The free Dogwood Arts Festival is April 23-25, 2027, at World's Fair Park: 100 juried artists, two music stages and a Maker Market. Hours and parking.
Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Dates, hours and details come from the Dogwood Arts Festival page; parking rules from the City of Knoxville.
The Dogwood Arts Festival is Friday, April 23, through Sunday, April 25, 2027, at World’s Fair Park. Now in its 66th year, Knoxville’s springtime arts festival fills the Performance Lawn, the amphitheater and the greenways around them with 100 juried artists, live music on two stages, a local Maker Market, and hands-on workshops and demos. It is free, and pets are welcome.
Know before you go
- Dates: Friday, April 23, to Sunday, April 25, 2027
- Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Where: World’s Fair Park, 963 World’s Fair Park Drive
- Cost: free; no tickets needed
- Pets: welcome
- Organizer: Dogwood Arts, 865-637-4561, info@dogwoodarts.com
Hours
| Day | Date | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Friday | April 23, 2027 | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Saturday | April 24, 2027 | 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. |
| Sunday | April 25, 2027 | 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
What happens
From the festival page:
- 100 juried artists showing and selling fine art
- Live performances on two stages
- A local Maker Market and an Emerging Maker Tent
- Interactive workshops and demos, plus activities for families
The festival is run by Dogwood Arts, a nonprofit that says it produces 20 annual events and programs across East Tennessee. USA Today’s 10Best readers’ poll ranked it the No. 3 art festival in the country in 2024, Dogwood Arts says.
Parking and getting there
Dogwood Arts says World’s Fair Park Drive stays open throughout the festival for drop-offs and pickups right at the festival gate. It points visitors to 37 downtown parking lots and garages near the park, many free on weeknights and weekends, and to its SpotHero page for a reserved spot.
The City of Knoxville’s parking rules for its own garages and lots:
- Friday: city garages are free after 6 p.m.; before then they charge $1 an hour, up to $7 a day. City lots are free from 6 p.m. Friday.
- Saturday and Sunday: city garages and lots are free all day, except the Market Square Garage, a flat $3 on Saturday.
- Magnolia lots under I-40: free 24 hours a day.
The city notes that special event rates may apply where posted. Dogwood Arts had not posted a road closure notice for 2027 when we checked.
What to know
- Free entry, no tickets. Bring money or cards for art, food and drinks.
- Bring the dog. Pets are welcome, Dogwood Arts says.
- Sunday closes early, at 5 p.m.
- Where to stay: the festival’s hotel partner is the Crowne Plaza Downtown Knoxville, within walking distance.
For artists and vendors
Applications are open on the festival page:
- Fine art vendors: due Dec. 1, 2026
- Maker Market and Emerging Maker Tent: due Feb. 15, 2027
- Food and general vendors: due Feb. 15, 2027
The weekend before, Knoxville Opera’s free Rossini Festival takes over downtown. More ideas: our parks and trails guide and things to do in Knoxville.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Dogwood Arts Festival 2027?
Friday, April 23, through Sunday, April 25, 2027, at World’s Fair Park. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Is the Dogwood Arts Festival free?
Yes. Dogwood Arts says the festival is free to attend and no tickets are needed.
Can I bring my dog to the Dogwood Arts Festival?
Yes. Dogwood Arts says pets are welcome.
Where do you park for the Dogwood Arts Festival?
Dogwood Arts points to 37 downtown lots and garages near World’s Fair Park, many free on weeknights and weekends, and SpotHero for reserved spots. World’s Fair Park Drive stays open for drop-offs at the festival gate.
How do artists apply to the Dogwood Arts Festival?
Fine art applications are due Dec. 1, 2026. Maker Market, Emerging Maker Tent, and food and general vendor applications are due Feb. 15, 2027, on the Dogwood Arts festival page.
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