Riding Bikes along the Dogwood Trail
Dogwood Arts Festival
Knoxville comes alive with color every Spring during the ever-popular Dogwood Arts Festival.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2010, the festival includes more than 60 miles of trails featuring some of the most spectacular dogwood trees of all kinds and colors, plus a chance to visit and admire some of Knoxville’s most beautiful gardens. The Dogwood Arts Festival doesn’t stop at just dogwood trees, however – it is a celebration of the arts community in Knoxville. Event attendees may enjoy a student art show, a fine art exhibit, a chalk walk contest, an art gallery walk, plus many more arts activities. But the fun doesn’t stop there – the festival also features outdoor concerts from local musicians and a large street parade right in the heart of downtown Knoxville. The month-long festival will take place in April 2010. For more information, visit the Dogwood Arts Festival’s website at www.dogwoodarts.com.
Additionally, don’t miss out on another Knoxville staple, Sundown in the City. Often called “Sundown,” this impressive event draws thousands to downtown Knoxville’s Market Square District every Thursday Night in April, May and June for a free outdoor concert. The bands that perform at Sundown are of a wide genre of music, from reggae to rock to jam, and are chosen based on their ability to entertain a crowd. In 2009, bands and performers such as Arrested Development, Gavin Rossdale, Dave Barnes, Shooter Jennings and Jamey Johnson took the stage at Sundown. For a lineup of 2010 performers or for more information, visit www.sundowninthecity.com!
For a little bit of culture, enjoy Knoxville Opera’s Rossini Festival, taking place in April 23-25, 2010. The Rossini Festival is an annual celebration of the fun and excitement opera and Italian culture provides, including food, beverages, entertainment and a wide array of art vendors. Attendees may enjoy world class opera performances and a wine tasting, plus much more. Then, on April 24, downtown Knoxville’s Gay Street will be transformed from a busy thoroughfare to a colorful European festival with four stages with a range of entertainment options, an upscale Artisan’s Market, the smells and tastes and authentic Mediterranean foods and beverages, and a special children’s area on Market Square District with entertainment, fun and games. For more information on Knoxville’s Rossini Festival, visit www.rossinifestival.org.
But, wait; there’s more! A charming experience awaits you in Knoxville’s downtown area, which has quickly become the central hub for entertainment, shopping, nightlife and restaurants and it’s the perfect place to park the car and explore the Market Square District and Gay Street. Both areas are full of unique shops and museums, restaurants and nightlife such as the East Tennessee History Center, Bijou Theatre and World Grotto. The open, fun and relaxed atmosphere of downtown Knoxville is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
We encourage you to discover all that Knoxville has for you to enjoy by visiting the Knoxville Visitor Center, located at 301 South Gay Street in the heart of downtown (if you come at noon on the weekdays, you’ll get the experience the famous WDVX Blue Plate Special) and don’t forget to pick up your copy of the Knoxville Visitor & Resource Guide!
