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:
April 15 – April 22: The weekly preview of arts and culture events in the Greater Knoxville area is included in the Arts & Culture Alliance.
Cultural Festivals reflect the specific cultures and communities they represent.
April 18-19 Rossini Festival International Street Fair across multiple blocks in Downtown Knoxville. Non-stop entertainment on four outdoor stages featuring opera, jazz, gospel, and ethnic dance. Over 100 food and artisan vendors will line the streets. The YMCA Kid’s FunZone will be set up with activities specifically for children.
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.
Gallery Openings: Explore new exhibitions showcasing local artists.
New Exhibitions Open at The Emporium on May 1 The Arts & Culture Alliance is pleased to present three new exhibitions at the Emporium Center in downtown Knoxville opening on Friday, May 1, from 5:00-9:00 PM. A free gathering with the exhibiting artists will also feature live music by Nick Swatson
May 30: 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.
April 16/17 The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra — “Midori Plays Beethoven.” Midori remains one of the brightest stars in the violin universe. She is our “one-name” artist. Our Cher. Our Madonna. Instantly recognizable. Instantly revered. Performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre, 604 S. Gay Street, Tickets and Information
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 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.
April 24 UT Appalachian Strings program has grown into seven bands (five bluegrass, one old time, and one Americana) in the semesters since. In addition, the program now includes faculty member Evie Andrus and two string band classes for students to participate in as well. The band begins at 7 pm, with a $5 cover charge. Join us for a night of the next generation of Appalachian music makers. UT App Strings Ticket Link.
April 24, Jubilee Community Arts: presents The UT Appalachian Strings Program at the Laurel Theater, April 24, at 7 pm.
April 25 Jubilee Community Arts: presents Sparrow Smith & the Resonant Rogues at the Laurel Theater, April 25, at 8 pm
Special invitations to artists
NOW is the Maker Space Scholarship Program. This is a new initiative designed to open doors for local makers by providing access to affordable workspace, tools, and the business support they need to turn their craft into a sustainable livelihood. Creatives and makers are encouraged to apply at https://themakercity.org/spacetomake. Applications will be open until May 8, and decisions will be made in the weeks following. Studio residencies will begin August 1.
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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