Dogwood Arts Festival
April 24-26, 2026
Festival Hours
Friday & Saturday: 10AM-7PM
Sunday: 10AM-5PM
Applications
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All Vendor & Performing Artists applications for the 2026 Dogwood Arts Festival are now closed.
World's Fair Park,
Dowtown Knoxville
Knoxville's Favorite Springtime Tradition
Spring in East Tennessee means blooming dogwoods and the return of one of Knoxville’s most beloved traditions: the Dogwood Arts Festival. Now in its 65th year, the festival will take place April 24-26th at World’s Fair Park, filling the Performance Lawn, Amphitheatre, and surrounding greenways with fine art, live music, hands-on activities, and family fun!
Recognized as one of the Top 10 Best Art Festivals in the U.S. by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice poll, this year’s event will showcase 100 juried artists, live performances across two stages, a local Maker Market, interactive workshops and demos, and much more!
Free to attend, no tickets necessary.
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Voted #3 Best Art Festival in the Country according to USA Today's 2024 Reader's Poll
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Voted #1 Festival in Knoxville according to CityView Magazine's 2022 Best of the Best Readers Poll
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Named the #2 Best Dogwood Festival in the U.S. according to Travel Awaits (2023)
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Awarded Best Festival according to Tennessee Magazine's Best of Tennessee Reader's Choice Awards (2022)
THE MAKER EXPERIENCE: DAILY WORKSHOPS
The Maker City & KnoxMakers will be at the festival on Friday & Saturday for the Maker Experience - which will include a series of hands-on workshops and demos led by local makers. Click the link below for more information about each workshop and to purchase tickets (workshops are $10 each and have limited seating).
2026
Food & Drink Vendors
Appe Thai, Mucho Gusto, Captain Muchachos, Dentons, Daddy D's, Sleepy Dog Coffee, Mama Bear's Sweet Treats, and Irvey's Ice Cream.
Craft beer & cocktails courtesy of Sugarlands Distilling & Cherokee Distributing. Free filtered water refills courtesy of the AB Project.
PARKING:
World's Fair Park Drive will remain open throughout the event for easy drop-offs and pick-ups right at the Festival Gate.
With 37 parking lots and garages – many with free weeknights and weekends – Downtown Knoxville has plenty of options close to World's Fair Park for you to park. Click the button below to plan your trip! World's Fair Park Drive will also remain open throughout the festival for drop-offs/pick-ups close to the entry gate.
Want a Guaranteed Parking Spot?
We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation's leading parking reservations app.
To reserve your parking spot for the Dogwood Arts Festival, visit the World's Fair Park SpotHero Parking Page.
WHERE
TO STAY?
Combining luxurious comfort with quiet sophistication, Crowne Plaza Downtown Knoxville offers a home away from home in the heart of Downtown Knoxville. Their prime location is just minutes from the Festival site (within walking distance) and steps away from bustling Market Square where you'll enjoy a variety of restaurants, bars, and retail stores. Tasteful decor, a peaceful atmosphere, and superior service combine to provide you with an exceptionally memorable stay in downtown.
SPONSORED BY
FESTIVAL TEAM
SHANNA BROWNING
Festival Co-Chair
BROOKE CARPER
Festival Co-Chair