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 22 – April 29: 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 24-26 Dogwood Arts Festival: Now in its 65th year, the festival will take place April 24-26th, filling World’s Fair Park in Downtown Knoxville with fine art, live music, hands-on activities, and family fun. Find details at Dogwood Arts Festival.
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.
Gallery Openings: Explore new exhibitions showcasing local artists.
April 25 & 26: The Art Market Gallery: This juried cooperative of over 50 East Tennessee artists is dedicated to providing a vibrant marketplace for original art and fine crafts. Gallery hours are Saturday 11 – 6, and Sunday 1 – 6
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 24-26: The University of Tennessee Opera Theatre will present The Cunning Little Vixen: This three-act opera by the Czech composer Leoš Janáček. UTOT will offer four performances with double casting, Friday thru Sunday, April 24–26, at the Bijou Theatre.
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 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:
April 23 Sam Bush Returns to the Lawn: Grammy-winning “Father of Newgrass” Sam Bush brings his legendary energy back to Dancing Bear Lodge in Townsend, TN for an evening of live music under the starts, with optional pre-show bistro dining. Learn More: https://www.smokymountains.org/events/sam-bush-returns-to-the-lawn/
April 23 Maryville Uncorked: Downtown Maryville’s signature fundraising event features wine tastings from local and regional wineries, live music, VIP and general admission experiences, plus live and digital auctions supporting historic downtown preservation efforts at The Landmark and Downtown Maryville, Maryville, TN. Learn More: https://www.smokymountains.org/events/maryville-uncorked/
April 24-25 Watercolor in the Woods Retreat: A serene spring art retreat at RT Lodge where guests of all skill levels create watercolor paintings during a guided class with local artist Chuck Finley amid the lodge’s woodland gardens at the RT Lodge in Maryville, TN Learn more: Watercolor in the Woods Retreat with C. Finley Art — RT LODGE
April 24-25 Smoky Mountain Fiber Fair Experience Appalachian craftsmanship with two days of fiber arts vendors, demonstrations, workshops, and hands-on experiences; celebrating spinning, weaving, and traditional textile skills at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, Townsend, TN Learn More: https://www.smokymountains.org/events/smoky-mountain-fiber-fair-13391/
April 25 Drift Boat Cowboys: Blount County’s own Drift Boat Cowboys perform authentic country and western swing classics at Camp Little Arrow Resort, Townsend, TN. Learn More: https://www.smokymountains.org/events/drift-boat-cowboys/
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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