By Shannon Herron, Dogwood Arts Marketing & Creative Director
Every spring, Knoxville bursts into bloom as Dogwood Arts brings the city to life with a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and natural beauty. Rooted in tradition yet ever-evolving, this beloved festival has been a cornerstone of East Tennessee’s cultural landscape for 70 years. As we honor the vibrant legacy of our past, we’re gearing up for another thrilling season of events that promise to inspire, entertain, and educate!
A Look Back
In 1947, John Gunther famously labeled Knoxville the “ugliest city” in America in his book Inside U.S.A. – eliciting a wave of disbelief and indignation from residents. Determined to prove Gunther wrong, members of the Knoxville Garden Club – led by Betsey Creekmore, Martha Ashe, and Betsy Goodson – joined forces with other civic-minded citizens in 1955 to launch the Dogwood Trails beautification project. The first trail was established in Sequoyah Hills that same year, followed by Holston Hills in 1956 and Fountain City, Westmoreland, and Chapman Highway in 1957.
By 1961, so many visitors were flocking to Knoxville to see the spring-blooming Dogwood trees along the Trails that area businesses and community leaders felt more entertainment was needed. With financial backing from the Chamber of Commerce and the Junior League – each contributing $20,000 – the inaugural Dogwood Arts Festival took place in 1961, marking the beginning of a cherished annual tradition.
Seven decades later, the community spirit that built Dogwood Arts is alive and well. Today, the small but mighty staff and a team of dedicated volunteers continue to promote and celebrate the art, culture, and natural beauty of East Tennessee with more than 20 annual events and programs. Dogwood Arts is more than just a festival – it’s a movement that continues to shape the region’s cultural identity. With year-round programming, including public art initiatives and educational outreach, the organization ensures that creativity flourishes long after the dogwood blooms have fallen.
As Knoxville welcomes another season of color and creativity, Dogwood Arts stands as a testament to the power of art, music, and nature in bringing communities together. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, Dogwood Arts promises a unique celebration that is not to be missed. Keep reading for just a taste of what we have planned for this spring and visit DogwoodArts.com for full details about each event.
Trails & Gardens
April 1-30
No matter where you are in Knoxville, you’re probably closer to a Dogwood Trail than you think! Trails are located in all four quadrants of the city, with more than 90 miles of blooming roadways to explore. Visit DogwoodArts.com/trails to locate the “Trailheads,” then follow the pink lines on the pavement from there. While you visit, be on the lookout for homes with “Open Garden” and “Camera Site” yard signs. The Dogwood Trails of East Knoxville – Morningside and Holston Hills – are the “featured” trails in 2025.
Don’t miss this year’s “Featured Gardens” the weekend of April 12-13. Ranging from extensive properties and historic sites to cottage and small urban gardens, these self-guided tours offer visitors a peek behind the curtain, inspiring even the most avid gardeners among us. A fun, unexpected excursion in your own county!
Chalk Walk
April 5
Art in Action. Thousands of art lovers head downtown each year to experience this live art competition in Market Square. The Chalk Walk features more than 300 artists and collaborative teams: From kindergartners to professional artists, this event allows the entire community to show off their creative talents!
Dogwood Arts Festival
April 25-27
Established in 1961, the Dogwood Arts Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Knoxville! The festival is held at World’s Fair Park in downtown Knoxville and features more than 100 fine art vendors, live music, entertainment, food & beverage vendors, and activities for the entire family. Not your average maker market, this juried event includes artists from across the country working in a variety of mediums – painting, photography, ceramics, leather, wood, sculpture, fiber, mixed media, and more – for one spectacular spring celebration!
Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival
May 10
Southern Skies is the newest addition to music programming at Dogwood Arts. Curated by hometown favorites The Dirty Guv’nahs, Southern Skies is an authentically-Knoxville celebration of music and community featuring a lineup of local, regional, and national talent. This year’s lineup includes Charley Crockett, The Dirty Guv’nahs, Willow Avalon, Devon Gilfillian, Southern Avenue, and Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies.
Dogwood Arts
123 W. Jackson Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37902
865.637.4561
DogwoodArts.com
Dogwood Arts Events
• Art in Public Places: Sculpture & Mural Programs
• Art Kits for Kids: Education and Art Supplies
• First Friday Art Walk Exhibitions
• Chalk Walk
• Dogwood Arts Festival
• Regional Art Exhibition
• Youth Art Programs: Synergy, Epiphone Guitar Design Contest, A Very Special Arts Festival
• Bazillion Blooms: Tree Planting Campaign
• Dogwood Trails – 90 miles in 13 neighborhoods
• Spring Featured Gardens
• KnoxWalls at Emory Place
• House & Garden Show
• Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival
• Maker Exchange
Your donations help continue these wonderful programs!