March 19 marks the first day of spring, and Knoxville is a great place to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Alongside warmer weather, longer days and blooming flowers, Knoxville has a full schedule of music, arts and cultural festivals, curated markets and fun events. Here are a few ways to enjoy Knoxville’s spring weather.
Big Ears Festival
The Big Ears music festival will take place March 21-24, featuring nearly 200 concerts, workshops, talks, film screenings and more all around downtown Knoxville. Some headlining artists include André 3000, Jon Batiste, Herbie Hancock and Adrianne Lenker. Alongside the festival, numerous restaurants, galleries and small businesses around the downtown area will open their doors to musicians and speakers to showcase their artistry.
Knoxville Vintage Market
The Knoxville Vintage Market usually occurs most weekends and is made up of many vendors with curated vintage collections. The next market will take place on March 21 from 3-8 p.m. at Merchants of Beer Knoxville in the Old City. Live music from Dos Fuegos, Anthropology and DJ Y$N will also be there. There will also be a benefit event at Crafty Bastard Brewery on March 30 featuring more live music and bands.
Ijams Nature Center Programs
Ijams Nature Center is the perfect place to experience the beautiful nature of East Tennessee during the springtime. The center features more than 12 miles of hiking trails, Mead’s Quarry and an outdoor rock climbing area. Ijams offers many programs throughout the spring to enjoy the weather. Some programs include night hikes, wildflower walks, hikes, art workshops, and outdoor self-care and yoga classes.
“Locals Only” Live at the Bijou Theatre
On April 3, the Bijou Theatre and WUTK will host the second “Locals Only” show. This concert showcases local artists on the iconic Bijou stage. Enjoy a late dinner downtown while it’s still light out at 7 p.m., and settle into your seat by 7:30 p.m. to hear music by Jorden Albright, nightjar and HiDAZE.
Chalk Walk
This year’s Chalk Walk will be on April 6, where hundreds of artists and teams turn the streets of Market Square into a canvas. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., artists will work to create their most imaginative chalk art, with prizes available to winners. The Chalk Walk is one of Knoxville’s largest community events, bringing together over 20,000 people in past years.
Knoxville Marathon
The Knoxville Marathon welcomes runners of all levels and will take place April 6-7. There will be numerous events, such as relays, a 5k, a half-marathon and a marathon. All race maps are designed to go through some of Knoxville’s neighborhoods and areas and finish in World’s Fair Park. There will also be a runner’s market featuring live music where non-runners can cheer on the athletes.
Knoxville’s Old City Market
On April 14, Jackson Avenue will turn into an outdoor market featuring curated products from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Old City Market takes place on the second Sunday of each month. It will also return for a special spring market from 5-9 p.m. on May 23.
Market Square Farmers Market
Another market downtown is the Market Square Farmers Market, which will kick off May 1 and will be held every Wednesday and Saturday through November. Everything sold is grown locally or made by a vendor in the East Tennessee area. Products range from coffee and tea to bread, fruits, salsas and baked goods.
