Ultimate Guide to Spring 2026
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- 3 min read
Plan your springtime adventure with Dogwood Arts!
Spring is finally here — warmer weather is on the way, blooms are starting to open up, neighbors are prepping their yards for the season, and the smell of fresh mulch is in the air. In Knoxville, the changing of the seasons means one thing: Dogwood season has arrived once again.
For 71 years, Dogwood Arts has welcomed spring with a vibrant lineup of events celebrating East Tennessee’s natural beauty, creative community, and deep-rooted traditions. What began in 1955 as a neighborhood beautification effort has grown into one of the region’s most beloved cultural celebrations.
From scenic dogwood trails and wildflower hikes to art exhibitions, garden tours, and festivals, Spring 2026 offers something for everyone to enjoy. Use this guide to plan your season and experience the best of Dogwood Arts.
Photos by Brianna Paciorka for the Knoxville News Sentinel, 2025
Experience the 🌸 Iconic 🌸 Dogwood Trails
Follow the Pink Lines to Spring! One of Knoxville’s most beloved spring traditions is exploring the Dogwood Trails. This April, over 90 miles of historic trails will be open for visitors to explore by car, bike, or on foot!
Thirteen trails wind through Knoxville’s most scenic neighborhoods, showcasing blooming dogwoods, vibrant landscapes, and welcoming communities.
This year’s Featured Trails highlight South Knoxville:
Lakemoor Hills
Island Home
Chapman Highway
Visitors can also explore Open Gardens & Camera Sites, welcoming guests daily from 10 AM – 6 PM throughout the month.
The official kickoff for the season takes place at the Trails Ribbon-Cutting & Community Celebration on Wednesday, April 1st. Join Dogwood Arts and community members as we celebrate the opening of the trails for the 2026 season.
Request a copy of the 2026 Trail Guide
Ready to get out on the Trails? Pick up a hard copy of the Trail Guide at the Dogwood Arts office (123 W. Jackson Avenue) or CLICK HERE to request a free copy sent in the mail — your best off-line resource for navigating all of our 20+ annual events and programs!
Get Outside with Hikes & Blooms
The Hikes & Blooms series offers guided outdoor experiences led by local experts, giving participants the chance to explore regional ecosystems while learning about native plants, wildflowers, birds, and conservation.
Highlights include:
April 2 – William Hastie Trout Lily Hike
April 7, 9, & 21 – Dean’s Wood Wildflower Hikes
April 14 – Ijams Nature Center
April 15 & 18 – UT Arboretum (Bird Walk & Nature Walk)
April 23 – Racheff House & Gardens
April 25 & 28 – Collier Preserve (Native Plant & Tree Walks)
All hikes are free, but most require pre-registration and often fill quickly, so early sign-up is encouraged! RSVP Here: https://www.dogwoodarts.com/hikes
Family-Friendly Festivals & Signature Events
Dogwood season is filled with large-scale celebrations that bring the entire community together.
Chalk Walk
April 11th | 8AM-8PM
Hundreds of artists transform the pavement into colorful works of art during this beloved public art competition. With live music, food vendors, and activities throughout the day, Chalk Walk is a highlight of the spring season.
Spring Featured Gardens
April 18 & 19 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Tour a curated selection of Knoxville’s most beautiful private gardens during this self-guided event showcasing creative landscaping, seasonal blooms, and outdoor design inspiration.
Dogwood Arts Festival
April 24-26th | World's Fair Park
April wraps up with the Dogwood Arts Festival — featuring over 100 fine artists, live music, maker demonstrations, food vendors, and interactive experiences in World's Fair Park.
KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival
May 30th | Emory Place (North Knoxville)
Get ready for a day bursting with color, creativity, and community as Dogwood Arts transforms Emory Place into an open-air art and music experience. Ten talented muralists will go head-to-head in a live painting competition, creating murals in real time while festival-goers watch the art unfold, enjoy performances by local & regional musicians, and explore the vibrant personalities of the businesses in and around Emory Place.
Art Exhibitions & First Friday Celebrations
Dogwood Arts’ downtown gallery also hosts exhibitions highlighting regional artists and creative collaborations throughout the season.
March 26 | 5–7 PM Synergy Exhibition Closing Reception
Clayton Center for the Arts
April 3 | 5–8 PM First Friday: Resonance — a solo exhibition by Knoxville muralist Curtis Glover
May 1 | 5–8 PM First Friday: Epiphone Student Guitar Design Exhibition
These events offer a chance to meet artists, explore new work, and experience Knoxville’s thriving creative scene.
Plan Your Springtime Adventure
Whether you’re discovering a new neighborhood along the Dogwood Trails, hiking through wildflower-filled fields, touring stunning gardens, or celebrating with thousands of festival-goers downtown, Dogwood season is one of the most beautiful times of year in Knoxville.
We can’t wait to celebrate spring with you.
