Festival season is upon us, and East Tennessee has plenty of events that are bound to suit your summer vibe, whether you're looking for Fourth of July fireworks, Dolly Parton music or … unicorns?
That's right: Unicorn World is returning with magical, mythical fun for the whole family, while World's Fair Park is set to host the annual Independence Day celebration again. But not before people gather in downtown Knoxville the first full weekend of June for a rhinestone-studded tribute to the Smoky Mountain Songbird.
These are some of the biggest summer festivals and events coming to East Tennessee.
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Rhinestone Fest
June 7-8
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- Knoxville's Old City presents the third annual Rhinestone Fest. The festival, formerly known as Dolly Fest, is a weekend of art, music, history, food and fun celebrating Dolly Parton.
- Rhinestone Fest is a family-friendly event and is free to attend at various locations in and around the Old City.
- The festival will benefit the Historic Old City Association.
- For event information, visit oldcityknoxville.org.
Haiti Fest
June 8
- Experience authentic island cuisine, Caribbean music and original folk and local art at Haiti Fest at 6:30 p.m. June 8 at The Emporium.
- The festival benefits K-13 education in Fond des Blancs, Haiti.
- For more information or to register, visit icknoxville.org.
Unicorn World
June 8-9
- Unicorn World will return to Knoxville June 8-9, bringing a magical forest and animatronic unicorns to the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall.
- The family-friendly event includes an enchanted forest, arts and crafts, story time and colorful, "life-sized" moving (and neighing) unicorns. This year will offer new interactive experiences, including balloon bubble houses, a wish wall and the world’s largest unicorn vending machine. Other experiences include unicorn bounce houses, rides, face painting and professional photos.
- Tickets are $30; children younger than 2 get in for free. Tickets are available for advance purchase online and will not be sold at the event. For more information about tickets, reservations and add-on experiences, visit theunicornworld.com.
Knox Brew Fest
June 22
- The 13th annual Knoxville Brewfest will be June 22 at the World's Fair Park Lake.
- Tickets to either the 1-4 p.m. session or the 6-9 p.m. session are $60 each and include admission, a commemorative tasting glass, a festival map and beer tasting for all your favorite breweries.
- Designated driver tickets are available for $25 each.
- Net proceeds of the festival benefit Cureduch*enne.
- Purchase tickets for the 21-and-older event and find more information at knoxvillebrewfest.com.
Hops in the Hills
June 22
- Hops in the Hills Craft Beer Festival returns for its annual celebration of fermentation 5-9 p.m. June 22 in the Maryville Greenway Amphitheater. Attendees can sample regional craft beer from the best breweries in the area, while enjoying games, lounging and live music.
- The festival price includes tastings, a tasting cup, food and a T-shirt.
- Event details can be found at hopsinthehills.com.
SoKno Pride
June 29
- The 4th annual SoKno Pride events will be June 29 along Sevier Avenue in South Knoxville.
- SoKno Pride began in 2021 on Sevier Avenue as a drag show brunch. It has expanded into the South Knoxville neighborhood to support the LGBTQIA+ community.
- A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit local and regional charities working to improve the lives of LGBTQIA+ folks in Tennessee.
- For more information about SoKno Pride, visit soknopride.org.
Festival on the 4th
July 4
- The Festival on the 4th will deliver entertainment, activities and treats during Knoxville's city-organized celebration at World's Fair Park.
- Rain or shine, the free festival begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 10 p.m. following fireworks.
- Between 5 and 8 p.m., World's Fair Park will have fun activities like mini golf, paddle boat rides in the lake, food and music.
- The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra will perform a musical finale at 8 p.m. Fireworks will start at 9:35 p.m.
- For more information, visit knoxvilletn.gov.
Salty Dog Seafood Festival
July 19-21
- The Salty Dog Seafood Festival is coming to the World's Fair Park's Performance Lawn July 19-21. The festival will feature fresh seafood, live music, activities for the kids and craft beer and wine gardens.
- A portion of the event proceeds will go toward the Ronald McDonald House of Knoxville and the Little Ponderosa Zoo and Rescue.
- For more information, visit knoxvillesaltydogseafoodfestival.com.
Grooves in the Garden
July 20
- Grooves in the Garden outdoor music festival brings jazz, R&B and soul to the Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum 5-10 p.m. July 20. This is an adult-only event featuring live music, a DJ, food trucks and a cash bar.
- All proceeds from the event will go toward UUNIK Academy's Academic Programs, including the STEAMI Summer and STEAMI Learning Institute, helping to provide quality education to underprivileged children.
- For more information on event and tickets, visit uunikacademy.org.
