Knoxville Opera's free Rossini Festival street fair is April 17-18, 2027, downtown: four stages, artisans and food. Hours, parking and what to know.

Last checked Oct. 17, 2026. This page is updated each year at the same address. Dates, hours and details come from Knoxville Opera’s Rossini Festival page and its event listings for Saturday and Sunday. The Knoxville Chamber’s events calendar lists the same dates.

The Rossini Festival International Street Fair returns to downtown Knoxville Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18, 2027. Knoxville Opera’s free spring festival fills downtown with four outdoor stages, artisans, food and a kids’ zone. The opera says more than 30,000 people attend.

Know before you go

  • Dates: Saturday, April 17, and Sunday, April 18, 2027
  • Hours: Saturday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday noon to 7 p.m.
  • Where: downtown Knoxville
  • Cost: free; rain or shine
  • Organizer: Knoxville Opera, 865-524-0795, info@knoxvilleopera.org

What happens

From Knoxville Opera’s festival page:

  • Four outdoor stages with more than 11 hours of opera, classical, jazz, gospel, choral, chamber music, ballet, modern dance and international performances. The opera says highlights from its upcoming productions are part of the lineup.
  • Artisans and makers. The festival page counts more than 75 artisans selling handmade clothing, jewelry and household goods from across East Tennessee; the event listing counts more than 100 artisan vendors, food trucks and cultural exhibitors in all.
  • Food and drink from local and international vendors, “from tacos to baklava,” plus wine tastings.
  • Kids and Family Fun Zone with activities for children.
  • Journey Around the World, a festival scavenger hunt for all ages, is back.

More than half a million people from Knox County and the surrounding area have been to the festival over the years, the opera says.

Hours

Day Date Hours
Saturday April 17, 2027 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday April 18, 2027 Noon to 7 p.m.

Parking

The festival falls on a weekend, when the City of Knoxville’s parking rules make most downtown parking free:

  • City garages (State Street, Locust Street, Main Avenue and others) are free all day Saturday and Sunday. The Market Square Garage is a flat $3 on Saturday.
  • City lots are free from 6 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Monday.
  • On-street meters are enforced 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and are free all day Sunday.
  • The Magnolia lots under I-40 are free 24 hours a day.

The city notes that special event rates may apply where posted. Knoxville Opera had not posted a 2027 street map or closure list when we checked; we add it here when it does.

What to know

  • Rain or shine. The opera lists the festival as a rain-or-shine event.
  • It is free. No ticket or wristband. Bring money for food, drinks and the artisans.
  • Sunday starts later, at noon, and ends at 7 p.m.
  • Volunteer or sponsor: Knoxville Opera takes volunteers through its volunteer page and sponsors through the festival page.

More spring ideas: the Dogwood Arts Festival at World’s Fair Park the next weekend, our Market Square guide and things to do in Knoxville.

Frequently asked questions

When is the Rossini Festival 2027 in Knoxville?

Saturday, April 17, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday, April 18, 2027, from noon to 7 p.m., in downtown Knoxville.

Is the Rossini Festival free?

Yes. Knoxville Opera says the Rossini Festival is free and always has been. Food, drinks and artisans’ goods are sold by the vendors.

Does the Rossini Festival happen if it rains?

Yes. Knoxville Opera lists the festival as rain or shine.

Where do you park for the Rossini Festival?

City-owned garages and lots are free all day Saturday and Sunday, except the Market Square Garage, which is a flat $3 on Saturday, according to the City of Knoxville. Special event rates may apply where posted.

Who runs the Rossini Festival?

Knoxville Opera, which calls it Knoxville’s original international street festival. The opera’s office is at 612 E. Depot Ave. and its number is 865-524-0795.