sites: This annual tradition begins Wednesday, April 1 – Thursday, April 30. Thirteen blooming trails covering over 90 miles of residential neighborhoods. South Knoxville is the featured area for 2026.

April 18–19th ONLY, Dogwood Arts invites the public to step inside three extraordinary private gardens that are typically closed to visitors at its Spring Featured Gardens event.

This year’s properties include:

  • Ross Glen Garden– A breathtaking garden overlooking the TN River on Lyons View Pike [open to the public for the very first time]
  • Savage Garden– A Japanese-inspired retreat in Fountain City.
  • GATOP (God’s Answer To Our Prayers) – A stunning 20+ acre property featuring water features, sculptures, and the largest collection of conifers in the Southeast.

Guests can enjoy self-guided tours with Master Gardeners and Dogwood Arts staff available to answer questions. A $5 donation per garden is requested (cash/credit accepted). Parking is limited at private residences, and entry is first-come, first-served. No pets allowed.

April 11 Chalk Walk: A day-long chalk festival that turns Downtown Knoxville sidewalks into a vast canvas for the region’s most talented professional and emerging artists.

Gallery Openings: Explore new exhibitions showcasing local artists.

April 10, MFA Thesis exhibitions: Exhibition through April 14 at Ewing Gallery + Architecture, with reception on April 10, 5-7 p.m. Where Our Bodies Slip Free ” uses paintings to create liquid “fugitive spaces” that challenge systemic control. Black women swimming through water reveals how we can reorient our hopes, assert our desires, and reimagine possibilities

May 30: Local Art Projects aim to beautify public spaces and foster community spirit.

KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival: Dogwood Arts brings a new open-air music experience to Emory Place on May 30, 2026, as muralists go head-to-head in an art competition.

Performances combining visual art, music, dance, or theater.

March 25 – April 12: The Royale by Marco Ramirez will be performed. At CBT’s Jenny Boyd Theatre on the University of Tennessee Campus Tickets and Information.

April 10 & 11: Jubilee Community Arts presents Nuala Kennedy & Eamon O’Leary on April 10 and Jay Clark on April 11 at the Laurel Theater at 8 p.m. both evenings.

April 10-26: Knoxville Children’s Theatre, in partnership with the Clayton Foundation, will present a live production of Sticky Business: The Super Secret and Totally Real History of Goldilocks with showtimes on Thursdays and Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m. at 747 World’s Fair Park. Free onsite parking is provided. Tickets are available on our website at https://knoxvillechildrenstheatre.com/tc-events/sticky-business/.

April 11: WordPlayers present Singing Through the Rain, a cabaret-style musical revue featuring a collection of songs by various artists, celebrating hope, resilience, and finding joy through life’s storms. One performance only on Saturday, April 11, 6:30 pm at Sherrill Hills Retirement Resort, 271 Moss Grove Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37922. Tickets are $30 for general admission and $35 for VIP Seating and can be purchased online at Tickets – The WordPlayers or at the door.

April 17: Jubilee Community Arts presents Steve Kaufman, the three-time National Flatpicking Champion based out of Maryville, who will perform at 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theater, 1538 Laurel Ave, Knoxville, TN 37916.

Spring Festivals & Events in the Greater Smokies Region 2026:

 June 6: Bijou Jubilee on June 6 to feature a folk festival in the theatre and on Gay Street. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 20, for the theatre’s largest annual fundraiser, presented by Lawson Family Foundation: Information here

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